UVa Course Catalog (Unofficial, Lou's List)
Complete Catalog for the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department    
Class Schedules Index Course Catalogs Index Class Search Page
These pages present data mined from the University of Virginia's student information system (SIS). I hope that you will find them useful. — Lou Bloomfield, Department of Physics
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
MAE 1501Special Topics in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (1)
Offered
Fall 2024
Student-led special topic courses which vary by semester.
Course was offered Spring 2023, Fall 2016
MAE 2020Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (2)
Offered
Fall 2024
Overview of the mechanical engineer's role as analyst and designer. Introduction to manufacturing tools, equipment, and processes; properties of materials relative to manufacture and design. Pre-requisite: PHYS 1425 or PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1710. Co-requisite: APMA 2120 or MATH 2310 or MATH 2315
Course was offered Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
MAE 2030Introduction to Aerospace Engineering (2)
Offered
Fall 2024
Historical introduction, standard atmosphere, basic aerodynamics, airfoils and wings, flight mechanics, stability and control, propulsion (airbreathing, rocket and space), orbital mechanics.
Course was offered Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
MAE 2040Computer Aided Design (1)
Offered
Fall 2024
Communication through engineering graphics; engineering drawing interpretation, sectioning, auxiliary views; and analysis and design of mechanical devices. Workshop includes CAD and solid modeling.
MAE 2090Applied Probability and Statistics (3)
Application of probability and statistical analysis to engineering decision analysis,data description, inference (confidence intervals and hypothesis tests), model building, sstatistical quality control, and designing engineering experiments Corequisite: APMA 2120 .
MAE 2100Thermodynamics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Includes the formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics; energy conservation; concepts of equilibrium, temperature, energy, and entropy; equations of state; processes involving energy transfer as work and heat; reversibility and irreversibility; closed and open systems; and cyclic processes. Prerequisite: APMA 1110 or MATH 1320
MAE 2300Statics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Basic concepts of mechanics, systems of forces and couples: equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies; analysis of structures: trusses, frames, machines; internal forces, shear and bending moment diagrams; distributed forces; friction, centroids and moments of inertia; introduction to stress and strain; computer applications. Cross-listed as CE 2300. Prerequisite: PHYS 1425 or PHYS 1420 or PHYS 1710
MAE 2310Strength of Materials (3)
Normal stress and strain, thermal strain, shear stress, shear strain; stress and strain transformations; Mohr's circle for plane stress and strain; stresses due to combined loading; axially loaded members; torsion of circular and thin-walled closed sections; statically indeterminate systems; deformation, strains and stresses in beams; beam deflections; column stability. Prerequisites: MAE 2300 or CE 2300
MAE 2320Dynamics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Kinematic and kinetic aspects of motion modeling applied to rigid bodies and mechanisms. Focus on free-body-analysis. Use of work-energy and impulse-momentum motion prediction methods. Use of Cartesian and simple non-Cartesian coordinate systems. Rotational motion, angular momentum, and rotational kinetic-energy modeling; body mass rotational moment of inertia. Relative-velocity and acceleration. Prerequisite: MAE 2300 or CE 2300
MAE 2330Mechanics Laboratory (2)
Application of experimental methods for the mechanical behavior of components and materials. Topics include mechanical measurement systems (load cells, accelerometers, extensometers, rotary sensors, etc.), truss design, destructive material testing methods (e.g. tensil test), connections, data analysis, experiment design and technical writing. Co-requisites: MAE 2320 Dynamics and MAE 2310 Strength of Materials.
MAE 2501Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (3)
Special topics in mechanical engineering
MAE 2502Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (3)
Special topics in mechanical engineering
MAE 2503Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering (3)
Special topics in aerospace engineering
Course was offered Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
MAE 2504Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering (3)
Special topics in aerospace engineering
MAE 3010Astronautics (3)
Discussion of the Keplerian two-body problem; elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic orbits; solution of Kepler's equation and analogs; the classical orbital elements; orbit determination; prediction of future position and velocity; orbital perturbations; Lambert's problem. Prerequisites: MAE 2320.
MAE 3120Thermal Systems Analysis (3)
Analysis of thermodynamic cycles and energy conversion systems. Topics include multi-component system analysis, real fluids, chemical equilibrium, and renewable energy systems. Applications include power generation, internal combustion engines, refrigeration/heat pump systems, energy audits, fuel cells, bio-derived fuels, and solar, wind, and water energy systems. Prerequisite: MAE 2100.
MAE 3130Nanoscale Heat Transfer (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Development of fundamentals of heat transfer from a nanoscale or atomic perspective, as applied to nanotechnology and energy applications; topics include selected relevant concepts from Kinetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Statistical Thermodynamics, wave vs. particle transport theory, Landauer and Boltzmann Transport Formalisms, and thermoelectricity. Prerequisite: APMA 2130 or MATH 3250 or APMA 2501 - Differential Equations & Linear Algebra.
MAE 3140Elements of Heat and Mass Transfer (3)
Analysis of steady state and transient heat conduction in solids with elementary analytical and numerical solution techniques; fundamentals of radiation heat transfer, including exchange among black and diffuse gray surfaces; free and forced convective heat transfer with applications of boundary layer theory and an introduction to mass transfer by diffusion using the heat-mass transfer analogy. Prerequisite: MAE 2100 and MAE 3210.
