Catalog: Mechanical Engineering
The mechanical engineering program is designed to offer a high extracurricular activities that results in graduates who are qualified and prepared to meet the demands of a professional career in the present and future work place and be able to assume a responsible place of leadership in a complex technological society.
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The courses offered in mechanical engineering provide the student with a broad understanding of fundamental scientific principles that serve as a background for many fields of specialization. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to stress basic engineering principles and to assist in developing creative thinking. Emphasis is placed on the science and art of designing machines and systems, of converting energy into useful forms, and developing a basic understanding of engineering mechanics. The undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering; its educational objectives are to produce graduates who:
1. effectively analyze and design mechanical systems and energy systems;
2. contribute to the success of companies in Arkansas and the rest of the world through the practice of mechanical engineering;
3. meet or exceed the needs and expectations of mechanical engineering employers in industry, government, and private practice;
4. engage in professional activities that promote the mechanical engineering profession and provide continuing self-development;
5. succeed in graduate study and research if pursued.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering curriculum includes, in addition to the humanities/social science elective courses, a total of 12 hours of technical and science electives. A student must select these electives with the approval of his or her adviser. It is expected that electives will be chosen to provide a coherent program within one or more areas of specialization or options available to mechanical engineers. Areas of specialization are available in the nuclear, mechanical systems design, materials, thermal systems design, and engineering mechanics fields. Current options include pre-medical, management, business, and astronautics.
Course Descriptions:
MEEG1103 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (Sp, Fa) Introduction of the mechanical engineering profession to first year students using mechanical engineering projects and experiments. Corequisite: Lab and Drill components. Pre- or Co-requisite: MATH 1285 or higher.
MEEG2003 Statics (Sp, Su, Fa) Equilibrium and resultants of force systems in a plane and in space; analysis of structures, friction, centroids, moments of inertia, and virtual work method. Methods of analysis are emphasized. Corequisite: Drill component. Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 2574. Prerequisite: PHYS 2054. (Same as MEEG 2003I)
MEEG2013 Dynamics (Sp, Su, Fa) Kinematics and kinetics of particle and of rigid bodies; work and energy; impulse and momentum, and special topics. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: MATH 2574 and MEEG 2003. (Same as MEEG 2013I)
MEEG2023 Introductory Mechanics (Fa) This is a combined course covering basic parts of MEEG 2003 Statics and MEEG 2013 Dynamics. The topics include fundamentals in mechanics, forces, moments, equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, kinematics and kinetics of particles. Mechanical Engineering students will not be given degree credit for this class. Prerequisite: PHYS 2054 and MATH 2574.
MEEG2303 Introduction to Materials (Sp) A study of chemical, physical, and electrical properties of materials
using fundamental atomistic approach. The materials of interest are: metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. The interactive relationship between structure, properties, and processing of materials will be emphasized. For various
engineering applications.Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: MATH 2554, PHYS 2054 and CHEM 1103.
MEEG2403 Thermodynamics (Sp, Su, Fa) A study of the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics. Availability of energy, properties of liquids, gases, and vapors; nonflow and flow processes. Recitation 3 hours, drill 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: PHYS 2054 and MATH 2564.
MEEG2703 Computer Methods in Mechanical Engineering (Sp, Su) Use of computers and programming
for solving engineering problems. Basic numerical methods including errors, equation solution, matrices, optimization,
regression, integration, and differential equations. Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 3404. Corequisite: Drill component.
MEEG3013 Mechanics of Materials (Sp, Su, Fa) Stress and deformation of members in tension, compression, torsion, and bending, and the design of these members. Columns, statically indeterminate beams, and simple connections.
Prerequisite: MEEG 2003. (Same as MEEG 3013I)
MEEG3113 Machine Dynamics and Control (Su, Fa) The principles of kinematics and kinetics for rigid body motion from dynamics are reviewed and applied to machine components with the goal being to determine their impact on machine behavior and performance. The time varying forces created by the movement of machine components are used to describe the machine’s vibrational motion and elementary control principles are introduced with the goal of describing how these motions mights be reduced or eliminated. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: MEEG 2013 and MATH 3404.
MEEG3202 Mechanical Engineering Laboratory I (Sp, Fa) Introduction to measurement, uncertainty, data acquisition, and instrumentation with an emphasis in materials and manufacturing. Corequisite: Lab and Drill components. Prerequisite: ELEG 3903, MEEG 2303, MEEG 1103 and GNEG 1122.
