67 undergraduate courses in the 2024–25 Undergraduate Calendar, and 70 graduate courses in the Spring 2025 Graduate Calendar.
Undergraduate
ME 100Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Practice 10.75 units
This course is focused on fundamental knowledge and skills essential for academic and professional development in mechanical engineering. It covers basic methods and principles used by mechanical engineers, e.g., fundamentals of technical communication, the design process and problem solving, measurements and data analysis, engineering professionalism, safety, and intellectual property. The fundamentals of engineering graphical communication using computer-aided design (CAD) and freehand sketching will be a significant component of this course. Written, graphical and oral communications are emphasized. Examples are drawn from mechanical engineering.
Discussion of the structure of and options within the mechanical engineering curriculum; of the operation of department, faculty, university, technical societies; of student team and graduate school opportunities; of safety training; and of subject material in support of core courses.
ME 101Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Practice 20.75 units
This course is a continuation of ME 100 and is aimed at reinforcing the concepts related to technical communications, professionalism, and professional development, with emphasis on mechanical engineering concepts and practical examples. The fundamentals of programming are a significant component of this course, focusing on digital computing, and basic programming and algorithm writing. Programming examples are drawn from mechanical engineering.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following
Must have completed the following:
ME100 - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Practice 1 (0.75)
ME 115Structure and Properties of Materials0.50 units
The relevance of materials to engineering practice. The microstructure of materials, crystallinity and crystal imperfections, glasses, and amorphous solids. Elastic and plastic deformation in metals, viscoelasticity of plastics. Strengthening mechanisms in metals, polymers, and ceramics. Fracture of brittle and ductile solids. Electrical and magnetic properties of materials.
ME 123Electrical Engineering for Mechanical Engineers0.50 units
Definitions of electric and magnetic fields. Introduction to circuit theory (direct current) DC circuits, amplifiers, operational amplifiers, single- and three-phase (alternating current) AC circuits. Introduction to basic electronic devices.
Discussion of the structure of and options within the mechanical engineering curriculum; of the operation of department, faculty, university, technical societies; of student team and graduate school opportunities; of safety training; and of subject material in support of core courses.
Discussion of the structure of and options within the mechanical engineering curriculum; of the operation of department, faculty, university, technical societies; of student team and graduate school opportunities; of safety training; and of subject material in support of core courses.
A continuation of first-year calculus, focusing on calculus of scalar and vector functions of several variables. Both classical calculus techniques and the computer implementation of numerical methods are discussed. Partial differentiation, total derivatives, chain rule, transformation of variables, Taylor series. Applications include geometrical problems, error estimation, maxima and minima, least squares curve fits. Multiple integration in standard coordinate systems, Jacobians. Vector calculus, divergence, curl, Laplacian, and Stokes', Green's and Divergence theorems. Scalar flux transport, work and energy, conservative force fields.
Frequency distributions; measures of central tendency; standard deviation and other measures of dispersion. Probability. Binomial, Poisson, normal distributions. Techniques of sampling and statistical estimation. Tests of hypotheses; significance. The t-test and chi-squared test. Curve fitting by least squares. Statistical process control. Correlation and regression. Experimental design.
Solution of ordinary differential equations. First and higher order differential equations. Nonlinear equations. Linear equations with constant and variable coefficients. Systems of linear equations. Applications involving simple dynamical systems and principles of mass, momentum and heat conservation will emphasize the role of ordinary differential equations in understanding the behaviour of physical systems. Introduction to the Laplace transform method for solving ordinary differential equations.
An introduction to the kinematics of particle and rigid body motion. Impulse-momentum equations. Work-energy methods and Euler's equations. Simple gyroscopes. Vibrations.
Concept of equilibrium, force analysis of structures and structural components, equilibrium of deformable bodies, stress and strain concepts, stress-strain relationships, stress analysis of prismatic members in axial, shearing, torsional and flexural deformations, shear force and bending moment diagrams.
A general treatment of the behaviour of structural components from the study of stress and strain in solids. Topics include superposition, energy theorems, theories of failure, elastic and inelastic analysis of symmetrical bending, torsion of circular members, columns and stability, and virtual work.
ME 230Control of Properties of Materials0.50 units
Phase equilibria, non-equilibrium behaviour, heat treatment of metals, diffusion, strengthening processes. Alloying, composite materials, cold and hot working. Failure of engineering materials; creep, fatigue, corrosion and other environmental degradation processes. Prevention of service failures.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following
Must have completed the following:
ME115 - Structure and Properties of Materials (0.50)
The microstructure of crystalline and amorphous materials including metals, polymers and ceramics. Elastic and plastic deformation in metals, viscoelastic deformation of polymers and viscous deformation of ceramic glasses. Fracture of brittle and ductile solids. Phase equilibria, non-equilibrium behaviour, heat treatment of metals, diffusion, strengthening processes.