MAE 3210Fluid Mechanics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Introduction to fluid flow concepts and equations; integral and differential forms of mass, momentum, and energy conservation with emphasis on one-dimensional flow; fluid statics; Bernoulli's equation; viscous effects; Courette flow, Poiseuille flow, and pipe flow; boundary layers; one-dimensional compressible flow; normal shock waves; flow with friction or heat addition; isothermal flow; and applications. Prerequisite: APMA 2130 or MATH 3250 or APMA 2501 - Differential Equations & Linear Algebra.
MAE 3220Aerodynamics (4)
Boundary layers: similarity, Blasius and momentum integral methods. Ideal Flows: Kelvin's circulation theorem; complex potential; superposition; Kutta-Joukowski; thin airfoils; finite wings; lifting lines. Gas dynamics: sound waves; normal and oblique shocks; Prandtl-Meyer expansion; quasi 1D flows; converging-diverging nozzles; choked flows; diffusers; Rayleigh line and Fanno line flows. Prerequisites: MAE 2100 and MAE 3210
MAE 3230Thermal Fluids Laboratory (2)
Offered
Fall 2024
Application of experimental methods for thermal-fluid behavior. Topics include fluid properties, pressure and buoyancy, jet momentum, dimensional analysis, pipe flow, data analysis, particle image velocimetry, and measurement uncertainty. The laboratory experience will include activities to reinforce principles from Thermodynamics (MAE 2100) and Fluid Mechanics (MAE 3210). Co-requisite: MAE 3210 Fluid Mechanics
MAE 3310Aerospace Structures (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Analyzes the design of elements under combined stresses; bending and torsional stresses in thin-walled beams; energy and other methods applied to statically determinate and indeterminate aerospace structural elements; buckling of simple structural members; and matrix and finite element analysis. Prerequisite: MAE 2310 or CE 2310.
MAE 3420Computational Methods in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Introduces numerical modeling concepts used in engineering simulation tools like computational fluid dynamics and structural mechanics analysis software. Topics covered include discretization methods of partial differential equations, numerical solutions of linear matrix equations, and relaxation techniques for solving stiff equation sets. As part of the course, students will use Matlab, CFD, and mechanical analysis tools.
MAE 3501Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (3)
Special topics in mechanical engineering
MAE 3502Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (3)
Special topics in mechanical engineering
MAE 3503Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering (3)
Special topics in aerospace engineering
MAE 3504Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering (3)
Special topics in aerospace engineering
MAE 3610Aerospace Materials (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Introduces physical-chemical/microstructural and working mechanical properties, along with practical applications, for materials of wide interest on aerospace materials. Includes common metal, polymer, ceramic, and composite materials. Topics include standard materials names/designations; standard forming methods; usual strengthening means; temperature and temperature-history effects. Prerequisite CHEM 1410 or 1610 or CHEM 1810: Corequisite MAE 2310 or CE 2310.
MAE 3620Machine Elements and Fatigue in Design (3)
Applies mechanical analysis to the basic design of machine elements; basic concepts in statistics and reliability analysis, advanced strength of materials, and fatigue analysis; and the practical design and applications of materials to fastening systems, weldments, power screws, springs, journal and anti-friction bearings, gears, brake clutches and flexible power transmission elements. Prerequisites: MAE 3310.
MAE 3710Mechanical Systems (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Presents general concepts of dynamical systems modeling and provides mathematical tools to develop and analyze models that describe input/output behaviors of physical systems. Topics include basic elements of mechanical systems, transfer functions, frequency response, stability and poles, resonance and natural frequency, transient and time constant, steady state and DC gain, block diagrams. Prerequisites: MAE 2320 and APMA 2130
MAE 3730Flight Vehicle Dynamics (3)
Introduces definitions and concepts and includes a review of longitudinal static stability; rigid body dynamics: general equations of motion, rotating coordinate systems; small disturbance theory; atmospheric flight mechanics, stability derivatives; motion analysis of aircraft; static and dynamic stability; aircraft handling qualities; and an introduction to flight control systems and automatic stabilization. Prerequisite: MAE 2320.
MAE 3810Experimental Methods Laboratory (3)
The study of basic concepts and methods in engineering measurements and data analysis. Basic topics include mechanical and electrical sensors and measurement instruments, measurement uncertainty, statistic and data analysis. Additional topics include digital signal processing and data acquisition systems using Labview. Applications are to mechanical and aero/thermofluids devices. Two lectures and two laboratory hours Prerequisite: PHYS 2415, MAE 2320; corequisite: APMA 3110
MAE 3820Aerodynamics Laboratory (2)
Application of experimental methods to the design of experiments. Topics include data acquisition, hypothesis testing, and uncertainty assessment. Includes two experiments to investigate wing aerodynamic behaviors in a low speed wind tunnel and supersonic flow over a model or through a nozzle. Additional activities and experiments may vary to meet student interest. Must have completed MAE 2330 or MAE 3230.
MAE 3840Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (2)
Application of experimental methods to the design of experiments. Topics include data acquisition, hypothesis testing, and uncertainty assessment. Students will complete an array of experiments requiring the examination of test equipment and procedures for heat transfer, mechanical and fluid systems. Pre-requisites: MAE 2330 or MAE 3230.
