Advanced Engineering Technical Electives

ME 590                Fluid Systems & Gas Dynamics                   Pre: ME 510        Dr. Bergman

ME 590                 Intro Scan Electron Microscope                  Pre: ME 455        Dr. Liu

ME 627                 Automotive Design                                          Pre: ME 617        Dr. Sorem            Required for JMS

ME 633                 Basic Biomechanics               Pre: ME 311 and ME 320        Dr. Fischer           Required for BIOE

ME 702                 Mechanical Engineering Analysis               Pre: MATH 220  Dr. Yang

ME 712                 Adv Engineering Thermodynamics            Pre: ME 212*     Dr. Depcik

ME 716                 Intro to Surface & Interface Science         Pre: ME 212        Dr. Kwon

ME 722                 Modeling Dynamics Mech Systems          Pre: ME 320        Dr. Luchies                         

ME 736                 Catalytc Exhst Aftertrtmnt Mod                 Pre: ME 510        Dr. Depcik

ME 754                 Medical Imaging                                               Pre: ME 508        Dr. Yang               BIOE

ME 765                 Biomaterials                                                       Pre: ME 306        Dr. Tamerler       BIOE

ME 789                 Energy Storage Systems & Control            Pre: ME 682        Dr. Fang

ME 790                 Mechanical Metallurgy      Pre: ME 306, ME 311; Co: ME 307         Dr. Pourladian  

* ME 212 grade of C- or better.

ME 590               Life Cyc Asses for Sust Design      Pre: Junior or Senior standing. MATH 365, ME 212, 306, 311   Dr. McVey

ME 608/708        Intro to Mechatronics / Mechatronics   Pre: ME 208, 320   Dr. Wilson

ME 696                 Design for Manufacturability                    Pre: ME 501        Dr. Maletsky

ME 750                 Biomechanics of Human Motion              Pre: ME 320        Dr. Luchies          BIOE

ME 752                 Acoustics                                                       Pre: ME 320        Dr. Yang              

ME 753                 Bone Mechanics                                            Pre: ME 311        Dr. Fischer          

ME 760                 Biomedical Product Development             Pre: Senior          Dr. Friis                 BIOE

ME 790                 Advanced Heat & Mass Transfer               Pre: ME 612        Dr. Bergman

ME 790                 Characterization of Materials                     Pre: ME 306        Dr. Spencer

ME 790                 Biomedical Microdevices                                                            Dr. Soper             BIOE

ME 790                 Machine Learning for Engr Dsgn      Pre: MATH 125 or 145, ME 508   Dr. Deng

ME 797                 Materials for Energy Applications              Pre: ME 212*      Dr. Liu  

Fall 2024

ME 590 Fluid Systems & Gas Dynamics

One-third of the course will extend the coverage of ME 510 to include rotating machinery (fans, pumps) and practical fluid-handling issues and fluid-handling systems. The second two-thirds of the course will introduce the basic concepts of compressible fluid flow.

Topics: Reynolds Transport Theorem, Conservation of Mass and Linear Momentum (1 week); Conservation of Angular Momentum (1 week); Fluid Machinery (1 week); Fluid Handling and Pumping Systems (1 week); Thermodynamics and the Velocity of Sound (1 week); Isentropic Flow of Ideal Gases (1 week); Stationary Normal Shocks (1 week); Oblique Shocks (1 week); Prandtl-Meyer Flow and Supersonic Airfoils (1 week); Flow with Friction (1 week); Flow with Heat Transfer (1 week); Flow with Variable Area and Heat Transfer (1 week); In-class Examples and Problems (1.5 weeks); Examinations (1.5 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 510

ME 590 Intro Scan Electron Microscope

The objectives of this course are to have students continue to develop a systematic approach to problem solving and critical thinking in a series of experiments to learn the techniques hands-on for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray microanalysis, and analytical electron microscopy. This hands-on course will build on your experiences in physics and chemistry, and measurements.

Topics: Electron Optical Column; Vacuum Systems; System Comparison; Signal Detection and Display; Image Formation and Interpretation of Signals; Analytical X-ray Microanalysis; Practical Things; Other Instruments

Prerequisite: ME 455

ME 627 Automotive Design

Basic concepts of automotive design and manufacture. Primary focus of course on vehicle design and performance. Design is subdivided into vehicle components of frame, suspension, front and rear axle, steering power train, front and rear wheel drive, and braking. Integration of these ideas into a vehicle design project with analysis of its performance culminates the course.