The engineering science of energy. The scope and limitations of thermodynamics. Macroscopic approach to heat, work, energy and the First Law. Properties and state of simple substances. Control-mass and control-volume energy analysis. The Second Law of Thermodynamics, principle of increase of entropy, limiting cycle efficiencies, criteria for equilibrium.
ME 262Introduction to Microprocessors and Digital Logic0.50 units
Number systems, logic gates, Boolean algebra. Karnaugh maps and combinational logic design. Sequential logic and state machines. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC programming using ladder logic and statement list. Microcomputer structure and operation, I/O and interfacing. Assembly language programming. Laboratory work includes microcomputer and PLC programming.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following
Must have completed the following:
GENE123 - Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation (0.50)
ME 269Electromechanical Devices and Power Processing0.50 units
Review of circuit analysis. Basic electromagnetic theory. DC machines, synchronous generators, transformers, and induction motors. Introduction to typical speed and torque control techniques of machines using power electronic based devices.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following
Must have completed the following:
GENE123 - Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation (0.50)
Discussion of the structure of and options within the mechanical engineering curriculum; of the operation of department, faculty, university, technical societies; of student team and graduate school opportunities; of safety training; and of subject material in support of core courses.
Discussion of the structure of and options within the mechanical engineering curriculum; of the operation of department, faculty, university, technical societies; of student team and graduate school opportunities; of safety training; and of subject material in support of core courses.
A continuation of ME 201 and ME 203 in which both classical calculus techniques and the computer implementation of numerical methods are discussed. Partial differential equations of mathematical physics: wave, diffusion, Laplace, Poisson equations. Boundary and initial conditions. Separation of variables. Numerical methods for ordinary and partial differential equations. Applications will emphasize the role of ordinary and partial differential equations in understanding the behaviour of physical systems.
ME 321Dynamics of Machines and Mechanical Vibrations0.50 units
Principles of the geometry of motion, uniform and non-uniform motion, linkage, and analysis of mechanisms. Consideration of the static and dynamic forces in machines. Vibration analysis, response to shock, motion and force transmissibility, vibration isolation, and multi-DOF mechanical vibrations.
Adequacy assessment and synthesis of machine elements with a focus on the design process. Static failure of ductile and brittle materials, fatigue analysis of structures. Topics include the design of welds, bolted connections, springs, and shafts.
The principles of manufacturing unit processes including casting, forming, machining and joining. Interactions between design, materials (metals, polymers, ceramics) and processes. Advantages and limitations, relative cost, and production rates of competitive processes.
Physical properties of fluids and fundamental concepts in fluid mechanics. Hydrostatics. Conservation laws for mass, momentum and energy. Flow similarity and dimensional analysis as applied to engineering problems in fluid mechanics. Laminar and turbulent flow. Engineering applications such as flow measurement, flow in pipes, and fluid forces on moving bodies.
Introduction to heat transfer mechanisms. The formulation and solution of steady and transient heat conduction. Radiant heat transfer including exchange laws and view factors. Introductory convective heat transfer.
Emphasis on applications of thermodynamics to flow processes. Real fluids, evaluation of state functions of real fluids. Non-reacting mixtures, reacting mixtures, equilibrium considerations.
Open loop and feedback control. Laws governing mechanical, electrical, fluid and thermal control components. Analogies. Analysis of some engineering control systems using block diagram algebra, transient and steady-state operation. Different modes of control. Review of Laplace Transform methods. Concepts of stability. Principles of analog computer simulation. Brief treatment of linear flow graphs and bondgraphs.
ME 380Mechanical Engineering Design Workshop0.50 units
In this course, students study the design process, including needs analysis, problem definition; design criteria and critical parameter identification, generation of alternative solutions; conceptual design, detailed design, optimization; and implementation. Most of the term is devoted to a significant design project in which student groups work independently and competitively, applying the design process to a project goal set by the faculty co-ordinator. The design project typically includes construction of a prototype, and part of the course grade may depend on the performance of the prototype in a competitive test. In exceptional circumstances, the requirement for a prototype may be replaced by a computer simulation, or may be waived. Other mechanical engineering faculty members, particularly those teaching 3B courses, are available to provide advice and supervision to ME 380 students.
A continuation of the ME 322 course in analysis and synthesis of machinery, including advanced analysis of machine elements such as clutches, brakes, couplings, journal bearings, and gears. Advanced machine design concepts such as reliability, optimization, and techniques for stimulating innovative design. A synthesis project involving the machine elements studied is usually included.
