ABET SYLLABUS For MER419: Design of Mechanical Systems (required)

Course (Catalog) Description

A capstone design experience for the mechanics area of mechanical engineering program. Students work in teams on challenging design projects with special focus on the design of mechanical devices and systems.

Prerequisite Requirements

MER311, MER312

Textbook and Other Required Material

Machine Design: An Integrated Approach, 3rd ed., R.L. Norton, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2006

Course Objectives

Satisfactory completion of this course should demonstrate that students have:

• gained a practical working knowledge of basic machine elements such as motors, gears, belts, bearings, shafts and fasteners. This working knowledge should consist of an intuitive understanding of how the machine elements work, the ability to select parts from the catalogues and analyze them, and the ability to integrate those parts into the design of a complex mechanical system.
• gained experience designing mechanical systems to meet desired needs.
• learned how to effectively apply engineering tools to open-ended problems.
• gained a greater appreciation for design for manufacture considerations.
• learned how to learn on your own.
• gained additional experience working in teams.

Topics Covered

Design Methodology; Design for Manufacture Principles; Motor Selection; Drive Train Design; Gears; Belts and Chains; Bearings; Bolts; Shaft Design; Mounting Methods

Class/Laboratory Schedule

The class meets for 170 minutes two times weekly.  First 60-75 minutes is devoted to lecture topics. Remaining time is dedicated to the term-long design project

Contribution of the Course to Meeting the Professional Component

Engineering Topics 100%

Relationship of the Course to Program Outcomes

This course addresses the following with respect to the ME Outcomes:

2. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

3. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

4. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability

8. an ability to define, formulate and solve engineering problems

9. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

10. an ability to communicate effectively

11. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

12. an ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Person Who Prepared this Description

William D. Keat
Associate Professor
June 2009