MAE 4120Aerospace Propulsion (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Aero- and thermodynamics of compressible fluids in air-breathing and rocket engines. Performance and cycle analysis of air-breathing engines, emphasizing turbojets, turbofans, turboprops, and ramjets; space propulsion including rocket dynamics, thrust chamber thermodynamics, and propulsion performance; performance of axial-flow and centrifugal compressors; turbines; and the matching of engine components. Prerequisite: MAE 3210 and MAE 2100.
MAE 4130Rocket Propulsion (3)
Introduces rocket-engine design and optimization problems; materials, temperature-exposure, and stress-strain issues; rocket flight mechanics and trajectories; rocket staging issues; liquid propellants; liquid-propellant engine designs; rocket thrust-chamber flow behaviors and modeling;rocket exhaust behaviors; modeling methods; maneuver, orbit-adjustment, and attitude-adjustment engines Prerequisite: MAE 2320, 3010, 3210; corequisite: MAE 3220
MAE 4260Robotic Autonomy (3)
Principles of robotic autonomy for navigating unstructured environments using mathematical principles. Basic probability theory, numerical techniques for recursive Bayesian estimation and multi-sensor data fusion, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, quantification of belief, and autonomous control. Prerequisites: MAE 2320 Dynamics and CS 1110 or CS 1111 or CS 1112 Introduction to Programming, or instructor's permission.
Course was offered Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
MAE 4270Experimental Robotics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Mechanical design and build of a robot complete with sensors and actuators. Install Robot Operating System (ROS) and operate. Communication using ROS. Integration of microcontrollers and onboard computers. Object recognition. Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) of the environment. Pre-requisites: 4th year standing or instructor's permission
Course was offered Fall 2023, Fall 2022
MAE 4280Motion Biomechanics (3)
Focuses on the study of forces (and their effects) that act on the musculoskeletal structures of the human body. Based on the foundations of functional anatomy and engineering mechanics (rigid body and deformable approaches); students are exposed to clinical problems in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Cross-listed as BIOM 4280. Prerequisite: MAE 2310 and 2320.
MAE 4501Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Applies basic engineering science, design methods, and systems analysis to developing areas and current problems in mechanical engineering. Topics vary based on student and faculty interest. Prerequisite: 3rd or 4th year standing.
MAE 4502Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering (3)
Applies basic engineering science, design methods, and systems analysis to developing areas and current problems in mechanical engineering. Topics vary based on student and faculty interest. Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing.
MAE 4503Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering (3)
Applies basic engineering science, design methods, and systems analysis to developing areas and current problems in aerospace engineering. Topics vary based on student and faculty interest. Prerequisite: Third or Fourth-year standing.
MAE 4504Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Applies basic engineering science, design methods, and systems analysis to developing areas and current problems in aerospace engineering. Topics vary based on student and faculty interest. Prerequisite: Third or Fourth-year standing.
MAE 4511Mechanical Engineering Special Project (1.5)
Offered
Fall 2024
Individual survey, analysis, or apparatus project in the mechanical engineering field, concluded with the submission of a formal report. Subject originates with students wishing to develop a technical idea of personal interest. One hour conference per week. Prerequisite: Professional standing and prior approval by a faculty member who is project supervisor. Prerequisite: fourth year standing.
MAE 4512Mechanical Engineering Special Project (1.5)
Individual survey, analysis, or apparatus project in the mechanical engineering field, concluded with the submission of a formal report. Subject originates with students wishing to develop a technical idea of personal interest. One hour conference per week. Prerequisite: Professional standing and prior approval by a faculty member who is project supervisor. Prerequisite: fourth year standing.
MAE 4513Aerospace Engineering Special Projects (1.5)
Offered
Fall 2024
Applied research in areas pertinent to aerospace engineering; conducted in close consultation with a departmental faculty advisor. Includes the design and construction of experiments, analysis, or the investigation of physical phenomena. The research may be related to ongoing faculty research and may be the topic of the senior thesis, but its scope must be significantly beyond that required for the thesis. Prerequisite Fourth yr. standing.
MAE 4514Aerospace Engineering Special Projects (1.5)
Applied research in areas pertinent to aerospace engineering; conducted in close consultation with a departmental faculty advisor. Includes the design and construction of experiments, analysis, or the investigation of physical phenomena. The research may be related to ongoing faculty research and may be the topic of the senior thesis, but its scope must be significantly beyond that required for the thesis. Prerequisite Fourth yr. standing
MAE 4605Manufacturing and Process Technology (3)
Includes familiarization with concepts of mass production tooling and automation; metallurgical and mechanical aspects of machining and metal forming; and experiments with machine tools. Prerequisite: MAE 2000, MAE 3620.
MAE 4610Mechanical Engineering Design I (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Coverage of the design process including project management, specifications, budgeting and case histories, Conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases. Technical proposal and report preparation and technical presentations. Organization of design teams to work on specific semester long mechanical design projects selected to illustrate the design process. Engineering 4th Year Standing or instructor permission.
