Mechanical Engineering (MECH)

MECH-523 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics 4 Credits

Prerequisites: MECH-322 and (MATH-313 or MATH-418 or MATH-423)
This course includes solution methods to the Navier-Stokes equations in a discrete domain. Grid generation, coordinate transformation, discretization, explicit, implicit, semi-implicit, a variety of algorithms, post-processing, and interpretations of results are discussed. Solution techniques for compressible and incompressible flows, their applicability, robustness, and limitations are covered. External and internal flows with and without chemical reactions are also discussed. The learning process involves hands-on experience on grid generation, setting up a CFD code, post-processing, and a thorough discussion on the results. The students will work on a final project that is a practical problem of significant magnitude and importance to industry. This work must be publishable in the student’s journal or presentable in a conference.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-564 Aerodynamics and Wing Theory 4 Credits

Prerequisites: MECH-322 and (MATH-305 or MECH-600)
Discussions on fundamentals of inviscid and viscous incompressible flows. Important topics in fluid mechanics such as potential flow, vortices, point sources, and coupling of inviscid and boundary layer flows are covered. Two and three dimensional wings (or airfoils) and some exact solutions to such flow problems are discussed. Semi-analytical methods for disturbance distribution on wings are introduced by perturbation method. The computational Panel method for two and three dimensional aerodynamics problems is discussed. Commercial computer programs are used to solve realistic problems in a three dimensional space.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-595 Automotive Seminar I 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
Kettering has a partnership with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to offer both a certificate in Automotive Systems, as well as, a graduate degree in either Automotive Systems or the Mechanical Cognate. This seminar course would be comprised of a total of four Continuing Education Units (CEU) from SAE seminars, which have been reviewed and approved by a faculty review committee, consistent with Graduate academic policy. The transfer of credit must be supported by documentation from SAE for each individual applicant seeking such transfer.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-596 Automotive Seminar II 4 Credits

MECH-600 Advanced Engineering Mathematics with Computational Tools 4 Credits

Prerequisites: (MATH-305 or MATH-307) and MECH-420
The objectives of this course are to introduce students to various analytical and numerical methods used in the modeling, analysis, and design of engineering problems. Students will learn the theory and application of these methods, with a focus on practical implementation and real-world applications to mechanical systems. Comparisons between numerical and analytical methods will highlight their strengths, limitations, and the reasons they cannot solve all types of engineering problems. MATLAB will be used extensively for numerical solutions, while commercial software packages will address problems involving finite elements and finite differences, providing a balanced understanding of theory and applications.
Lecture: 3, Lab 0, Other 1

MECH-601 ME Principles for Mobility Systems 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the basic principles of mechanical engineering that are required for application in mechanical automotive systems. Major topics include machine design, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and dynamic systems. Applications include chassis systems, suspension, steering, brakes, aerodynamics, powertrains, climate control, fuel cells, turbines, compressors, transmission systems, HVAC systems, shafts, and safety systems.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-610 Application of Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Engineering 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
This course examines the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mechanical engineering. Students will learn how AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, and optimization algorithms, alter traditional mechanical engineering practices. Emphasis will be placed on real-world applications, hands-on projects, and using AI tools like Python, MATLAB, and commercial software platforms. Students may not receive credit for both MECH-410 and MECH-610.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-615 Engineering Optimization 4 Credits

Prerequisites: MECH-600
Introduction to the general model of numerical optimization and its application to engineering design. The formulation and classification of the optimization problems will be discussed. The computational search techniques for solving the different classes of optimization problems will be studied. These techniques include single and multivariable, zero and first order constrained and unconstrained, linear and nonlinear search algorithms. The developed algorithms will be used to find the optimum solutions for a variety of engineering design problems.
Lecture: 3, Lab 0, Other 1