MEEG3212 Mechanical Engineering Laboratory II (Sp, Fa) Design and implementation of measurements, fabrication
processes, data acquisition, and data analysis with emphasis in mechnaical-design elements and mechnaical systems. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: ELEG 3903, MEEG 3202, and MEEG 3013.
MEEG3503 Mechanics of Fluids (Fa, Su) A study of fluids including properties, pressure forces, and field flow utilizing conservation of mass, conservation of energy, and momentum principles. Pre- or Corequisite: MATH 3404. Prerequisite: MEEG 2403. (Same as MEEG 3503I)
MEEG4003 Intermediate Dynamics (Irregular) Principles and application of dynamics from a more advanced point of view than in MEEG 2013. Topics include use of rotating reference frames, kinematics, and kinetics of rigid bodies in 3 dimensions, and oscillations. Prerequisite: MEEG 2013.
MEEG4063 Production Engineering (Irregular) Fundamentals of the production arena; engineering statistical problem solving, basic manufacturing process and machine fundamentals, and engineering process quality control. Lecture 3 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MEEG 2303 and MEEG 3123 and MEEG 3212.
MEEG4103H Honors Machine Element Design (Sp, Su) Select design components commonly used in modern machines, principally for energy transmission. Students will be required to design a small system and present their design to the class. Advanced project required. Prerequisite: Meeg 3013.
MEEG4103 Machine Element Design (Sp, Su) Select design components commonly used in modern machines, principally for energy transmission. Students will be required to design a small system and present their design to the class. Prerequisite: MEEG 3013.
MEEG4123 Finite Element Methods I (Irregular) Introduction to the use of the finite element method in mechanical engineering analysis and design. Use of commercial software to solve thermal and mechanical problems. Pre- or Corequisite: MEEG 3013 and MEEG 4413.
MEEG4131 Creative Project Design I (Sp, Fa) Students will select a design project, and each student group will prepare a formal written proposal on their project for presentation toa faculty panel. This group project will be carried to completion in MEEG 4133. Corequisite: MEEG 4132. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
MEEG4132 Professional Engineering Practices (Sp, Fa) Design proposal preparation, design codes, professional ethics, engineering economics, and the role of the engineer in society. Corequisite: MEEG 4131. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
MEEG4133 Creative Project Design II (Sp, Fa) Student groups will present their corrected proposal to a faculty panel and then carry out their project to completion. Each student group will make timely progress reports, verify the correctness of their completed project, and present their final report to their faculty panel. Prerequisite: MEEG 4131 and (MEEG 4103 or MEEG 4483).
MEEG4202 Mechanical Engineering Laboratory III (Sp, Fa) Application of measurement techniques to mechanical engineering problems with an emphasis in thermal systems. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MEEG 4413.
MEEG4213 Control of Mechanical Systems (Iregular) Mathematical modeling for feedback control of dynamic mechanical systems with design techniques using LaPlace transforms, state variables, root locus, frequency analysis, and criteria for performance and stability. Prerequisite: MEEG 3113. (Same as CENG 4403,ELEG 4403)
MEEG4223 System and Signal Analysis (Irregular) Discrete and continuous time dynamic systems, convolution, Fourier and z-transforms, FFT, stability, frequency response, filtering, state variable models, analysis, digital system simulation and Masons Rule. Credit cannot be earned for both MEEG 4233 and ELEG 3123. Prerequisite: (ELEG 2113 or ELEG 3903) and MATH 3404. (Same as ELEG 3123)
MEEG4233 Microprocessors in Mechanical Engineering I: Electromechanical Systems (Irregular) Microcomputer architectural, programming, and interfacing. Smart product design (microprocessor-based design). Control of DC and stepper motors and interfacing to sensors. Applications to robotics and real-time control. Mobile robot project. Digital and analog electronics are reviewed where required. Prerequisite: ELEG 3913.
MEEG4303H Honors Materials Laboratory (Irregular) A study of properties, uses, testing, and heat treatment of basic engineering materials. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MEEG 2303 and MEEG 3013. (Same as MEEG 4303)
MEEG4303 Materials Laboratory (Irregular) A study of properties, uses, testing, and heat treatment of basic engineering materials and related analytical techniques. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MEEG 2303. (Same as MEEG 4303H)
MEEG4403 Thermal Systems Laboratory (Irregular) Selected experiments dealing with heat transfer applications. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MEEG 4202.
MEEG4413 Heat Transfer (Sp, Su) Basic thermal energy transport processes; conduction, convection, and radiation; and the mathematical analysis of systems involving these processes in both steady and time-dependent cases. Prerequisite: MEEG 3503 and MEEG 2703.