MAE 4620Mechanical Engineering Design II (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
A continuation of MAE 4610 that applies the design process to projects. Organization of design teams to work on specific semester-long design projects, including oral presentations and written reports. Pre- or Co-Requisite MAE 4610
MAE 4630Energy Systems Design I (3)
Design of systems for the useful conversion of energy. Applications include various combustion systems that generate electricity and the control of air pollutant emissions from combustion systems. Considers the control and performance features present in such operating systems, as well as the economic optimization of capital and operating expense. Y) Prerequisite: MAE 3140
Course was offered Fall 2010, Fall 2009
MAE 4640Energy Systems Design II (3)
Design of systems for the useful conversion of energy. Applications include various combustion systems that generate electricity and the control of air pollutant emissions from combustion systems. Considers the control and performance features present in such operating systems, as well as the economic optimization of capital and operating expense. Prerequisite: MAE 3140
Course was offered Spring 2011, Spring 2010
MAE 4670Creativity and New Product Development I (3)
Engineering design process by engaging teams of students in design activities that results in useful and novel products. Stages of the typical product design process, concepts of intellectual property and its protection through patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, and the technical tools of modern engineering practice, including solids modeling and rapid prototyping. Prerequisite: 4th year standing - ENU
MAE 4680Creativity and New Product Development II (3)
Creating working prototypes, development of business plans for commercialization, and writing of proposals for external funding.Prerequisite: MAE 4670.
MAE 4710Mechatronics (4)
Presents the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and computer control in the design of industrial products and processes. Surveys basic electronics, electromechanical actuators, analog and digital signals, sensors, basic control algorithms, and microcontrol programming. Weekly laboratory exercises and a final design project. Prerequisite: Third year standing in ME or AE or instructor permission.
MAE 4720Advanced Mechatronics (3)
Mechatronics studies synergistic integration of mechanical engineering, electronics, and intelligent control in the design and manufacture of devices. Advanced Mechatronics follows MAE 4710 Mechatronics and dives deeper into circuits, electromechanical actuators, analog and digital signals, sensors, control algorithms, and microcontroller programming. An emphasis is placed on synergistically combining components to design and invent new products.
Course was offered Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022
MAE 4730Introduction to Automatic Controls (3)
Discusses the mathematics of feedback control systems; transfer functions; basic servo theory; stability analysis; root locus techniques; and graphical methods. Applications to analysis and design of mechanical systems, emphasizing hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical devices. Prerequisite: MAE 2320 and 3710.
MAE 4740Mechanical Vibrations (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Studies free and forced vibration of damped and undamped single and multiple degree of freedom systems. Includes modeling of discrete and continuous mass systems; application to vibration measurement instruments; analysis of concepts of modal analysis; concepts of linear stability; application to rotating machinery, Prerequisite MAE 2320, corequisite MAE 3710
MAE 4760Automobile Dynamics (3)
Fundamentals of automobile power train performance. Dynamics of straight-line motion including acceleration and braking. Fundamentals of suspension design, operation, and application to automobile dynamics including geometry, kinematic motion. Static analysis of automobile weight, balance, and load transfer and application to cornering. Prerequisite MAE 2320
Course was offered Spring 2011, Spring 2010
MAE 4790Aerospace Engineering Design I (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Analyze design requirements for and produce the conceptual design of an aircraft or a spacecraft. Includes synthesis of materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, avionics, data handling and telemetry, stability and control, interior and external configuration, and all systems. Exploration of industrial design tools and program management strategies. Work in teams. Oral presentations and report writing. Design topics vary. Pre-requisite: 4th Year Standing in Aerospace Engineering
MAE 4800Aerospace Engineering Design II (3)
A continuation of MAE 4790. Completion of the design topics. Includes the option to advance the design to the critical design stage and build prototypes. Final report and oral presentations. Pre-requisite: MAE 4790
MAE 4990Professional Development in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (1)
Review of the fundamental topics in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering covered on the Fundamentals of Engineering licensure examination. Prerequisites: MAE 3140, 4710, 3620.
MAE 6020Continuum Mechanics with Applications (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Introduces continuum mechanics and mechanics of deformable solids. Vectors and cartesian tensors, stress, strain, deformation, equations of motion, constitutive laws, introduction to elasticity, thermal elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, and fluids. Cross-listed as APMA 6020, AM 6020. Taught concurrently w/ CE 6720. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
MAE 6030Computational Solid Mechanics (3)
Analyzes variational and computational mechanics of solids; potential energy; complementary energy; virtual work; Reissner's principle; Ritz and Galerkin methods; displacement; force and mixed methods of analysis; finite element analysis including shape functions, convergence, and integration. Applications in solid mechanics. Cross-listed as CE 6730. Prerequisite: MAE 6020.
MAE 6040Plates and Shells (3)
Includes the classical analysis of plates and shells of various shapes; closed-form numerical and approximate methods of solution of governing partial differential equations; and advanced topics (large deflection theory, thermal stresses, orthotropic plates). Cross listed as AM 6040 and taught concurrently w/ CE 6740. Prerequisite: APMA 6410 and CE 6710 or 6720 or MAE 6020.
MAE 6070Theory of Elasticity (3)
Concepts of stress, strain, equilibrium, compatibility; Hooke's law (isotropic materials); displacement and stress formulations of elasticity problems; plane stress and strain problems in rectangular coordinates (Airy's stress function approach); plane stress and strain problems in polar coordinates, axisymmetric problems; thermal stress; and energy methods.
