The Director of Graduate Programs makes admission decisions. Applicants must hold (or will have completed by the time they arrive) an accredited Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) degree and at least a B average in their final two years (or their final, earned 60 credit hours) of their last degree.
Applications from individuals with a B.S. degree in other Engineering disciplines, Math, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences (such as Physics and Chemistry) are also considered. To qualify for a graduate degree, applicants are expected to have at least an undergraduate-level exposure to most of the core ME disciplines. Those who are deemed deficient may be asked to take additional (leveling) courses.
All graduate students in Mechanical Engineering are required to complete a set of core courses as part of an M.S.M.E. or Ph.D. programs. Ph.D. students may satisfy these requirements with equivalent courses taken as part of an MS program as approved by the ME Graduate Director. Courses taken at the ME 400-level are not accepted and may not be repeated at the ME 500-level to satisfy the core requirements. The ME Graduate Core consists of four courses:
Equivalent graduate-level courses taken at another institution may be used to satisfy this requirement, but this must be decided on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Director or Graduate Committee in the ME department.
Detailed degree requirements are explained in the ME Graduate Manual as a supplement to the UNM Graduate Catalog. The Mechanical Engineering Department offers the following graduate degrees:
A minimum of 24 hours of 500-level credit is required for all students pursuing the M.S.M.E. degree program.
Plan I (Thesis)– This degree plan requires 31 semester credit hours. Six (6) credit hours (ME 599) will be required for a thesis. A seminar course must be taken for two semesters.
Plan II (Non-Thesis)– This degree plan requires 34 semester credit hours. Three (3) credit hours (ME 559) will be required for a project. A seminar course must be taken for two semesters.
Optional Concentration: Manufacturing Engineering– The M.S.M.E. with Manufacturing Concentration requires 37 semester credit hours and a three-month industrial internship in a manufacturing setting. At least three electives for this program must be selected from a set of engineering science courses defined by the department.
The M.E.M.E. degree is offered by the Manufacturing Engineering Program (MEP). This program is (administratively) separate from the ME Department at the University of New Mexico and is housed in the Manufacturing Technology and Training Center (MTTC), located in the South Campus. Details of this degree program are found in the “School of Engineering” section of this Catalog.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires 54 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, exclusive of the dissertation credit. Details of all special requirements are subject to departmental policy.
The Mechanical Engineering building houses most department facilities, including the Controls, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Material Science, Materials Test, Microprocessor, Robotics and Vibrations Laboratories. Other facilities supporting research are the High Performance Computing, Educational and Research Center (HPCERC) and the Manufacturing Technology and Training Center (MTTC).
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has close collaboration with the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, nearby Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, plus the Air Force Research Laboratory. Research facilities at these laboratories are often used by graduate students.
Additional information on the programs and facilities of the Mechanical Engineering Department may be obtained by contacting either the graduate director or the chairperson.
Courses
ME 160L. Mechanical Engineering Design I. (3)
Introduction to engineering graphics, the design process, computer aided design, engineering ethics, design economics and project management. Two hours lecture, 3 hours lab.
Pre- or Corequisite: Math 162
ME 217. Energy, Environment and Society. (2)
A look at the social, ethical, and environmental impacts of energy use both now and through history. A survey of renewable energy and conservation and their impact on environmental and social systems.
ME 260L. Mechanical Engineering Design II. (3)
The design process, project management, shop practice CNC and rapid prototyping, design economics and engineering ethics. Two hours lecture, 3 hours lab.
Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 121 and CHEM 123L
ME 301. Thermodynamics. (3)
Thermodynamic equilibrium, thermodynamic properties and equations of state. First and second laws of thermodynamics and their applications to engineering systems. Availability and irreversibility and their application to second law analysis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 124L and PHYC 161 and MATH 163 and MATH 264
ME **302. Applied Thermodynamics. (3)
Thermodynamic relations, thermodynamic properties of mixtures, psychrometrics, thermodynamics of chemical reactions, phase and chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics cycles and design of energy systems.