MEEG4423 Power Generation (Irregular) Study of design and operational aspects of steam, gas, and combined cycle power plants. Brief study of Nuclear and Alternative energy systems. Prerequisite: MEEG 3503. MEEG4433 Aerospace Propulsion (Irregular) Principles, operation, and characteristics of gas turbine and rocket engines. Brief study of novel spacecraft propulsion systems. Prerequisite: MEEG 3503.
MEEG4443 Thermal and Vibration Analysis and Testing of Electronics (Irregular) Packaging, manufacture, and failure mechanisms of boards and assemblies. Analysis of overheating, thermal stress, and vibration. Laboratory testing and environmental stress screening. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: INEG 4513 or ELEG 4273.
MEEG4453 Industrial Waste and Energy Management (Irregular) Applications of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and electric machinery to the analysis of waste streams and energy consumption for industrial facilities. Current techniques and technologies for waste minimization and energy conservation including energy-consuming systems and processes, utility rate analysis, economic analysis and auditing are taught. Prerequisite: MEEG 4413.
MEEG4473 Indoor Environmental Control (Irregular) Gives student a thorough understanding of the fundamental theory of air conditioning design for commercial buildings, including calculating heating and cooling loads along with the proper selection and sizing of air conditioning equipment. Prerequisite: MEEG 4413.
MEEG4483H Honors Thermal Systems Analysis and Design (Fa, Su) Analysis design and optimization of thermal systems and components with examples from such areas as power generation, refrigeration, and propulsion. Availability loss characteristics of energy systems and availability conservation methods. Additional topics, with an additional design project and /or more rigorus approach to design projects for honors course. Advanced project required. Prerequisite: MEEG 4413
MEEG4483 Thermal Systems Analysis and Design (Fa, Su) Analysis design and optimization of thermal systems and components with examples from such areas as power generation, refrigeration, and propulsion, Availability loss characteristics of energy systems and availability
conservation methods. Prerequisite: MEEG 4413.
MEEG4493 Internal Combustion Engines (Irregular) Study of the design of internal combustion engines, including emissions and performance issues. Pre- or Corequisite: MEEG 3503.
MEEG4523 Astronautics (Irregular) Study of spacecraft design and operations. Prerequisite: MEEG 2013 and MEEG 2403 or consent of instructor.
MEEG4603 Basic Nuclear Engineering (Irregular) Principles of atomic and nuclear physics, including: fusion and fission reactions, radioactive decay, and neutron interactions. Introduction to nuclear reactor theory, types, components, and behavior. Prerequisite: PHYS 2074 and MATH 2574.
MEEG4623 Radiation Protection and Shielding (Irregular) Aspects of personnel radiation protection and shielding design as applied to the operating nuclear power plant, research laboratory, or other nuclear facility. Prerequisite: PHYS 2074 and MATH 2574.
MEEG4633 Nuclear Power Generation (Irregular) Thermal energy analysis and design of nuclear power reactors and power plants including thermodynamical analysis of components and cycle, thermal hydraulic aspects, core energy distribution, and fluid transients. Emphasis is on pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors. Prerequisite: MEEG 3503 and MATH 3404 and MEEG 2403.
MEEG4703 Mathematical Methods in Engineering (Irregular) Determinants, matrices, inverse of a matrix, simltaneous equations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, coordinate transformations for matrices, diagonalization, square roots of a matrix, cryptography, and method of least squares. Vector algebra and calculus, Green’s theorem, Strokes’ theorem, and Gauss’ divergence theorem. Index notation, epsilon-delta identity, and Cartesian tensors. Curvilinear coordinates, base vectors, and covariant and contravariant tensors. Applications to mechanics. Prerequisite: MATH 2574.
MEEG4813 Air Pollution Abatement (Irregular) Design of air pollution abatement systems and equipment including cyclones, bag filters, and scrubbers. Other topics discussed are air pollution regulations: permitting, dispersion modeling, and national air quality standards.
MEEG4843 Environmentally Conscious Design and Manufacturing (Irregular) The course will provide an introduction to the environmental aspects of production design and illustrate the consequences and costs of waste generation and pollution abatement. The course will also define pollution prevention and waste minimization techniques and will introduce the student to the design for the environment (DfE) concept, life cycle analysis, and total quality environmental management techniques.
MEEG4903H Mechanical Engineering Honors Research (Sp, Fa) Independent research for mechanical engineering honors students. Prerequisite: student must be enrolled in Honors Program.
MEEG491VH Honors Special Projects (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) (Same as MEEG 491V)
MEEG491V Special Projects (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) (Same as MEEG 491VH) May be repeated for 6 hours.
