Machine Design

Catalog description

Machine Design is the application of fundamental engineering knowledge to the design and creation of devices, comprising interrelated mechanical components, to modify loads (forces and moments) and/or motion (translational and rotational). Broadly speaking, load changes can be in magnitude or direction; and motion changes can be in magnitude, direction, or type—e.g., from translation to rotation. A good designer should use an appropriate (usually iterative) design process; and s/he should possess and be able to apply a broad— sufficiently deep—understanding of engineering fundamentals, such as: • material types, capabilities, and limitations; • load, stress, deflection, and stiffness analytical tools—experimental and theoretical; • failure prevention—for static and variable loading. Machine Design also employs knowledge of the following, among other subjects: • common types (and subtypes) of mechanical hardware—such as screws, fasteners, welds, shafts and shaft components, springs, bearings, clutches, brakes, couplings, and flywheels; • gear-train analysis; • fabrication hardware tools such as lathes, milling machines, and welding equipment; • fabrication processes, such as forging and casting; • computer aids, such as CAD/CAM/CAE. Machine Design, MENG-331, will emphasize the theoretical aspects of the design process—using experimental measures of material properties and deterministic equations, along with various design tables, graphs, and safety factors—to ensure the ultimate design meets various design specifications to ensure user safety and machine reliability. The course will also provide an introduction to types of mechanical hardware and fabrication machinery and processes. Prerequisite: MENG 211. Offered fall term each year. Three semester hours.