Prerequisite: 301
ME 306. Dynamics. (3)
Principles of dynamics. Kinematics and kinetics of particles, systems of particles and rigid bodies.
Prerequisite: CE 202 and MATH 264
ME 314. Design of Machinery. (3)
Graphical and analytical techniques in kinematics and kinetics of linkages. Synthesis of linkages. Cam design.
Prerequisite: 306
ME **317L. Fluid Mechanics. (4)
Fluid statics. Control volume forms of continuity, momentum and energy. Pipe flow and turbomachinery. Introduction to boundary layers and turbulent flow. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations of basic concepts.
Prerequisite: 306 and 318L and MATH 264 and MATH 316 Corequisite: 301
ME 318L. Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. (4)
Measurement techniques and instrumentation for experiments in mechanical engineering, report writing, basic concepts of probability and statistics, discrete and continuous probability distributions, test statistics, classical and robust test of significance, measurement and uncertainty, design of experiments, regression analysis, applications in analysis of engineering experiments.
Prerequisite: PHYC 161 and MATH 264 Pre- or corequisite: MATH 316 and ECE 203
ME **320L. Heat Transfer. (4)
Principles and engineering applications of heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations of fundamental heat transfer concepts.
Prerequisite: 301 and 317L and MATH 316
ME 350. Engineering Economy. (3)
(Also offered as CE 350)
A study of methods and techniques used in determining comparative financial desirability of engineering alternatives. Includes time value of money (interest), depreciation methods and modern techniques for analysis of management decisions.
Prerequisite: MATH 162 or MATH 180
Restriction: junior or senior standing
ME 352L. Materials Laboratory. (1)
The effects of microstructure, processing, composition and thermal treatment on physical and mechanical properties of engineering materials will be investigated. A variety of materials will be processed, tested and microscopically studied in the laboratory.
Corequisite: 370
ME 353L. Fluid Mechanics Lab. (1)
Laboratory experiments and demonstrations of basic concepts of fluid mechanics.
Prerequisite: 306 and 318L and MATH 264 and MATH 316 Corequisite: 301
ME 354L. Heat Transfer Laboratory. (1)
Laboratory experiments and demonstrations of fundamental heat transfer concepts.
Prerequisite: 301 and 317L and MATH 316
ME 357. Introduction to Mechanical Vibrations. (3)
Free and forced vibrations of one and two degrees of freedom systems for both steady state and transient forcing. Also vibrations of selected continuous systems and balancing.
Prerequisite: 306 and MATH 316
ME 360L. Mechanical Engineering Design III. (3)
Finite element analysis and its use in the design process, validation of FEA results, CAD, engineering ethics, design economics and project management.
Prerequisite: 260L and CE 302 and MATH 264 and MATH 316 Two hours of lecture, 3 hours of lab.
ME **365. Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems. (3)
Methods of analysis and design of systems for conditioning of spaces for people and equipment.
Prerequisite: 320L
ME 370. Engineering Materials Science. (3)
The structure of matter and its relation to mechanical properties. Mechanical behavior of structural materials: metals, ceramics and polymers.
Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 124L Corequisite: 352L
ME **380. Analysis and Design of Mechanical Control Systems. (3)
System dynamics and modeling; transfer functions; concept of feedback and system stability; transient and steady-state response; control system analysis and design using root locus and frequency response methods.
Prerequisite: 357 and MATH 316
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 400 / 500. Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering. (3)
Computer algebra, nonlinear equations, systems of linear equations, the eigen value problem, numerical integration and differentiation, initial value problems, boundary value problems; applications to model problems in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
Prerequisite: 317L and 320L and CE 302 and MATH 316
ME 401 / 501. Advanced Mechanics of Materials. (3)
State of stress and strain at a point, stress-strain relationships; topics in beam theory such as unsymmetrical bending, curved beams and elastic foundations; torsion of noncircular cross-sections; energy principles.