MAE 6080Constitutive Modeling of Biosystems (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
The course covers state-of-the-art mechanical models to describe the constitutive behavior of hard and soft tissues with emphasis on biological form following physiological function. The course will cover linear and nonlinear elasticity, viscoelasticity, poroelasticity, and biphasic constitutive relations in the context of biological systems and will include the dependence of macroscopic behavior and properties on material microstructure. Prerequisite: MAE 6020
MAE 6100Thermomechanics (3)
Review of classical thermodynamics; introduction to kinetic theory; quantum mechanical analysis of atomic and molecular structure; statistical mechanical evaluation of thermodynamic properties; chemical thermodynamics and equilibria. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
MAE 6110Heat and Mass Transport Phenomena (3)
Fundamentals of conduction and convection heat and mass transfer. Derivation and application of conservation equations for heat and mass transfer in laminar and turbulent flows. Steady, unsteady and multidimensional transport. Applications to free and confined flows in forced, natural and mixed convection regimes. Phase change problems with moving boundaries, condensation and evaporation. High speed flows. Prerequisite: Undergraduate fluid mechanics or instructor permission.
MAE 6120Microscale Heat Transfer (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
This course will begin with a study of the fundamental microscopic energy carriers (definitions, properties, energy levels and disruptions of photons, phonons, and electrons.) Transport of energy will then be investigated with an emphasis on microscale effects in space and in time. The approaches used to describe microscale heat transportation differ significantly from the macroscopic phenomenological approaches and include new physical mechanisms. They often involve solution of the Boltzman transport equation and the equation of phonon radiative transfer. These approaches will be introduced with an emphasis on ultra-short time scale heating and ultra-low temperatures. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission
MAE 6130Kinetic Theory and Transport Properties (3)
Derivation of Boltzmann equation; Molecular derivation of Navier-Stokes equations; dynamics of molecular collisions; Chapman-Enskog solution of Boltzmann equation; transport properties of gases; analyses of shock structure, flows with chemical reactions, radiative nonequilibrium, rarefied gases, etc. Prerequisite: MAE 6100 or instructor permission.
Course was offered Spring 2012
MAE 6160Advanced Thermodynamics (3)
Analyzes basic concepts, postulates, and relationships of classical thermodynamics; thermodynamics potentials and derivatives; energy minimum and entropy maximum principle; generalized Maxwell relations; stability considerations; phase transitions; application to perfect and imperfect systems; and extension to chemically reacting and solid systems. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
MAE 6200Energy Principles in Mechanics (3)
Analyzes the derivation, interpretation, and application to engineering problems of the principles of virtual work and complementary virtual work; related theorems, such as the principles of the stationary value of the total potential and complementary energy, Castigliano's Theorems, theorem of least work, and unit force and displacement theorems. Introduces generalized, extended, mixed, and hybrid principles; variational methods of approximation, Hamilton's principle, and Lagrange's equations of motion; and approximate solutions to problems in structural mechanics by use of variational theorems. Cross-listed as CE 6700. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Course was offered Fall 2009
MAE 6210Analytical Dynamics (3)
Classical analytical dynamics from a modern mathematical viewpoint: Newton's laws, dynamical variables, many particle systems; the Lagrangian formulation, constraints and configuration manifolds, tangent bundles, differential manifolds; variational principles, least action; non-potential forces; constrained problems; linear oscillations; Hamiltonian formulation: canonical equations, Rigid body motion. Prerequisite: Undergraduate physics, ordinary differential equations.
MAE 6220Waves (3)
The topics covered are: plane waves; d'Alembert solution; method of characteristics; dispersive systems; wavepackets; group velocity; fully-dispersed waves; Laplace, Stokes, and steepest descents integrals; membranes, plates and plane-stress waves; evanescent waves; Kirchhoff's solution; Fresnel's principle; elementary diffraction; reflection and transmission at interfaces; waveguides and ducted waves; waves in elastic half-spaces; P, S, and Rayleigh waves; layered media and Love waves; slowly-varying media and WKBJ method; Time-dependent response using Fourier-Laplace transforms; some nonlinear water waves. Prerequisite: MAE 6020 or equivalent.
MAE 6230Vibrations (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Topics include free and forced vibrations of undamped and damped single- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems; modal analyses; continuous systems; matrix formulations; finite element equations; direct integration methods; and eigenvalue solution methods. Cross-listed as CE 6731. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
MAE 6240Nonlinear Dynamics and Waves (3)
Introduces phase-space methods, elementary bifurcation theory and perturbation theory, and applies them to the study of stability in the contexts of nonlinear dynamical systems and nonlinear waves, including free and forces nonlinear vibrations and wave motions. Examples are drawn from mechanics and fluid dynamics, and include transitions to periodic oscillations and chaotic oscillations. Prerequisite: Undergraduate ordinary differential equations or instructor permission.
MAE 6250Multibody Mechanical Systems (3)
Analytical and computational treatment for modeling and simulation of 3-Dimensional multibody mechanical systems. Provide a systematic and consistent basis for analyzing the interactions between motion constraints, kinematics, static, dynamic, and control behavior of multibody mechanical systems. Applications to machinery, robotic devices and mobile robots, biomechanical models for gait analysis and human motions, and motion control. Matrix modeling procedures with symbolic and numerical computational tools will be utilized for demonstrating the methods developed in this course. Focus on the current research and computational tools and examine a broad spectrum of physical systems where multibody behavior is fundamental to their design and control. Prerequisite: Engineering degree and familiarity with a programming language.
