Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical
Engineering courses
Mechanical Engineering department
home page
Director of undergraduate studies: Marshall Long, 201 BECTON, 432-4229, marshall.long@yale.edu
FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Professors
Ira Bernstein (Emeritus), Boa-Teh Chu (Emeritus), Juan Fernández de la Mora, Alessandro Gomez, Amable Liñan-Martinez (Adjunct), Marshall Long, Mitchell Smooke (Chair), Peter Wegener (Emeritus), Forman Williams (Adjunct)
Associate Professors
Jerzy Blawzdziewicz, Corey O'Hern, Ainissa Ramirez, Jan Schroers, Udo Schwarz
Assistant Professors
Eric Dufresne, David LaVan, John Morrell, *Hong Tang
Lecturers
Beth Anne Bennett, Kailasnath Purushothaman
*A joint appointment with Electrical Engineering.
Mechanical engineering is among the most diversified of the traditional engineering disciplines. The mechanical engineer builds machines to extend our physical and mental capabilities and to convert traditional and novel energy sources into useful forms.
The role of the mechanical engineer has changed dramatically over the past few decades with the extensive use of high-performance computers (in such areas as CFD design, data acquisition, control, and manufacturing), the interfacing of MEMS and actuators via microprocessors to measure and control (e.g., in flow control, robot control, and optimization of automobile performance), and the advent of new materials (composite, shape-memory alloy, ceramic, superconducting) for new applications (e.g., prosthetic devices, biomaterials, stealth aircraft). These new areas offer mechanical engineering students special opportunities for creativity, demanding that they learn not only in depth but also in breadth. Demands for increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact—as might be realized, for example, in novel gas turbine–electric hybrid vehicles—require that students understand the fundamentals of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, and materials science. In all these tasks, the utmost consideration of the modern mechanical engineer is improving the quality of human life. The engineer must be constantly aware both of the finiteness of Earth's resources and its environment and of the burden that engineering works place on them.
The educational mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to provide an excellent education that will prepare students to become members of the next generation of mechanical engineers. To implement this mission, the department adheres to the following set of educational goals: to provide a balanced technical and nontechnical education to enable graduates to enter highly selective graduate schools and/or to pursue technical careers in industry or government laboratories; to enable graduates to improve and adapt their skills to accommodate rapid technological changes; to prepare graduates to communicate effectively and to understand the ethical responsibilities and impact on society of their profession. To achieve these goals, the following educational objectives have been established for the Department of Mechanical Engineering: to provide a comprehensive introduction to basic science and mathematics, which form the foundation of mechanical engineering; to provide a thorough training in methods of analytical, experimental, and data analysis, including problem formulation; to provide instruction in the fundamentals of the design process, including project innovation, synthesis, and management, both individually and in a team setting; to provide both a technical and a nontechnical program of study in which oral and written communication skills are developed; to instill in students an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities, which affect society and their profession.
At Yale, three mechanical engineering programs are offered: a B.S. degree program with a major in Mechanical Engineering, a B.S. degree program with a major in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical), and a B.A. degree program with a major in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical). Prospective majors in both B.S. programs are advised to complete introductory physics and mathematics through calculus (MATH 115a or b) by the end of their freshman year.
A student's undergraduate engineering program usually culminates in one or more special project courses (MENG 471a, 472b), in which the student pursues a particular interest through design-oriented projects and experimental investigations. Projects may be initiated by the student, may be performed in a team, or may be derived from the ideas of faculty members who place undergraduates in their ongoing research projects. All interested students should contact the director of undergraduate studies, preferably no later than the beginning of the sophomore year.
B.S. degree program in Mechanical Engineering. This is the most technically intensive mechanical engineering degree program and is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This program is appropriate for students who plan careers as practicing engineers in industry, consulting firms, or government as well as for students who are considering a career in research and plan to pursue an advanced degree in engineering.
The prerequisites in mathematics are MATH 112a or b, 115a or b, and 120a or b or ENAS 151a, or the equivalent. The basic science prerequisites are PHYS 200a, 201b, or 180a, 181b; one laboratory from PHYS 165La or 205La or Lb, and one from PHYS 166Lb or 206La or Lb, or equivalents.