Prerequisite: CE 302
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 404 / 504. Computational Mechanics. (3)
Weak formulations of governing equations in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and head conduction. Finite element equations in two and three-dimensions. Numerical algorithms for static and time-dependent cases.
Prerequisite: MATH 312 and CS 151L
ME 405 / 505. High Performance Engines. (3)
(Also offered as CHNE 405)
Students will capitalize on 1) applications of engineering fundamentals to engine operation and design; 2) implementation of computing and information technology for modeling, simulation, visualization, and design; and 3) case studies of “famous” racing engines.
Prerequisite: CHNE 302 or ME 301
ME 406L. Formula SAE Racecar Design. (3)
Design racecar that will participate in Formula SAE international competition including acceleration, autocross and endurance events. Vehicles are judged on performance, cost and design. Project management, vehicle dynamics, tires, brakes, suspension and steering are covered.
Restriction: ME majors and junior or senior standing.
ME 407. Formula SAE Racecar Fabrication Lab. (3)
Manufacture vehicle designed in 406. Make project management decisions on build or buy balancing cost, performance and schedule. Use CAD/CAM extensively to design, machine and fabricate complex parts. Plan integrated drivers’ training and test programs.
Prerequisite: 357 and 406L
ME 408. Formula SAE Racecar Test Lab. (1)
Implement testing program to validate vehicle design fabricated in 407 using state of the art data acquisition equipment. Modify and redesign as required. Continue drivers’ training program. Participate in Formula SAE international competition.
Prerequisite: 407
ME 416 / 516. Applied Dynamics. (3)
Kinematics and kinetics of a particle and systems of particles; Lagrange’s equations; three-dimensional dynamics of rigid bodies.
Prerequisite: 306 and 357 and MATH 316
ME 419/ 519. Theory, Fabrication, and Characterization of Nano & Microelectromechanical Systems (NEMS/MEMS). (3)
Lectures and laboratory projects on physical theory, design, analysis, fabrication, and characterization of micro and nanosystems. Special attention given to scaling effects involved with operation of devices at nano and microscale.
Restriction: senior standing
ME 421 / 521. Thermal System Design and Optimization. (3)
Review of thermal sciences, optimization methods, introduction to thermal design and optimization, design of different thermal systems such as heat exchanger, energy conversion, heat transfer enhancement, Cryogenics, micro-electronic cooling. Environmental issues and thermoeconomics.
Prerequisite: 301 and 317L and 320L
ME 429 / 529. Gas Dynamics. (3)
One and two-dimensional compressible flow of ideal gases including shock compressible flow along with applications, including numerical and experimental methods.
Prerequisite: 301 and 317L
ME 451?452. Undergraduate Problems. (1-3, 1-3 to a maximum of 6 ?)
A project of an original nature carried out under faculty supervision. A student may earn 451 or 452 credit for an industrial project by prearranging approval of the project by a faculty advisor and the department chairperson. Restriction: ME majors and senior standing.
ME 455. Engineering Project Management. (3)
(Also offered as CE 455)
Estimating, proposing, planning, scheduling, quality and cost control and reporting of an engineering project. Case studies of typical engineering projects. Small projects carried out by student teams.
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 456 / 556. Entrepreneurial Engineering. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 456)
Review and application of necessary elements for successfully launching technical businesses; focuses upon technology, manufacturing, management, marketing, legal and financial aspects. Students work in groups developing elements of new businesses and producing business plans.
Restriction: senior standing
ME 459. Mechanical Engineering Design IV. (3)
Review of stresses. Statistical considerations. Methods of design for static and fatigue strength. Design of machine elements such as bolts, welded joints, springs, bearings, belts, chains, clutches, brakes and shafts.
Prerequisite: 360L and 370
ME 460. Mechanical Engineering Design V. (3)
Capstone design course for Mechanical Engineering students. Students work in teams to design complete engineering systems. Considerations include technical solution, function, manufacturability, cost, safety and standards, and materials. Written and oral presentation skills are emphasized.
Prerequisite: 320L and 380 and 459
ME 461 / 561?462 / 562. Special Topics. (1-4, 1-4, no limit ?)