This course is intended for those students interested in acquiring a working knowledge of metallurgy. It covers: metals and alloy systems, iron-carbon alloys, heat treatment and the function of alloying elements in steel, corrosion and scale resistant alloys, copper and nickel base alloys, light metals and their alloys; casting, hot and cold working of metals; soldering, brazing and welding; corrosion and oxidation; metal failure analysis.
Introduction to modern welding and joining processes for metals, polymers and ceramics. Fundamentals of the joining process and the influence of the process parameters on weld dimensions, strength and quality. Fusion welding processes such as shielded metal arc, gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, submerged arc welding and others including electron beam and laser beam welding. Resistance welding processes, solid-state welding processes, soldering and brazing. Laboratory exercises will provide hands-on experience with a number of industrially significant welding processes.
ME 452HVAC Load Analysis and Design Fundamentals0.50 units
Advanced psychrometric analysis applied to HVAC system design. Duct design and fan selection. Indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Heating and cooling load calculations. Heat flow through building elements. Solar radiation and solar gains through windows. Infiltration and exfiltration.
Selected topics in heat transfer fundamentals and applications. Topics to be covered include the fundamentals of convection with analytical solutions to simple laminar flow problems and approximate solutions to turbulent flow problems based on analogies between momentum and heat transfer. Also covered is radiant exchange in grey enclosures and in black enclosures containing emitting-absorbing gases. The remaining topics will be chosen from design of heat exchangers; condensation heat transfer; boiling heat transfer; and the treatment of problems in heat conduction.
Review of reserves and consumption trends of Canada's and the world's energy resources. Design of fossil-fuel central power plants, including boiler efficiency calculations and advanced steam and binary cycles. Review of atomic physics including fission and fusion energy. Design of nuclear fission power plants including design of reactor core for critical conditions, fuel cycles and radiation hazards. Design considerations for solar energy conversion devices including: availability of solar energy, solar-thermal converters, thermal storage and photovoltaics. Principles of fuel cells and some aspects of their design. Other topics as appropriate.
ME 481Mechanical Engineering Design Project 10.50 units
The first of two required courses for the mechanical engineering capstone design project. This course is intended to enable students to engage in in-depth engineering design and decision-making using engineering science while encouraging creativity and resourcefulness, and addressing the criteria listed in the faculty of engineering design rubrics. Students will work in small groups on a design project of their own choosing, or as part of a major student team project. The goal is to develop a design proposal, consisting of the needs analysis, design specifications and project plan, followed by the initial and detailed design work.
ME 482Mechanical Engineering Design Project 20.50 units
A continuation of ME 481. The final design of the major mechanical engineering project proposed in ME 481 will be undertaken. The purpose of this phase of the project is to carry out a detailed technical design and proof of feasibility of the solution proposed in ME 481.
This course is a continuation of ME 212 and ME 321. It includes study of planar and three-dimensional motion of rigid bodies and systems, including gyroscopic effects. Vector (Newton's Method) and analytical (Lagrange's Equation) methods are used to derive equations of motion. Linear vibrational analyses are performed to examine natural frequencies, stability, and mode shapes. Computer simulation of non-linear systems is discussed.
Fatigue and fracture analysis of metallic components including welded joints. Review of test and design procedures. Sources of cyclic loading. Cyclic counting procedures and cumulative damage. S-N curves and effects of mean, residual and multiaxial stressing. Stress concentrations; scatter and fatigue life distributions. Transition temperature concepts. Linear elastic fracture mechanics analysis of fatigue crack propagation and fracture initiation. Crack arrest.
ME 531Physical Metallurgy Applied to Manufacturing0.50 units
This course will allow the student to develop a more in depth knowledge of physical metallurgy and its application in understanding and solving relevant manufacturing problems. It will begin with a treatment of solid-state diffusion, mass transport and the principles of solidification including constitutional supercooling. This knowledge will then be applied to understand the microstructural development (and resultant properties) which occur in materials during manufacturing processes including casting, solid-state heat treatments, laser processing, and various joining operations. The course will include case studies aimed at providing the students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical way.
ME 533Non-Metallic and Composite Materials0.50 units
This course is intended to provide an advanced treatment of the structure, properties, and processing of non-metallic and composite materials based on polymers, metals, and ceramics. The structure and properties of polymers and ceramics in bulk form and as matrices and reinforcements in composites will be covered. Processing methods for non-metallics and composites (example extrusion, injection molding, etc.) will be considered. The geometrical arrangement of fibres within laminae and their influences on elastic and strength properties of composites will be described based on suitable micromechanical models. The role of the matrix and fibre/matrix interface in determining composite properties will be described.