Topics: Vehicle Design: Chassis and frame; Suspension and steering; Front and rear axles and power train; Braking and vehicle dynamic performance; Design Project: Engineering specifications; Project scheduling; Concept generation and evaluation; Performance evaluation; Design for manufacture, assembly and implementation; Analysis (stress, thermal, economic, environmental, etc.)

Prerequisite: ME 617

ME 633 Basic Biomechanics

Provides an overview of musculoskeletal anatomy. Biodynamics includes linear and angular dynamics of human movement, energy expenditure, and power required to perform a given activity. Students will learn to determine joint forces and torques (in 2-D) from kinematic data for body segments and force plate data. The tissue mechanics section builds on ME 311.

Topics: Brief History of Biomechanics (1 week); Cellular Biomechanics (3 weeks); Tissue Biomechanics (5 weeks); Orthopedic pathologies, treatments, implants, and FDA considerations (2 weeks); Basic Dynamics applied to Human Motion (2 weeks); Cardiovascular Biomechanics (3 weeks); Extracellular Matrix Biomechanics (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 311 and ME 320

ME 702 Mechanical Engineering Analysis

A study of advanced methods for engineering analysis of practical problems utilizing fundamental principles from engineering disciplines. The emphasis is on the solution of these problems and the interpretation and generalization of the results.

Topics: ODE review (1 week); Laplace transform techniques (2 weeks); Partial differential equations (analytical and [numerical, time permitting] solutions) (3 weeks); Eigenvalue problems (2 weeks); Matrices and vectors (1 week); Fourier transforms (1 week); Complex numbers, integration, residues (3 weeks); R^3 space and vector calculus (time permitting); Examinations and special topics (1-2 weeks)

Prerequisite: MATH 220

ME 712 Adv Engineering Thermodynamics

An advanced course in thermodynamics, mathematical in nature, with emphasis on a critical re-evaluation of the laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamics of one-dimensional gas flow, development of the classical thermodynamic relations and their application to engineering problems.

Topics: Review of basic thermodynamics (1 week); Reacting systems and chemical equilibrium (2 weeks); Thermodynamic relationships and real gas models (2 weeks); Exergy (2 weeks); One-dimensional gas flow and compressibility (3 weeks); Special thermodynamic systems (2 weeks); Examinations and special topics (2 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 212 (grade C- or better)

ME 716 Intro to Surface & Interface Science

The first segment of the course is devoted to understanding interfacial phenomena by examining the roles of surface composition and surface texture. The second segment covers how this fundamental understanding can be used to design bio-inspired surfaces for self-cleaning mechanisms, anti-reflective coating, fog harvesting and de-icing.

Topics: Theory of capillarity, and the equation of Young and Laplace (2 weeks); Surface and interfacial energy and kinetics of wetting (2 weeks); Thermodynamics of interfaces and Gibbs free energy (2 weeks); Adsorption and Langmuir isotherm (2 weeks); Surface modification and characterization (2 weeks); Electrowetting and electric double layer (1 week); Recent development of bio-inspired surfaces with special wettability (4 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 212 or physical chemistry or equivalent.

ME 722 Modeling Dynamics Mech Systems

Modeling, analysis and simulation of dynamic mechanical systems. Emphasis on the analysis of kinematics and dynamics of rigid mechanical multibody systems undergoing large overall motion using interactive computer simulation programs. Applications to the design and control of dynamic systems such as robots, machine tools, and artificial limbs.

Topics: Modeling and Simulation Techniques (2 weeks); Foundations (3 weeks): Virtual prototyping process, parts, initial conditions, constraints, rotation, joints, measures, forces, moments, torques, bushings, impact, scripts, solver, sensors, quiver plots, splines, and design studies; Applications (6 weeks): Falling stone, inclined plane, lift mechanism, pendulum, projectile motion, spring damper, suspension system, four bar linkage, cam-follower, crank slider, controls, valve-train, cam-rocker-valve, stamping mechanism, robot arm, optimization, and airplane control surface; Term Project (3 weeks); Examinations (1 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 320

ME 736 Catalytic Exhst Aftertrtmnt Mod

Fundamental concepts behind catalytic exhaust aftertreatment devices for automobiles including both monolithic catalysts and particulate filters. Studies of other catalytic devices intended for applications in the mechanical and chemical engineering fields. Topics covered are the development of governing equations based on conservation laws and their numerical solutions using finite difference methods. Studies will include a monolithic catalyst. Project assignments will be included.

