Robotics and Mechatronics Lab - Course Information

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering is designed to give engineering students an overview of Mechanical Engineering, experience working on teams and solving design problems and an introduction to the skills that will be necessary to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

1. Develop an understanding of the similarities and differences in mechanical, thermal, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
2. Develop an understanding of the physical behavior and governing equations associated with basic components in mechanical, thermal, electrical, and hydraulic.
3. Develop an understanding of multi-disciplined systems.
4. Develop an ability to derive mathematical models for multi-disciplined systems.
5. Develop an ability to solve mathematical models for time response and to use this solution to analyze system behavior. Students should be capable of solving lower order systems by hand and higher order systems using computer tools.
6. Develop an ability to perform parameter studies on mathematical models to develop a better understanding of system behavior.
7. Develop an ability to perform parameter studies on mathematical models to design for a desired system behavior.
8. Learn the basic concepts of feedback control.
9. Develop an ability to apply feedback control to low order systems.

(3 credit hours) Preq: ENGM 373, MECH 310, and MECH 420; or by permission

1. Develop a working knowledge of musculo-skeletal anatomy.
2. Learn the mechanics of basic biomaterials such as bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscle.
3. Develop an understanding of kinematic analysis including position, velocity, and acceleration analysis.
4. Develop an understanding of basic dynamics including the ability to create free body diagrams.
5. Be introduced to the mechanics of visco-elastic materials.
6. Develop an understanding of basic bio-fluid mechanics.
7. Develop an understanding of basic bio-heat transfer.

(3 credit hours) Lec 3, Lab 2. Preq: ELEC 231; MECH 350 or parallel. Lab sessions allow for constructing mechatronic systems. Theory, application, simulation, and design of systems that integrate mechanical, computer, and electronic components. Includes a comprehensive design project.