Formal course work on special topics of current interest.
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 463. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. (3)
Independent project of an original nature carried out under faculty supervision, in partial fulfillment of Departmental Honors designation.
Restriction: permission of instructor
ME 470 / 570. Microprocessors in Mechanical Systems. (3)
Introduction to microprocessor organization, interfacing, machine and assembler-language programming. Several projects involving the use of a microcontroller in various mechanical systems.
Restriction: senior standing
ME 471 / 571. Advanced Materials Science. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 569)
This course covers advanced treatments of the science of engineering materials and mechanical behavior of materials. Examples are crystal structures, defects, micro mechanisms of deformation, thermodynamic and kinetic processes, and structure-processing-property relations of engineering materials.
ME 474 / 574. Modeling, Simulation and Synthesis of Electromechanical Control Systems. (3)
Computer-aided simulation of dynamic systems and design of control systems, electrical machines, actuators and sensors; linearization techniques; scaling; performance criteria; robustness; state-space design; prototyping and breadboarding techniques. Synthesis through hardware implementation of an electromechanical control system.
Prerequisite: 380 or ECE 345
ME 480 / 580. Dynamic System Analysis. (3)
Mathematical modeling of continuous and discrete systems (mechanical, hydraulic, electric, electro-mechanical, thermal, etc.). Analysis of state equations. Controllability, observability and stability.
Prerequisite: 380
ME 481 / 581. Digital Control of Mechanical Systems. (3)
Analysis and design of feedback systems in which a digital computer is used as the real-time controller. Design methods will include transform-based techniques using the Z-transform and time-domain techniques using the state-space approach.
Prerequisite: 380
ME 482 / 582. Robot Engineering. (3)
Robot geometry, resolution, accuracy and repeatability, kinematic design of robots, Denavit-Hartenberg homogeneous transformations, direct and inverse kinematics and solutions, motion trajectories, differential tracking, force and compliant analysis, robotic control and programming.
Restriction: senior standing
ME 483 / 583. Statistical Methods for Improving Product Quality. (3)
Course covers basic concepts of statistical inference and topics in reliability, acceptance sampling, statistical process control, full and fractional factorial experiments, and response surface methodology. The emphasis will be on the effective implementation of the techniques rather than their mathematical development.
Prerequisite: MATH 264
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 484 [484/584]. Computer Aided Design. (3)
Implementation of CAD/CAM in automated manufacturing systems, laboratory work on CAD solid modeling software.
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 485 / 585. Modern Manufacturing Methods. (3)
Study of business of manufacturing, emphasizing modern approaches. Topics include: U.S. manufacturing dilemma; JIT, kanban, pull manufacturing, quality; modeling; design for production; manufacturing economics; management issues; DIM; case studies.
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 486 / 586. Design for Manufacturability. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 486)
Introduction to methods of design for manufacturability. Emphasis is on teamwork and designing your customer’s needs. This is achieved through statistical methods and computer based systems.
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 487 / 587. LEGO? Robotics. (3)
Design and construction of an autonomous, microcomputer-controlled mobile robot using LEGO® pieces and assorted electromechanical actuators and sensors. Students work in teams and robots compete at the end of the semester.
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 488 / 588. Design and Manufacturing in Industry. (3)
Weekly visits to local companies, to examine design and manufacturing techniques. A product- and/or process-oriented term paper (and presentation) is required, covering economic, design and manufacturing issues.
Restriction: ME majors and senior standing
ME 500 / 400. Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering. (3)
Computer algebra, nonlinear equations, systems of linear equations, the eigen value problem, numerical integration and differentiation, initial value problems, boundary value problems; applications to model problems in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
ME 501 / 401. Advanced Mechanics of Materials. (3)
(Also offered as CE 501)
State of stress and strain at a point, stress-strain relationships; topics in beam theory such as unsymmetrical bending, curved beams and elastic foundations; torsion of noncircular cross-sections, energy principles.
