Mechanical Engineering (ME)

Kurt Bassett, Head
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Crothers Engineering Hall 216
605-688-5426
e-mail: kurt.bassett@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/me/index.cfm

Faculty

Professor Bassett, Head; Professors Delfanian, Moutsoglou; Associate Professors Hu, Duan; Assistant Professors Du, Gent, Michna; Instructors Hein, Peters, Twedt.

Programs

Mechanical Engineering (ME) Major

Mechanical engineers design devices and systems that efficiently employ the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of society. Mechanical Engineering is an applied science profession based on mathematics, physics and chemistry. Expertise and sound judgment in application of the sciences are gained through a combination of study and practice.

The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, in support of the mission of the College of Engineering, is to provide a highly respected, rigorous, and practical professional education for Mechanical Engineering students oriented toward applied problem solving; to conduct meaningful research which broadens the base of engineering and scientific knowledge with a regional emphasis; and to provide technical assistance to existing and emerging businesses, industry and government

Educational Objectives
The Mechanical Engineering program provides a learning environment that prepares graduates to achieve the following career and professional accomplishments:

Achieve positions of increasing responsibility or leadership with employers, professional organizations, or civic organizations in recognition of professional competence and the ability to function in team environments.
Complete licensure, certification, short courses, workshops or advanced degrees in technical or professional subject areas as they adapt to contemporary engineering practice and the global business environment.

The Mechanical Engineering program at SDSU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org .

Mechanical Engineers have a remarkable range of career options from which to choose. Work is found in research, development, design, testing, manufacturing, operations and maintenance, marketing and sales, or in management and administration. Mechanical Engineers can work in industry, business, government or educational institutions. They can also work with other professions such as law and medicine. Mechanical Engineers are employed in nearly every industry. Typical examples include automotive, chemical, building HVAC systems, aircraft/aerospace, power, petroleum, computer, machinery (industrial, agricultural, recreational, office, etc), plastics, electronics, textiles, pharmaceutical, paper products and energy utilities, among many others. Their work takes them to many parts of the world; they can probe the depths of the oceans or explore outer space as astronauts. Mechanical Engineering is an exciting profession which offers flexibility and individuality to those who want a challenging and satisfying career.

The curriculum of 130 credits is made up of courses in: basic sciences, engineering sciences, design, communications, humanities and social sciences. The basic Sciences of mathematics, physics and chemistry provide the foundation for the engineering and technical courses. The engineering sciences include solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, dynamic systems, controls, materials, and electricity/electronics. In the design category, which is integrated throughout the curriculum, the student learn the systems approach to solving problems where ideas, imagination, modeling and analysis are joined together to create a new or improved device, product or system. Communications courses include English, speech, graphics and computer applications.

The Mechanical Engineering Department recognizes the importance of the humanities and social sciences in the general education component of undergraduate education, and the need for this component to complement the technical content of an education in engineering. This connection is important for producing well-rounded graduates who will continue to meet the present and future needs of society. SDSU’s General Education Core proficiencies, outlined in the General Education Course section of this catalog, are of great professional importance to all graduates. By choosing courses to meet the goals of the System General Education Core, and the goals of the Institutional Graduation Requirements, students connect their general education component to their technical curriculum and thus strengthen their professional competence.

A two-semester sequence taken in the senior year, Mechanical Systems Design I-II, places every student on a team that designs, builds, tests, and demonstrates a significant engineering project. The design projects are often solicited from industry and provide students with valuable real world team-based design experience. Another significant aspect of the curriculum is the opportunity to take technical electives including courses in various applications of thermal and fluid engineering, machine design, and industrial engineering.

Student Learning Outcomes
Mechanical Engineering graduates have:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering including multi-variable calculus, differential equations, statistics, and linear algebra
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
an ability to communicate effectively
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and social context
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
a knowledge of contemporary issues
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

The Department helps students arrange internship or cooperative education experiences with industry. Credits may be obtained for these work experiences, by prior arrangement with the appropriate faculty member and department head, and by registering for ME 494, or 497. These credits, upon approval, will fulfill part of the technical-elective requirements.

Several related minors are available that may be of interest to Mechanical Engineering students. Minors in Biomedical Engineering, Mathematics, Nuclear Engineering, and Sustainable Energy Systems are offered. With proper planning, one or more of these minors can be incorporated into the student’s curriculum with little or no extra coursework. Students interested in pursuing one of these minors should work closely with their academic advisor and the minor’s coordinator to develop a curriculum plan.

In addition to the graduation requirements and academic performance requirements specified in this catalog, the following grade requirements must be met to earn a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering: a combined average of “C” or better in the mechanical engineering courses; a combined average of “C” or better in the mathematics courses; a minimum grade of “C” in each of the following courses: MATH 123, MATH 125, PHYS 211, ME 311, ME 312 and all EM designated courses. Students who fail to earn a C or better in any of these courses, will be required to take them in each subsequent semester until the requirement is met. Students must follow course prerequisite requirements. Graduating seniors must take the national Fundamentals of Engineering exam or similar test as an exit exam.

Each Mechanical Engineering student is assigned an academic advisor who provides valuable assistance with professional career advice and course planning. Students should meet with their advisor at least twice per semester for assistance with their progress and course planning. A student’s graduation checklist must be filled in and forwarded to the department head during the second to last semester of a student’s program. Students of the Mechanical Engineering program should read and follow the additional University and College of Engineering policies, procedures, and requirements as listed in the front sections of the catalog.

To make the transition easier for high school students interested in a career in Mechanical Engineering, the following guidelines are suggested: study as much mathematics as available, including calculus (if possible), one year of physics, one year of chemistry and four years of English.

Sustainable Energy Systems Minor

The Sustainable Energy Systems Minor is appropriate for students interested in gaining a background in sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. The minor helps to prepare graduates with training that distinguishes them from their peers and supports immediate entry into careers in energy resource development, energy production, and end-use technologies.

There is an existing demand for engineers with expertise in sustainable energy development. Approximately 30% of the recent SDSU mechanical engineering graduates have entered careers with sustainable energy applications. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) defines sustainable development as “the challenge of meeting human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and effective waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for future development” (NSPE Code of Ethics, revised July 2007).

An increased emphasis on sustainability in industry and government has resulted in new careers focused on the design and implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems. Students who can demonstrate that they have specific academic training in topics that prepare them to facilitate the development and use of sustainable energy systems will be able to fill the increasing number of engineering positions available in regional industries focused on alternative energy and energy efficiency technologies. This training will also prepare them to achieve certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) that are required by a growing number of agencies, including the State of South Dakota, for the design of buildings under their control.

The minor requires completion of 18 credits of coursework. A basic understanding of thermodynamics is crucial to any study of energy systems, thus it is specified as a core course. Since renewable energy technologies are at the heart of many sustainable systems, the minor includes a core course covering renewable energy topics. Supporting courses have been selected to allow the student to focus on a particular aspect of sustainable systems. Minor approved courses have been chosen for their relevance to sustainable energy system design.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the minor must understand how energy is produced, the fundamentals of energy conversion and efficiency, and demonstrate technical expertise in some area of sustainable energy systems.

Upon completion of the minor, the student will be able to:

Apply mathematics and engineering science to the analysis of energy conversion systems.
Understand and apply the concept of sustainability to the design of energy conversion systems.
Demonstrate competency in analysis and design of a particular type of energy converting device or system.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an area of sustainable energy systems.