MEEG5003 Continuum Mechanics (Odd Years, Sp) Index notation, Cartesian tensor and review of related essential mathematics. Analyses of stress and strain, Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions; Caushy stress principle, stress tensor and transformation laws, invariants, principal stresses and principal stress directions, and Mohr’s circle for stresses. Equations of equilibrium, compatibility equations; material derivatives, rotation tensor, and stretch tensor. Balance laws, field equations, constitutive equations, continuity equation; and first and second laws of thermodynamics. Prerequisite: MEEG 3013 and MEEG 4703.
MEEG5013 Advanced Mechanical Vibrations (Irregular) Continuation of MEEG 4013 with a more analytic approach. Included are techniques for modeling and understanding the vibratory behavior of multi-degree of freedom discrete systems, continuous systems, nonlinear systems, and random variables. Prerequisite: MEEG 4013.
MEEG5033 Advanced Mechanics of Materials I (Irregular) Combined stress, theories of failure, thick-walled cylinders, bending of unsymmetrical sections, torsion in noncircular section, plate stresses, and strain energy analysis. Prerequisite: MEEG 2013 and MEEG 3013.
MEEG5103 Structural Dynamics (Fa) The forced and random vibration response of complex structural systems are studied through the use of the finite element method. Computational aspects of these problems are discussed and digital computer applications undertaken. Prerequisite: MEEG 3113 and MEEG 4103 and graduate standing.
MEEG5113 Modal Analysis Methods (Sp) Fundamental concepts of both analytical and experimental modal analysis methods are examined and applied to the study of complex structural systems. Computational aspects of these problems are discussed, and digital computer applications undertaken with experimental verification. Prerequisite: MEEG 5103 and graduate standing.
MEEG5123 Finite Elements Methods II (Irregular) Development and application of finite element (FE) methods used to solve transient and two-dimensional boundary value problems. Applications are taken from solid and fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and acoustics. Emphasis is placed on the FE methodology in order to make accessible the research literature and commercial software manuals, and to encourage responsible use and interpretation of FE analysis. Prerequisite: MEEG 4123 and graduate standing or consent.
MEEG5143 Advanced Machine Design (Su) Application of advanced topics such as probability theory, fracture mechanics, and computer methods to the design and analysis of complex mechanical systems. Prerequisite: MEEG 4103 and graduate standing.
MEEG5213 Microprocessors in Mechanical Engineering II Real-time Control (Irregular) Feedback control system theory and design. C programming. Microcontroller interfacing. Real-time control of electromechanical systems in laboratory projects using a single-board computer as the controller. Prerequisite: MEEG 4233.
MEEG5253 Bio-Mems (Sp) Topics include the fundamental principles of microfluidics, Navier-Stokes Equation, bio/abio interfacing technology, bio/abio hybrid integration of microfabrication technology, and various biomedical and biological problems that can be addressed with microfabrication technology and the engineering challenges associated with it. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MEEG 3503 or CVEG 3213 or CHEG 2133. (Same as BENG 5253)
MEEG5263 Introduction to Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (Fa) A study of mechanics and devices on the micro scale. Course topics will include: introduction to micro scales, fundamentals of micro fabrication, surface and bulk micromaching, device packaging, device reliability, examples of micro sensors and actuators. Recitation three hours per week.
MEEG5273 Electronic Packaging (Sp) An introductory treatment of electronic packaging from single chip to multichip including materials, electrical design, thermal design, mechanical design, package modeling and simulation, processing considerations, reliability, and testing. Credit cannot be earned for both MEEG 5273 and ELEG 5273. Prerequisite: (ELEG 3213 or ELEG 3913) and MATH 3404. (Same as ELEG 5273)
MEEG5303 Physical Metallurgy (Fa) Physical and chemical properties of solids and the application of materials in commerce. Prerequisite: MEEG 2303.
MEEG5313 Materials and Design (Irregular) Analysis, design, and testing of high strength and modulus materials, brittle materials, composites, and anisotropic materials. Effect of environment on design with particular emphasis on nuclear application. Prerequisite: MATH 3404 and graduate standing.
MEEG5323 Physical and Chemical Vapor Deposition Processes (Sp) Fundamental principles of materials behavior in the deposition of films by PVD/CVD. Topics include kinetic theory of gases, statistical mechanics, plasmas, diagnostics, reaction rate theory, nucleation and growth, crystal structures and defects in thin films, advanced characterization techniques for thin films, and applications in microelectronics, tribology, corrosion, bio- and nano-materials. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Engineering or consent of instructor.