Topics: Primary pollutants, secondary pollutants, greenhouse gases, and regulatory efforts (2 weeks); Introduction to catalytic aftertreatment devices and particulate filters (2 weeks); Fundamentals of chemistry including chemical bonds, chemical kinetics, reaction rates, surface adsorption, equilibrium, and detailed and global reactions (3 weeks); Derivation of the differential versions of the conservation of mass, momentum, energy, entropy, and species, including simplifications and extensions (3 weeks); One-dimensional and one+one-dimensional monolithic catalyst modeling, dynamically incompressible and compressible versions (2 weeks); Student presentations (2 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 212 with a grade of C- or better and ME 510

ME 754 Medical Imaging

This course will focus on the fundamental physics of modern medical imaging technologies, which includes X-Ray, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, ultrasound imaging, optical imaging, and more. Recent trends in medical imaging technology development will also be introduced.

Topics: Background of biomedical optics (1 week); Single scattering (1 week); Monte Carlo modeling (4 weeks); Convolution for broad-beam response (1 week); Radiative transfer equation and diffusion theory (2 weeks); Hydride model of Monte Carlo method and diffusion theory (1 week); Sensing of optical properties and spectroscopy (1 week); Ballistic imaging and microscopy (1 week); Diffuse optical tomography (1 week); Photoacoustic imaging (1 week); Examination (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 508

ME 765 Biomaterials

An introductory course on biomaterials science and consideration of biomaterials in the design of biomedical implants. Topics including ethical considerations in biomaterials research and the role of the FDA in medical device design are also presented.

Topics: Technical Writing (2 weeks); Economic Analysis (0.5 week); Ethics (0.5 week); Research Design (3 weeks); Regulatory (0.5 week); Biomaterials (7 weeks); Oral Communication (0.5 week); Examinations (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 306

ME 789 Energy Storage Systems & Control

This course offers an introduction to the mechanisms, modeling, monitoring and control of energy storage systems with a primary focus on batteries but includes coverage of fuel cells and ultra-capacitors. A major theme is to offer students state-of-the-art knowledge of energy storage systems and aid them in developing the ability to apply estimation and control theory in order to address the problems arising in energy storage management.

Topics: After completion of the course, a student is expected to: 1) understand the respective work mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages of batteries, fuel cells and ultra-capacitors, 2) understand the mathematical modeling methodologies for batteries, 3) understand the key estimation/control methods and tools, and 4) build effective solutions for energy storage management problems leveraged with estimation/control theory.

Prerequisite: ME 682

ME 790 Mechanical Metallurgy

This course will present an area of knowledge which deals with the behavior and response of metals to applied forces. This knowledge will be presented in four parts: 1) Mechanical fundamentals; 2) Metallurgical fundamentals; 3) Applications in materials testing; 4) Plastic forming of metals.

Topics: Mechanical Fundamentalssuch as stress and strain relationships for elastic behavior and an introduction to elements of the theory of plasticity (2 weeks); Metallurgical Fundamentals such as plastic deformation, dislocation theory, strengthening mechanisms, fracture (3 weeks); Applications in materials testing such as Tension Test, Torsion Test, Hardness Test, Fracture Mechanics, Fatigue, Brittle fracture and impact testing (3 weeks); Plastic forming of metals such as Fundamental of metalworking, Forging, Rolling of metals, Drawing of rods, wires and tubes, Sheet-Metal forming (3 weeks); Literature reviews and case studies (3 weeks); Exams (1 week).

Prerequisite: ME 306 and ME 311; Corequisite: ME 307

Spring 2025

ME 590 Life Cyc Asses for Sust Design

Introduction to and application of environmental life cycle assessment as a quantitative tool for sustainable engineering design, with a focus on whole-building and MEP applications.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. MATH 365, ME 212, ME 306, and ME 311. 

ME 608/708 Intro to Mechatronics / Mechatronics

Undergrads should enroll to ME 608. Graduate students should enroll to ME 708. If you are an undergraduate who would like to take ME 708 instead for an honors class, please email Dr. Wilson for permission. sewilson@ku.edu

Design and implementation of interfaces of microcomputers to mechanical equipment. Includes laboratory experiments presenting selected industrial applications. Emphasis on human factors, functional design parameters and microprocessor interfaces. Includes instruction concerning specifications of practical hardware configurations and writing of programs necessary to accomplish mechanical systems applications.