ME 504 / 404. Computational Mechanics. (3)
Weak formulations of governing equations in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics,and head conduction, Finite element equations in two and three-dimensions. Numerical algorithms for static and time-dependent cases.
ME 505 / 405. High Performance Engines. (3)
(Also offered as CHNE 505)
Students will capitalize on 1) applications of engineering fundamentals to engine operation and design; 2) implementation of computing and information technology for modeling, simulation, visualization, and design; and 3) cases studies of “famous” racing engines.
Prerequisite: Engineering Thermodynamics equivalent to CHNE 302/ME 301
ME 506. Boundary Element Methods in Engineering. (3)
This course presents an introduction to the boundary element method with emphasis placed on concepts and fundamentals. Example applications will be taken from the fields of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, structural mechanics and acoustics.
ME 510. Nonlinear Modeling and Analysis. (3)
Analysis of the behavior of systems described by nonlinear differential equations. Investigation of their stability properties and introduction to nonlinear control methods.
ME 512. Introduction to Continuum Mechanics. (3)
Vector and tensor analysis, kinematics of continua, equations of motion, first and second laws of thermodynamics, constitutive equations for elastic solids and compressible viscous fluids.
ME 516 / 416. Applied Dynamics. (3)
Kinematics and kinetics of a particle and systems of particles; Lagrange’s equations; three-dimensional dynamics of rigid bodies.
ME 519 / 419. Theory, Fabrication, and Characterization of Nano & Microelectromechanical Systems (NEMS/MEMS). (3)
(Also offered as ECE, NSMS 519)
Lectures and laboratory projects on physical theory, design, analysis, fabrication, and characterization of micro and nanosystems. Special attention given to scaling effects involved with operation of devices at nano and microscale.
ME 520. Advanced Thermodynamics I. (3)
Precise development of thermodynamic definitions, fundamental relations, equilibrium conditions, Legendre transformation and thermodynamic potentials. Maxwell relations, stability of thermodynamic systems, properties of materials, introduction to irreversible thermodynamics.
ME 521 / 421. Thermal System Design and Optimization. (3)
Review of thermal sciences, optimization methods, introduction to thermal design and optimization, design of different thermal systems such as heat exchanger, energy conversion, heat transfer enhancement, Cryogenics, micro-electronic cooling. Environmental issues and thermoeconomics.
Prerequisite: 301 and 317L and 320L
ME 522. Heat Conduction. (3)
Formulations of equations and boundary conditions for heat transfer problems involving conduction. Techniques of solution, including separation of variables, integral transforms, numerical methods, Green’s function and approximate methods. Special topics in heat conduction.
Prerequisite: 320L and MATH 312
ME 523. Convection. (3)
Exact and approximate solution techniques and their relevance to experiments in forced, natural and mixed convection. Laminar flow, turbulent flow, transition phenomena and convection in porous media.
{Alternate Fall}
ME 529 / 429. Gas Dynamics. (3)
One and two-dimensional compressible flow of ideal gases including shock compressible flow along with applications, including numerical and experimental methods.
Prerequisite: 301 and 317L
ME 530. Theoretical Fluid Mechanics I. (3)
Derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations. Introduction to two- and three-dimensional potential flow theory; viscous flow theory, including the development of Prandtl boundary-layer equations and the momentum integral approach, and compressible flow theory, including thermodynamics of shock waves, friction and heat addition.
ME 534. Boundary Layers. (3)
Derivation of boundary layer equations, similarity solutions, integral methods and experimental results for laminar boundary layers. Stability of laminar boundary layers. Boundary layer transition. Turbulent fluctuations and transport.
Prerequisite: 530
ME 540. Elasticity. (3)
Field theory of elasticity; Saint Venants problems; introduction to plane theory of elasticity.
ME 544. Mechanics of Inelastic Continuum. (3)
Constitutive equations and numerical algorithms for elastoplasticity, viscoplasticity and continuum damage mechanics. Correlation with experimental data. Thermodynamical restrictions and concepts of material stability, softening and localization.