MECH-623 Battery Science and Engineering with Applications 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
Since battery is the heart of hybrid and full electric vehicles, a complete knowledge and understanding is essential to work as a productive engineer in this electric vehicle area. The purpose of this course is to introduce the fundamental concepts of battery science and engineering principles with applications. Students will learn in detail about batteries as both a power supply source and an energy storage device. Basic battery concepts, battery classification (Primary/Secondary) and standardization, electrochemical principles and reactions, battery electro-chemistry, Butler-Volmer reaction kinetics and Nerst equation, factors affecting battery performance, charge/discharge mechanism, state of charge (SOC) equation, state of health (SOH) analysis/calculations, charge/energy balance equation and related calculations, selection of electrodes and electrolytes materials, estimation/calculation of battery power supply and energy storage capacity, battery cell/pack design and power management of battery pack will be discussed. The emphasis will be placed on advanced rechargeable battery cell design, electrochemistry, principles of operation, manufacturing/assembly of battery cell/pack, governing equations of a battery cell/pack, computer modeling of a battery cell/pack and experimental evaluation of battery performance, charge/discharge capacity estimation, state of charge estimation, safety, degradation and cycle-life analysis based on real-world mobility applications of batteries in hybrid/electric vehicles (EV). Industrial applications of rechargeable batteries/packs in electric vehicles, aerospace, consumer electronics and other emerging fields will also be presented. Students are required to complete all assigned battery laboratory experiments (total 5 Lab experiments).
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-626 Hydrogen Generation, Storage and Safety 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
This various methods of hydrogen production are covered: water electrolysis using photovoltaics, steam reformation and partial oxidation techniques of various types of conventional and alternative fuels. Various methods of hydrogen storage – compressed gas, liquefied gas, metal and chemical hydrides and nanotubes are included. Codes for underground and above ground pressurized hydrogen gas storage systems and safety aspects are covered. A comparison is made between hydrogen properties and known conventional fuels such as, methane (natural gas), gasoline, methanol and ethanol. Infrastructure design studies, dispensing transportation, codes and standards are covered. A hydrogen storage/production/safety laboratory for experimental studies is planned to be a major component of this course.
Lecture: 3, Lab 0, Other 1

MECH-629 Thermal Management Systems 4 Credits

Prerequisites: MECH-320
Fundamentals of thermal-fluid and energy conversion; thermal management of conventional and electrified powertrain and vehicle systems; thermal systems requirements; thermal impact on fuel economy and emissions; thermal management of high-voltage battery systems; heat exchanger design; hybrid and advanced cooling systems; electronics cooling of autonomous vehicles; thermoelectric devices; energy storage; waste heat recovery; thermal management systems simulations tools and design process.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-633 Multibody Dynamics 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
The dynamics of two- and three-dimensional multibody systems will be investigated and modeled. Mechanisms consisting of rigid bodies as well as flexible bodies will be studied, including systems with mechanical joints, springs, dampers, and actuators. The kinematic and dynamic equations of motion will be derived, and both closed form and numerical solutions will be obtained. Newtonian and Lagrangian methods in dynamics will be reviewed and expanded in complexity. Linear graph theory will be introduced. Multibody dynamics software that is widely used in industry will be employed, including Adams and MapleSim, with the emphasis on both practical applications and an understanding of how these software packages formulate the governing equations and solve them. Students can expect to acquire advanced knowledge in dynamics and learn about the use of multibody dynamics software in the modeling of mechanisms and robotic manipulators.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-634 Introduction to MPC 4 Credits

Prerequisites: ECE-610 or MECH-600
The primary purpose of this course is to expose students to the fundamental principles and the application of Model Predictive Control (MPC), a control technique that is frequently used in many industrial applications. Students will learn the basic principles of the control technique as well as how to implement it in MATLAB/Simulink.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-635 Digital Twins and Model-Based Engineering 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the concept of digital twins for mechanical systems, focusing on finite element analysis (FEA), multibody dynamic simulations, and experimental testing, including data collection, correlation, and model updating. Students will develop digital twins using commercial software packages such as NX, Abaqus, ADAMS, LabVIEW, and MATLAB to model, simulate, and validate mechanical systems. The course covers the integration of sensor data, real-time monitoring, and predictive modeling to enhance system performance and optimize mechanical designs. Students will learn techniques for data assimilation, machine learning-driven model updates, and uncertainty quantification to create accurate and reliable digital twins. Practical applications will include structural health monitoring, mechanical analysis, and performance optimization in mechanical and automotive systems. Students may not receive credit for both MECH-435 and MECH-635.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-641 Advanced Auto Power Systems 4 Credits