Topics: C++ programming of microcontrollers (4 weeks); Sensors and actuators (3 weeks); Robotic system integration and programming (3 weeks); Modeling and design of mechatronic systems (3 weeks); Individual projects (2 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 208 and ME 320

ME 696 Design for Manufacturability

Tools to incorporate manufacturing and life-cycle concerns into the design of products.

Topics: Design process and concurrent engineering (2 weeks); Quality function deployment (1 week); Embodiment and parametric design (1 week); Modeling and prototyping (1 week); Manufacturing process in design (1 weeks); Design for assembly (1 week); Quality engineering (SPC) (2 weeks); Statistics and statistical tolerancing (2 weeks); Design of experiments (Taguchi method) (1 week); Current topics related to manufacturing and engineering (2 weeks); Examinations (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 501

ME 750 Biomechanics of Human Motion

Fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology are introduced but the focus is on the biomechanics of human motion. Human body segment kinematics and joint kinematics are analyzed. An introduction to muscle mechanics is provided. Applications in balance and gait are covered.

Topics: Introduction to Musculoskeletal Modeling and Analysis (1 week); Defining Skeletal Kinematics (10 weeks); Dynamic Equations of Motion (Kane’s Method) (4 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 320

ME 752 Acoustics

This course will teach the production, propagation, and effects of sound waves. Detailed topics include plane wave, spherical wave, and cylindrical wave propagation in free space and waveguides, wave reflection and transmission on an interface, piston radiation, wave scattering and diffraction.

Topics: Wave equation (1 week); Plane waves (1 week); Reflection and transmission (3 weeks); Waveguides (1 week); Absorption and dispersion (1 week); Spherical waves (2 weeks); Cylindrical waves (1 week); Radiation (2 weeks); Scattering and diffraction (1 week); Examination and special talk (3 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 320

ME 753 Bone Biomechanics

Provides an in-depth knowledge of bone as a living mechanical system.

Topics: microstructure, biology, mechanical properties, mechanical modeling, adaptation of bone to the mechanical environment, and its simulation. Student assignments include homework, a poster presentation, basic finite element analysis laboratory, and bone remodeling simulations. 

Prerequisite: ME 311

ME 760 Biomedical Product Development

Introduction to methods of taking medical product inventions from conception to initial stage production. Students work in cross-functional teams to investigate development potential of inventions. Topics covered include product development processes, regulatory issues with the FDA, quality system requirements, SBIR/STTR funding pathways, biomaterial and biomechanics issues in medical product design, and ethical considerations.

Topics: Technical Writing (2 weeks); Economic Analysis (2 weeks); Ethics (1 week); Research Design (3.5 weeks)

Intellectual Property (1 week); Regulatory (1 week); Quality Systems (1 week); Product Design (2 weeks); Biomaterials and Biomechanics (1 week); Examinations (0.5 weeks)

Prerequisite: Senior or graduate student standing in engineering, business, industrial design, or an applicable life science field.

ME 790 Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer

Conduction, convection, and radiation are covered in more detail relative to ME 612, with a focus on the underlying physical phenomena and associated mathematical analyses. Diffusive and convective mass transfer is a significant part of this class, with emphasis on the analogies between conduction heat transfer and diffusive mass transfer, as well as convection heat transfer and convection mass transfer.

Prerequisite: ME 612

ME 790 Characterization of Materials

Principles and application of current techniques for structural, morphological, physical, and mechanical property characterization of a range of materials including polymers, composites, ceramics, tissues, wood, metals and metallic alloys. Particular attention will be on the characterization of interfaces that form when dissimilar materials are joined, such as fiber/matrix etc. The course will explore the fundamental connections between materials structure and physical properties at length scales from the sub-micron to fractions of meters. Techniques studied include vibrational spectroscopies, thermal analysis, chromatographic techniques, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopies, XPS, and X-ray tomography. Examples from various industries and fields of materials research will illustrate the application and significance of these techniques.

Prerequisite: ME 306

ME 797 Materials for Energy Applications

Focus on fundamentals of materials for energy applications.

Topics: Introduction to material science & engineering and electrochemical technologies; microscopic view of solid materials; mass transfer by migration and diffusion; energy related materials and devices; electrochemical engineering fundamentals

Prerequisite: ME 212