MAE 6260Robotic Autonomy (3)
Principles of robotic autonomy for navigating unstructured environments using mathematical principles. Basic probability theory, numerical techniques for recursive Bayesian estimation and multi-sensor data fusion, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, quantification of belief, and autonomous control. Prerequisites: undergraduate dynamics, a programming course in Python, C++, or Matlab; or instructor's permission.
Course was offered Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
MAE 6270Experimental Robotics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Mechanical design and build of a robot complete with sensors and actuators. Install Robot Operating System (ROS) and operate. Communication using ROS. Integration of microcontrollers and onboard computers. Object recognition. Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) of the environment. Prerequisites: undergraduate dynamics; a programming course in Python, C++, or MATLAB; or instructor's permission
Course was offered Fall 2023, Fall 2022
MAE 6310Fluid Mechanics I (3)
The topics covered are: dimensional analysis; physical properties of fluids; kinematic descriptions of flow; streamlines, path lines and streak lines; stream functions and vorticity; hydrostatics and thermodynamics; Euler and Bernoulli equations; irrotational potential flow; exact solutions to the Navier-Stokes equation; effects of viscosity - high and low Reynolds numbers; waves in incompressible flow; hydrodynamic stability. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing
MAE 6320Fluid Mechanics II (3)
The topics covered are: thin wing theory; slender-body theory; three-dimensional wings in steady subsonic and supersonic flows; drag at supersonic speeds; drag minimization; transonic small-disturbance flow; unsteady flow; properties and modeling of turbulent flows. Prerequisite: MAE 6310.
MAE 6330Lubrication Theory and Design (3)
Topics include the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication for an incompressible fluid; design principles of bearings: oil flow, load-carrying capacity, temperature rise, stiffness, damping properties; influence of bearing design upon rotating machinery; computer modeling methods; and applications to specific types. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
MAE 6340Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems (3)
Fundamentals of momentum, energy and mass transport as applied to complex biological systems ranging from the organelles in cells to whole plants and animals and their environments. Derivation of conservation laws (momentum, heat and mass), constitutive equations, and auxiliary relations. Applications of theoretical equations and empirical relations to model and predict the characteristics of diffusion and convection in complex biological systems and their environments. Emphasis placed on the bio-mechanical understanding of these systems through the construction of simplified mathematical models amenable to analytical, numerical or statistical formulations and solutions, including the identification and quantification of model uncertainties. Prerequisite: Introductory fluid mechanics and/or heat or mass transfer, or instructor permission.
MAE 6360Gas Dynamics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Analyzes the theory and solution methods applicable to multi-dimensional compressible inviscid gas flows at subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic speeds; similarity and scaling rules from small-petrurbation theory, introduction to transonic and hypersonic flows; method-of-characteristics applications to nozzle flows, jet expansions, and flows over bodies one dimensional non-steady flows; properties of gases in thermodynamic equilibrium, including kinetic-theory, chemical-thermodynamics, and statistical-mechanics considerations; dissociation and ionization process; quasi-equilibrium flows; and introduction to non-equilibrium flows. Prerequisite: MAE 6100.
Course was offered Spring 2022, Spring 2013
MAE 6370Singular Perturbation Theory (3)
Analyzes regular perturbations, roots of polynomials; singular perturbations in ODE's, periodic solutions of simple nonlinear differential equations; multiple-Scales method; WKBJ approximation; turning-point problems; Langer's method of uniform approximation; asymptotic behavior of integrals, Laplace Integrals, stationary phase, steepest descents. Examples are drawn from physical systems. Prerequisite: Familiarity with complex analysis.
MAE 6410Engineering Mathematics I (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Review of ordinary differential equations, initial/boundary value problems. Linear algebra including systems of linear equations, matrices, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonalization. Solution of partial differential equations that govern physical phenomena in science and engineering by separation by variables, superposition, Fourier series, variation of parameter, d'Alembert's solution. Cross-listed as APMA 6410. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
MAE 6420Engineering Mathematics II (3)
Further and deeper understanding of partial differential equations that govern physical phenomena in science and engineering. Solution of linear partial differential equations by eigenfunction expansion techniques. Green's functions for time-independent and time-dependant boundary value problems. Fourier transform methods, and Laplace transform methods. Solution of variety of initial-value, boundary-value problems. Various physical applications. Study of complex variable theory. Functions of complex variable, the complex integral calculus, Taylor series, Laurent series, and the residue theorem, and various applications. Serious work and efforts in the further development of analytical skills and response. Cross-listed as APMA 6420. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and APMA/MAE 6410 or equivalent.
MAE 6430Statistics for Engineers and Scientists (3)
Role of statistics in science, hypothesis tests of significance, confidence intervals, design of experiments, regression, correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and introduction to statistical computing with statistical software libraries. Cross-listed as APMA 6430. Prerequisite: Admission to graduate studies or instructor permission.