MEEG5393 Engineering Materials Topics (Irregular) Detailed study of selected materials engineering topics; topics will vary, buy may include diffusion processes in solids, thermodynamics of solids, fracture of materials, failure analysis, advanced techniques in electron microscopy, analytical methods in materials science, advanced corrosion and engineering, etc. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
MEEG5403 Advanced Thermodynamics (Sp) An in-depth review of classical thermodynamics, including availability analysis, combustion, and equilibrium, with an introduction to quantum mechanics and statistical thermodynamics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Engineering or consent of instructor.
MEEG5423 Statistical Thermodynamics (Irregular) Concepts and techniques for describing high temperature and chemically reactive gases from a molecular point of view. Introductory kinetic theory, chemical thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics applied. Prerequisite: MEEG 2403 and MATH 2574.
MEEG5433 Combustion (Fa) Introduction to combustion of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Equilibrium and kinetics of hydrocarbon oxidation, laminar and turbulent flames, premixed and non-premixed combustion processes, ignition, quenching, stability, emissions and diagnostics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Engineering or consent of instructor.
MEEG5453 Advanced Heat Transfer (Fa) More in-depth study of topics covered in MEEG 4413, Heat Transfer, and coverage of some additional topics. Prerequisite: MEEG 4413 or CHEG 3143 or equivalent.
MEEG5463 Conduction and Convection Heat Transfer (Odd Years, Su) Deeper, broader coverage of topics studied in MEEG 4413 and 5453. Steady and transient, one and multidimensional conduction with emphasis on solution methods, analytical and numerical. Forced and free convection in laminar and turbulent, internal and external flow. Porous media heat and mass transfer and/or mass diffusion.
Prerequisite: MEEG 5453 or equivalent.
MEEG5473 Radiation Heat Transfer (Even years, Su) Spectral analysis, radiant exchange in gray and non-gray enclosures, gas radiation, and multi-mode heat transfer. Prerequisite: MEEG 5453 or equivalent.
MEEG5503 Advanced Fluid Dynamics I (Sp) A basic survey of the characteristics of fluid flow under a variety of conditions with examples. Begins with a derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations and an evaluation of the dimensionless groups found from these equations. Topics to be covered include viscous laminar and turbulent boundary layers, jets and wakes, Stokes flow, inviscid flows with and without free surfaces and turbulence. Prerequisite: MEEG 3503 and MATH 3404.
MEEG5513 Gas Dynamics (Irregular) Basic concepts of gas dynamics and gas properties applied to compressible flows including quasi one-dimensional isentropic flow in variable area ducts, normal shock waves, flow in ducts with friction, heating and cooling, oblique shock and expansion waves and shock tube flow. Prerequisite: MEEG 3503 and MATH 2574.
MEEG5643 Nuclear Heat Transport (Irregular) Heat generation and removal in nuclear power reactors, including water, gas, and liquid-metal cooled designs; boiling and 2-phase flow considerations. Prerequisite: MEEG 4603 and MEEG 4413 and MEEG 3503.
MEEG5733 Advanced Numerical Methods (Sp) Numerical methods for the solution of linear and non-linear ordinary and partial differential equations; initial and boundary value problems; one-step and multi-step methods; predominantly finite difference but also finite element and control volume techniques; and computer applications. Graduate standing in Engineering or consent of instructor.
MEEG590V Research (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Fundamental or applied research. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
MEEG591V Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Prerequisite: graduate standing. May be repeated for 6 hours.
MEEG600V Master’s Thesis (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
MEEG6263 Advanced Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (Sp) An advanced study of microscale mechanics and devices. The course material will include in depth discussion of 3 to 4 current MEMS technology areas such as microfluidics, optical MEMS, and inertial sensors. Students will also be required to fabricate and test a functional MEMS device in a processing laboratory. Recitation one hour per week. Laboratory fours hours per week. Prerequisite: MEEG 5263.
MEEG6273 Advanced Electronic Packaging (Irregular) An advanced treatment of electronic packaging concentrating on multichip modules. Topics covered include electrical design, thermal design, mechanical design, package modeling and simulation, computer-aided engineering and design, processing limitations on MCM performance, reliability, testing, and economic considerations. Prerequisite: ELEG 5273. (Same as ELEG 6273)
MEEG6800 Graduate Seminar (Sp, Fa) A periodic seminar devoted to mechanical engineering research topics. Appropriate grade to be “S.”
MEEG700V Doctoral Dissertation (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-18) Prerequisite: candidacy.