Nineteen term courses beyond the prerequisites are required as follows:
1. Advanced mathematics: ENAS 194a or b and MATH 222a or b or 225a or b
2. Mechanical engineering and related: MENG 211a, 280a, 285b, 286Lb, 361a, 363Lb, 383a, 389b, 471a or 472b (the senior requirement), 489a, ENAS 130b, EENG 226a and 227a, and at least one term course in chemistry (e.g., one term of CHEM 113 or 114, or CHEM 118a)
3. Technical electives: Three approved technical electives chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.
The curriculum in this program is arranged in prescribed patterns, but some departures from it are possible with approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
B.S. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical). This degree program is suitable for students who wish to gain significant expertise within mechanical engineering while combining their engineering studies with related disciplines. For example, a number of students have taken courses in architecture while pursuing a program in mechanical engineering that emphasizes structural mechanics; similarly, a student with an interest in computer graphics might combine engineering courses in computer-aided design with programming courses from the Department of Computer Science. The major requires twelve approved term courses in engineering, which can cover a broad array of topics within the subject provided that they contribute to a coherent program. Students should consult with the director of undergraduate studies at the beginning of their sophomore year.
The prerequisites in mathematics are MATH 112a or b, 115a or b, and 120a or b or ENAS 151a, or the equivalent. The basic science prerequisites are PHYS 180a, 181b, or 200a, 201b; one laboratory from PHYS 165La or 205La or Lb, and one from PHYS 166Lb, 206La or Lb, or MENG 286Lb.
The program requires twelve approved term courses beyond the prerequisites, including the senior project.
B.A. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical). In a society with increasing levels of technical sophistication, a truly well-rounded individual must have some background in science and technology. The B.A. program is designed for students who may be planning careers in business, law, medicine, journalism, or politics but need to understand the impact that science and technology can have on society at large. An understanding of engineering methods and practices, combined with a traditional liberal arts education, provides a strong background for a variety of careers. The program is well suited for students who wish to fulfill the requirements of two majors.
The prerequisites in mathematics are MATH 112a or b and 115a or b. The basic science prerequisite is physics at least to the level of PHYS 150a, 151b.
The program requires eight approved term courses beyond the prerequisites, including the senior project.
Senior requirement. In all B.S. and B.A. degree programs, students must successfully complete a project (MENG 471a or 472b) during their senior year.
Courses for majors in the humanities and social sciences. Mechanics and mechanical engineering content can be found in several courses intended for those not majoring in science. See under Engineering and Applied Science.
Select Program in Engineering. Qualified students majoring with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Sciences (Mechanical) may be eligible to apply for a special program that includes industry research experience. See under Engineering.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, B.S.
Prerequisites: MATH 112a or b, 115a or b, 120a or b or ENAS 151a, or equivalent; PHYS 200a, 201b, or 180a, 181b, and 2 labs (1 from PHYS 165La or 205La or Lb, and 1 from PHYS 166Lb or 206La or Lb, or equivalents)
Number of courses: 19 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior project)
Specific courses required: ENAS 130b and 194a or b; EENG 226a and 227a; 1 from MATH 222a or b or 225a or b; MENG 211a, 280a, 285b, 286Lb, 361a, 363Lb, 383a, 389b, 489a
Distribution of courses: 3 technical electives chosen in consultation with DUS; 1 term course in chem
Substitution permitted: With DUS approval
Senior requirement: Senior project (MENG 471a or 472b)
ENGINEERING SCIENCES (MECHANICAL), B.S. AND B.A.
Prerequisites: B.S.—MATH 112a or b, 115a or b, 120a or b or ENAS 151a, or equivalent; PHYS 180a, 181b (or 200a, 201b), and 2 labs (1 from PHYS 165La or 205La or Lb; 1 from PHYS 166Lb, 206La or Lb, or MENG 286Lb); B.A.—MATH 112a or b, 115a or b; Physics at least at level of 150a, 151b
Number of courses: B.S.—12 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior project); B.A.—8 term courses beyond prereqs (incl senior project)
Substitution permitted: With DUS approval
Senior requirement: Both degrees—senior project (MENG 471a or 472b)
Unless otherwise indicated, courses in Mechanical Engineering count toward the natural science requirement for the Class of 2008.
