Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Senior Design


The objective of the design course is to teach senior engineering students a top-down systems design process that enables and encourages innovation. Students then apply this process to a challenging design project. Thus, the nature and scope of potential projects are broad and open to discussion. Capstone design course emphasizing the application of analytical/computer and experimental methods to the solution of a broad range of practical problems in mechanical engineering. Integrates knowledge gained from all required mechanical engineering courses in a major system design project. This is a two semester course, where the students work as a team under supervision of a faculty mentor.  
We are dedicated to preparing our students for careers as industrial engineers and are proud to have this opportunity to partner with highly qualified, respected and dedicated industry professionals. For the recommended donation to the department, your company can benefit from this expertise. We continuously need sponsors for our fall (August–December) and spring (January–May) semesters. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and establishing or continuing your relationship with the department, please contact us for more information.

 

 

The undergraduate mechanical engineering program should prepare students to enter the engineering profession as a skilled practitioner who can make a solid contribution to the field, find job satisfaction, and have a lifelong career. To accomplish these overall goals, during the first few years following graduation a graduate is expected to:
  1. Have an engineering job or a position that utilizes the application of their engineering education in the workplace
  2. Demonstrate a record of professional development activities related to the successful practice of engineering
  3. Accept additional responsibilities to meet evolving workplace needs and be regarded by colleagues and supervisors as an effective member of their organization

The program must have documented student outcomes that support the program educational objectives. Attainment of these outcomes prepares graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering. Student outcomes are outcomes (1) through (7), plus any additional outcomes that may be articulated by the program. The BS Mechanical Engineering Program does not have any additional outcomes.

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics (previously (a), (e); implied from (k))
    • applies specific engineering knowledge of course subject area
    • demonstrates specific engineering knowledge of subject area
    • demonstrates analysis and judgment
    • demonstrates effective communication in identifying, formulating and solving engineering problems
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors (previously (c); implied from (k))
    • can specify the design problem and its constraints
    • explores alternative designs
    • uses appropriate tools for design process and final design
    • is able to optimize final design
    • is able to document final design
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences (previously (g))
    • good overall communication strategy and structure
    • effective written communication
    • effective oral and visual communication
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts (previously (f). (h). (j))
    • recognizes and makes appropriate decisions in situations in which personal or professional ethics are required.
    • makes engineering decisions and provides solutions which safeguard public safety and improve quality of life.
    • considers alternative solutions
    • optimizes design processes and systems to minimize use of resources and impact on the environment.
    • knows regulations and standards used in practice.
    • demonstrates knowledge of engineering and its impact on economic, ethical and environmental issues
    • demonstrates ability to evaluate existing and emerging engineering or technological alternatives to prevent or minimize adverse impacts
    • demonstrates ability to evaluate the effect of engineering solutions on local and global environment and the public’s quality of life
    • students have knowledge of and interest in contemporary issues related to engineering and science
    • students have the ability to use the library and internet to search for relevant information
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives (previously (d))
    • quality of overall team function
    • communication among team members
    • team organization and leadership
    • level of multidisciplinary effort
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions (previously (b), implied from (k))
    • demonstrates familiarity with use and operation of laboratory instruments, sensors, and equipment
    • demonstrates ability to formulate and communicate experimental results
    • demonstrates ability to use computer tools for experimental data collection, data reduction and result presentation
    • can use statistical techniques to estimate experimental uncertainties and calculate propagation of error
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies (previously (i))
    • students have strong analytical skills and knowledge of engineering fundamentals to provide a foundation for continual and independent learning
    • students have the ability to conduct literature survey, assess, and use information to make engineering decisions
    • students have an attitude that professional development and life long learning is necessary for successful profession
    • students participate in professional societies, meetings, and networking with professionals
    • students participate in local and national competitions and research 
  8. an ability to understand the need for codes and standards and to apply them appropriately
    • Students have an ability to locate applicable codes and standards
    • Students have an ability to discern which codes and standards to apply
    • Students ensure that their design work satisfies all applicable codes and standards (constraints)




 

The MEIE Department has ten laboratories. All labs in addition to the courses they are tied with, also support Senior Design (MEEN 4263 & 4264) work as well as ongoing research. 

  1. Manufacturing Processes lab 
  2. Composite Fabrication Lab
  3. Thermal and Fluids Lab
  4. Machine shop
  5. Materials Lab
  6. Advanced Materials Lab
  7. Design and Simulation Lab
  8. Robotics and Controls Lab
  9. UAV lab
  10. Measurements lab
  11. Mechatronics Lab

The details for each laboratory can be found here

American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME)

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Robotics club

Society of the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE)

Senior Design Sponsors

Our senior design project provides students with a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. By partnering with industry leaders, we aim to enhance the quality and impact of our project while also fostering valuable connections between academia and industry.

As a sponsor, your organization will benefit from:

  1. Visibility: Your company logo will be prominently displayed on our project materials, presentations, and any related promotional material, providing valuable exposure to our university community and beyond.

  2. Collaboration Opportunities: You will have the chance to collaborate closely with our team of talented students, offering insights, guidance, and expertise throughout the project development process.

  3. Recruitment Access: Sponsoring our senior design project will give your organization early access to promising engineering talent, offering opportunities for recruitment and internships.

  4. Social Responsibility: By supporting education and innovation, your company demonstrates a commitment to investing in the future of engineering and technology.

We believe that your company's expertise and resources would greatly enrich our senior design project. Your sponsorship can take various forms, including financial support, provision of equipment or materials, mentorship, or any other contribution that aligns with your organization's goals and capabilities.

If you are interested in discussing sponsorship opportunities further or would like more information about our project, please don't hesitate to reach out. We would be honored to have your company's support and involvement in our senior design endeavor.

Please contact us to discuss a new project! If you have a project idea that you would like a team to tackle, e-mail the Senior Design coordinator Mr. Grady Isensee