Prerequisite: 512
ME 551?552. Problems. (1-3, 1-3 to a maximum of 6 ?)
ME 556 / 456. Entrepreneurial Engineering. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 556)
Review and application of necessary elements for successfully launching technical businesses; focuses upon technology, manufacturing, management, marketing, legal and financial aspects. Students work in groups developing elements of new businesses and producing business plans.
ME 559. Design Project. (3)
Independent work under the guidance of the student’s Committee-on-Studies in support of the Project course requirement of the Plan II (non-Thesis) M.S. degree.
ME 561 / 461-562 / 462. Special Topics. (1-4, 1-4, no limit ?)
ME 570 / 470. Microprocessors in Mechanical Systems. (3)
Introduction to microprocessor organization, interfacing, machine and assembler-language programming. Several projects involving the use of a microcontroller in various mechanical systems.
ME 571 / 471. Advanced Materials Science. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 569)
This course covers advanced treatments of the science of engineering materials and mechanical behavior of materials. Examples are crystal structures, defects, micro mechanisms of deformation, thermodynamic and kinetic processes, and structure-processing-property relations of engineering materials.
ME 574 / 474. Modeling, Simulation and Synthesis of Electromechanical Control Systems. (3)
Computer-aided simulation of dynamic systems and design of control systems, electrical machines, actuators and sensors; linearization techniques; scaling; performance criteria; robustness; state-space design; prototyping and breadboarding techniques. Synthesis through hardware implementation of an electromechanical control system.
ME 580 / 480. Dynamic System Analysis. (3)
Mathematical modeling of continuous and discrete systems (mechanical, hydraulic, electric, electro-mechanical, thermal, etc.). Analysis of state equations. Controllability, observability and stability.
ME 581 / 481. Digital Control of Mechanical Systems. (3)
Analysis and design of feedback systems in which a digital computer is used as the real-time controller. Design methods will include transform-based techniques using the Z-transform and time-domain techniques using the state-space approach.
ME 582 / 482. Robot Engineering II. (3)
Robot geometry, resolution and repeatability, kinematic design of robots, Denavit-Hartenberg homogeneous transformations, direct and inverse; kinematics and solutions, motion trajectories, differential tracking, force and compliant analyses, dynamics, control and programming.
ME 583 / 483. Statistical Methods for Improving Product Quality. (3)
Course covers basic concepts of statistical inference and topics in reliability, acceptance sampling, statistical process control, full and fractional factorial experiments, and response surface methodology. The emphasis will be on the effective implementation of the techniques rather than their mathematical development.
ME 585 / 485. Modern Manufacturing Methods. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 585)
Study of business of manufacturing, emphasizing modern approaches. Topics include: U.S. manufacturing dilemma; JIT, kanban, pull manufacturing, quality; modeling; design for production; manufacturing economics; management issues; DIM; case studies.
ME 586 / 486. Design for Manufacturability. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 586)
Introduction to methods of design for manufacturability (DEM). Emphasis is on team work and designing to your customers needs. This is achieved through statistical methods and computer based systems.
ME 587 / 487. LEGO? Robotics. (3)
Design and construction of an autonomous microcomputer-controlled mobile robot using LEGO® pieces and assorted electromechanical actuators and sensors. Students work in teams and robots compete at the end of the semester.
ME 588 / 488. Design and Manufacturing in Industry. (3)
Weekly visits to local companies, to examine design and manufacturing techniques. A product- and/or process-oriented term paper (and presentation) is required, covering economic, design and manufacturing issues.
ME 591-592. Seminar. (0-1, no limit ?)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
ME 599. Master?s Thesis. (1-6, no limit ?)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
ME 634. Turbulence and Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow. (3)
Turbulent flow with emphasis on thin-shear layer flow and mixing processes. Phenomenological descriptions of turbulent closure schemes and modeling techniques. Instability and transition. Numerical schemes for solving incompressible and compressible turbulent boundary layer and free turbulence equations.
Prerequisite: 534
ME 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit ?)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