MAE 6440Applied Partial Differential Equations (3)
Includes first order partial differential equations (linear, quasilinear, nonlinear); classification of equations and characteristics; and well-posed-ness of initial and boundary value problems. Cross-listed as APMA 6440. Prerequisite: APMA/MAE 6410 or equivalent.
MAE 6555Special Topics in Distance Learning (3)
Special Topics in Distance Learning
MAE 6592Special Topics in Mechanical and Aerospace Science: Intermediate Level (1 - 3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Study of a specialized, advanced, or exploratory topic relating to mechanical or aerospace engineering science, at the first-graduate-course level. May be offered on a seminar or a team-taught basis. Subjects selected according to faculty interest. New graduate courses are usually introduced in this form. Specific topics and prerequisites are listed in the Course Offering Directory.
MAE 6594Special Grad Project in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering: First-Year Lvl (1 - 12)
A design or research project for a first-year graduate student under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report must be submitted and an oral report presented. Up to three credits from either this course or MAE 7540 may be applied toward the master's degree. Prerequisite: Students must petition the department Graduate Studies Committee before enrolling.
MAE 6600Introduction to Control Systems (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
This course has been developed for general graduate students and advanced undergraduate students in engineering. Assuming only basic knowledge of matrix operations, differential equations and electric circuits, the course aims to introduce, through numerous examples, fundamental concepts and tools for the analysis and design of control systems.
Course was offered Fall 2023, Spring 2023
MAE 6610Linear Automatic Control Systems (3)
Studies the dynamics of linear, closed-loop systems. Analysis of transfer functions; stability theory; time response, frequency response; robustness; and performance limitations. Design of feedback controllers. Cross-listed as ECE 6851. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
MAE 6620Linear State Space Systems (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
A comprehensive treatment of the theory of linear state space systems, focusing on general results which provide a conceptual framework as well as analysis tools for investigation in a wide variety of engineering contexts. Topics include vector spaces, linear operators, functions of matrices, state space description, solutions to state equations (time invariant and time varying), state transition matrices, system modes and decomposition, stability, controllability and observability, Kalman decomposition, system realizations, grammians and model reduction, state feedback, and observers. Cross-listed as SYS 6012 and ECE 6852. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
MAE 6680Advanced Machine Technologies (3)
Studies new technologies for machine automation, including intelligent machines, robotics, machine vision, image processing, and artificial intelligence. Emphasis on computer control of machines; intelligent automatic control systems; and distributed networks. Focuses on research problems in each of these areas.
MAE 6710Finite Element Analysis (3)
The topics covered are: review of vectors, matrices, and numerical solution techniques; discrete systems; variational formulation and approximation for continuous systems; linear finite element method in solid mechanics; formulation of isoparametric finite elements; finite element method for field problems, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. Prerequisite: MAE 6020 or equivalent
MAE 6720Computational Fluid Dynamics I (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Includes the solution of flow and heat transfer problems involving steady and transient convective and diffusive transport; superposition and panel methods for inviscid flow, finite-difference methods for elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations, elementary grid generation for odd geometries, primitive variable and vorticity-steam function algorithms for incompressible, multidimensional flows. Extensive use of personal computers/workstations, including interactive graphics. Prerequisite: MAE 6310 or instructor permission.
MAE 6780Cyber-Physical Systems Technology and Ethics (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
This course is designed to develop cross-competency in the technical, analytical, and professional capabilities necessary for the emerging field of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). It provides convergence learning activities based around the applications, technologies, and system designs of CPS as well as exploring the ethical, social, and policy dimensions of CPS work. The course also emphasizes the importance of communication as a necessary skill.
Course was offered Fall 2023
MAE 6850Measurement Theory and Advanced Instrumentation (3)
Studies the theory and practice of modern measurement and measurement instrumentation; statistical analysis of data; estimation of errors and uncertainties; operating principles and characteristics of fundamental transducers and sensors; common electrical circuits and instruments; and signal processing methods. Prerequisite: Undergraduate electrical science.
Course was offered Spring 2010
MAE 6870Applied Engineering Optics (3)
Analyzes modern engineering optics and methods; fundamentals of coherence, diffraction interference, polarization, and lasing processes; fluid mechanics, heat transfer, stress/strain, vibrations, and manufacturing applications; laboratory practice: interferometry, schlieren/shadowgraph, and laser velocimetry. Prerequisite: PHYS 2415.
Course was offered Fall 2022, Fall 2020
MAE 6993Independent Study in Mechanical or Aerospace Science: Intermediate Level (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Independent study of first-year graduate level material under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Students must petition the department Graduate Studies Committee before enrolling.
MAE 7030Injury Biomechanics (3)
This is an advanced applications course on the biomechanical basis of human injury and injury modeling. The course covers the etiology of human injury and state-of-the-art analytic and synthetic mechanical models of human injury. The course will have a strong focus on modeling the risk of impact injuries to the head, neck, thorax, abdomen and extremities. The course will explore the biomechanical basis of widely used and proposed human injury criteria and will investigate the use of these criteria with simplified dummy surrogates to assess human injury risk. Brief introductions to advanced topics such as human biomechanical variation with age and sex, and the biomechanics of injury prevention will be presented based on current research and the interests of the students. Prerequisite: MAE 6080.