Prerequisites: MECH-420
Terms Offered: Winter, Spring
This course serves to expand student’s knowledge of automotive power systems. Topics covered include, detailed thermodynamic cycle analysis of various power cycles, emerging alternative fuels and power systems for automotive use (current topics include high-blend alcohol/gasoline fuels, gasoline direct injections (GDI) engines, hybrid electronic Powertrains, and fuel-cells). Students are also expected to work on design projects which are determined by the instructor. Students are expected to work on projects leading to the development of presentations and/or technical papers for professional society meetings (i.e. SAE, Global Powertrain Congress, etc.). This course is an advanced version of MECH-441. Students in MECH-641 are required to complete additional propject challenges and a final project in addition to the workload for MECH-441.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-643 Noise, Vibration & Harshness 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
An integrated approach to the analysis of Noise, Vibration and Harshness of automotive engineering is presented. Techniques for evaluating the vibration and acoustic characteristics of vehicle systems are discussed. Then the principles of noise and vibrations control are presented through automotive applications.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-644 Introduction to Automotive Powertrains 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
Terms Offered: Winter, Spring
An introduction to the performance of motor vehicle and the design of automotive power transmission systems. Topics covered include, loads on the vehicle, evaluation of various engine and vehicle drive ratios on acceleration performance and fuel economy, manual transmission design, and automatic transmission design. This course is an advanced version of MECH-444. Students in MECH-644 are required to complete additional project challenges and a final project in addition to the workload for MECH-444.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-645 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Propulsion 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
An introduction to the principles of hybrid electrical vehicle propulsion systems for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students. A major emphasis of the course will be to broaden the mechanical engineering student’s knowledge of electrical engineering so that he/she can understand the fundamentals of electrical motors, electrical motor controls, and electrical energy storage systems. The course is also intended to strengthen the knowledge of electrical engineering students relative to automotive powertrain design. With this background, the integration of these hybrid electric components into the hybrid electric vehicle powertrain system will be studied, including electric energy storage (batteries, flywheels, ultra-capacitors) and electrical energy production-fuel cells. Relevant codes and standards will be emphasized. This course is an advanced version of MECH-445. Students in MECH-645 are required to complete additional project challenges and a final project in addition to the workload for MECH-445.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-646 Advanced Vehicle Dynamics 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
Advanced vehicle dynamics is the study of the motion of rubber-tired ground vehicles. Dynamic vehicle responses result from the tire, gravitational, and aerodynamic forces that a vehicle is subjected to. Ride quality, handling characteristics, performance, and safety can be evaluated by examining a vehicle's dynamic responses. This course provides an advanced understanding of vehicle dynamics behavior and the means to model it from a mathematical point of view. Special emphasis is placed on dynamic systems modeling approaches, including the creation and numerical evaluation of state space mathematical models.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-647 Combustion & Emissions 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
Introduction to the basic principles of combustion and how to apply them to basic engineering problems. Various technologies of this field will be explored. However, a large portion of the course will cover the fundamentals of combustion. Topics relating to flame speed, flame thickness, flame spread, flame quenching, blow-off, stabilization, ignition energy, flammability limits, and flashback will be presented. Laminar and turbulent premixed and diffusion flames will be discussed. These topics will be related to combustion and emissions in spark-ignition and diesel engines.
Lecture: 3, Lab 0, Other 1

MECH-650 Automotive Bioengineering: Occupant Protection and Safety 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
Terms Offered: Winter, Spring
A discussion and application of the following fundamental concepts: (1) an overview of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; (2) basic anatomy and physiology of the overall human body; (3) introduction to injury biomechanics including rate, load, and acceleration dependent injury mechanisms; (4) overview of injury prevention strategies including a variety of air bags, multipoint restraint systems, and occupant sensing methodologies; (5) the basic structure and function of anthropomorphic test devices; (6) introduction to experimental crash simulation; (7) virtual occupant simulation; (8) develop the necessary algorithms to filter crash sensor data using the appropriate CFC per SAEJ211; (9) develop a simulation of a pretensioner; (10) develop a method oto determine the relevant due care criteria from a crash simulation in addition to the mandated criteria.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-682 Mechanics and Design Simulation of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
The properties, mechanics, and design simulation aspects of fiber-reinforced composite materials are covered in this course. Topics include: constituents and interfacial bonding, microstructure and micromechanics, theory of anisotropy, classical laminate theory, material characterization, failure and damage, manufacturing techniques, composite structure design, and introduction of nanocomposite.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0

MECH-697 ME Elective Credit 4 Credits

Prerequisites: None
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0