MAE 7150Combustion (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Reviews chemical thermodynamics, including conservation laws, perfect gas mixtures, combustion chemistry and chemical equilibrium; finite-rate chemical kinetics; conservation equations for multicomponent reacting systems; detonation and deflagration waves in premixed gases; premixed laminar flames; gaseous diffusion flames and droplet evaporation; introduction to turbulent flames; chemically-reacting boundary-layer flows; ignition; applications to practical problems in energy systems, aircraft propulsion systems, and internal combustion engines. Projects selected from topics of interest to the class. Prerequisite: Undergraduate thermodynamics and MAE 6310, or instructor permission.
MAE 7510Research Seminar, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Master's Students (0 - 1)
Offered
Fall 2024
Required one-hour weekly seminar for master's students in mechanical and aerospace and nuclear engineering. Students enrolled in MAE 8999 or 6594/7540 make formal presentations of their work.
MAE 7520Special Topics in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering Science: Advanced Level (3)
A specialized, advanced, or exploratory topic relating to mechanical or aerospace engineering science, at the second-year or higher graduate level. May be offered on a seminar or team-taught basis. Subjects selected according to faculty interest. Topics and prerequisites are listed in the Course Offering Directory.
Course was offered Fall 2020, Fall 2018, Fall 2009
MAE 7530Independent Study in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering Science: Advanced (3)
Offered
Fall 2024
Independent study of advanced graduate material under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Students must petition the department Graduate Studies Committee before enrolling.
MAE 7540Special Graduate Project in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering: Advanced Level (1 - 12)
A design or research project for an advanced graduate student under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report must be submitted and an oral report must be presented. Up to three credits of either this course or MAE 6594 may be applied toward the master's degree. Prerequisite: Students must petition the department Graduate Studies Committee before enrolling.
MAE 7555Advanced Topics in Distance Learning (3)
Advanced Topics in Distance Learning
MAE 7630Optimal Dynamical Systems (3)
Introduces the concept of performance metrices for dynamical systems and examines the optimization of performances over both parameter and function spaces. Discusses both the existence of optimal solutions to dynamic problems and how these may be found. Such results provide via limits to performance of dynamic systems, which delineate what can and cannot be achieved via engineering. Constitutes a basis for more advanced study in design synthesis and optimal control. Cross-listed as ECE 7853. Prerequisite: Two years of college mathematics, including some linear and vector calculus. Classical and state-spaced controls and undergraduate design courses are recommended.
MAE 7650Multivariable Control (3)
State space theories for linear control system design have been developed over the last 40 years. Among those, H2 and Hinf control theories are the most established, powerful, and popular in applications. This course focuses on these theories and shows why and how they work. Upon completion of this course, student will be confident in applying the theories and will be equipped with technical machinery that allows them to thoroughly understand these theories and to explore new control design methods if desired in their own research. More importantly, students will learn a fundamental framework for optimal system design from a state perspective. Cross-listed as ECE 7855. Prerequisite: MAE 6620.
Course was offered Fall 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2013
MAE 7660Nonlinear Control Systems (3)
Studies the dynamic response of nonlinear systems; approximate analytical and graphical analysis methods; stability analysis using the second method of Liapunov, describing functions, and other methods; adaptive, learning, and switched systems; examples from current literature. Cross-listed as ECE 7856. Prerequisite: ECE 6851 or instructor permission.
MAE 7680Digital Control Systems (3)
Topics include sampling processes and theorems, z-transforms, modified transforms, transfer functions, stability criteria; analysis in both frequency and time domains; discrete-state models for systems containing digital computers; and applications using small computers to control dynamic processes. Cross-listed as ECE 7858. Prerequisite: MAE 5265 or instructor permission.
MAE 7720Computational Fluid Dynamics II (3)
A continuation of MAE 6720. More advanced methods for grid generation, transformation of governing equations for odd geometries, methods for compressible flows, methods for parabolic flows, calculations using vector and parallel computers. Use of personal computers/workstations/supercomputer, including graphics. Prerequisite: MAE 6720 or instructor permission.
Course was offered Spring 2013
MAE 8000TNon-UVa Transfer/Test Credit Approved (1 - 48)
Non-UVa Transfer/Test Credit Approved
MAE 8591Research Seminar, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Doctoral Students (0 - 1)
Offered
Fall 2024
Required one-hour weekly seminar for doctoral students in mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering. Students enrolled in MAE 9999 may make formal presentations of their work.
MAE 8897Graduate Teaching Instruction (1 - 6)
Offered
Fall 2024
For master's students.
MAE 8999Master's Thesis Research, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (1 - 12)
Offered
Fall 2024
Formal documentation of faculty supervision of thesis research. Each full-time, resident Master of Science student in mechanical and aerospace engineering is required to register for this course for the number of credits equal to the difference between his or her regular course load (not counting the one-credit MAE 7510 seminar) and 12.
MAE 9897Graduate Teaching Instruction (1 - 6)
Offered
Fall 2024
For doctoral students.
MAE 9999Dissertation Research, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (1 - 12)
Offered
Fall 2024
Formal documentation of faculty supervision of dissertation research. Each full-time resident doctoral student in mechanical and aerospace engineering is required to register for this course for the number of credits equal to the difference between his or her regular course load (not counting the one-credit MAE 8591 seminar) and 12.