Metallurgy of welding of steels (carbon, microalloy, low alloy and stainless steels), cast irons, aluminum-based, copper-based, nickel-based, cobalt-based, titanium-based and other alloys, (including dissimilar combinations) to explain the effects of welding processes and conditions (including post-weld heat treating) on microstructure and properties; causes and prevention of defects and deficiencies which can occur in different alloys, including porosity, cracking, embrittlement (hydrogen, temper, strain aging, ductile-brittle transition temperatures), overaging; metallurgy of soldered and brazed joints. Laboratory experiments will demonstrate microstructural effects and defects in a range of alloys for different welding processes and conditions.
ME 538Welding Design, Fabrication and Quality Control0.50 units
Manufacturing principles of welded mechanical components, machinery, pressure vessels, and structures subject to static or dynamic loading. Design of weld joints for structures made from ferrous alloys such as plain carbon and low alloy steels and non-ferrous alloys such as aluminum alloys. Residual stresses in weldments and distortion of weldments. Quality and quality control in welding fabrication; welding standards; welding procedure qualification; nondestructive examination methods for welds and brazed joints such as radiography, dye penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and eddy current techniques.
ME 540Fundamentals in Neural and Rehabilitation Engineering0.50 units
Introduction to the field of neural and rehabilitation engineering (NRE). Topics include describing common neurological and musculoskeletal injuries, related neural and rehabilitation engineering approaches to address disabilities, and the development of a design framework for synthesizing a novel neural and rehabilitation engineering approach. Critical concepts in clinical research design to meet current regulatory, ethical, and practice policies will be studied.
ME 548Numerical Control of Machine Tools 10.50 units
Operation fundamentals of NC machine tools. NC part programming: manual and CAD/CAM methods. Mechanics of metal cutting: examples of turning, milling, and drilling. Tool wear and breakage. Optimum cutting conditions. Dimensional and form errors due to static deformations. Dynamics of machining. Laboratory work provides hands-on experience in tool path generation, machining, and measurements of cutting forces and vibration.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following
Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
ME262 - Introduction to Microprocessors and Digital Logic (0.50)
Need for geometric modelling, historic developments; wire frame models; hidden line removed models; polyhedral models; surface models and solid models. Constructive solid geometry; boundary representation and decomposition modelling. Hybrid models. Data structures and their role in modelling. Curves and surfaces in modelling (Bezier, B-splines and NURBS). Geometric models and the role of engineers. Parametric and feature-based design. The course has a heavy lab component which provides exposure to solid modelling on SDRC IDEAS and PC-based CAD packages.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following
Must have completed the following:
ME321 - Dynamics of Machines and Mechanical Vibrations (0.50)
Combustion thermodynamics, introduction to chemical kinetics of combustion, combustion properties of fuels, flammability of combustible mixtures. Flame propagation mechanisms, pre-mixed and diffusional; stability of flames; introduction to combustion aerodynamics, jet flames; atomization; droplet and spray combustion. Elementary ignition concepts and theory. Basic detonation theory.
A course presenting the fundamental ideas involved in conventional finite element analysis in mechanical engineering. Domain discretization, interpolation and shape functions, element derivation and types, element stiffness or property equations, assembly procedure, boundary conditions, solution methods for the algebraic equation system, applications in heat transfer, fluid flow, and stress analysis. Students will, throughout the course, write and test their own finite element code through individual subroutine construction as the course progresses.
Properties of hydraulic fluids. Design and function of conventional hydraulic and pneumatic circuits. Characteristics of flow and pressure control valves. Speed control in fluid power circuits. Performance of pumps and fluid motors. Hydrostatic and hydrokinetic transmission systems. Principles of sealing, filtration and heat control in hydraulic circuits. Industrial applications of fluid power systems.
This course is focused on theory and practice of experimental analysis of fluid mechanics problems. It covers the following topics: experimental facilities and techniques for measurements in fluid flows, flow visualization, identification of appropriate tools for experimental assessment, planning of experiments, laboratory experiments, data acquisition, analysis of experimental results and uncertainty estimation.
Classification of turbomachines, performance parameters and laws of modelling. Basic equation of flow in turbomachines, compressible flow. Energy transfer in radial and axial turbomachines, performance characteristics, losses, and efficiencies. Blade and cascade design, 3-dimensional effects.
An introductory course in aerodynamics for engineers. Kinematics and dynamics of inviscid flow; airfoil dynamics including thin airfoil theory, finite wings, panel methods and airfoil parameters. Boundary layer theory and boundary layer control as applied in aerodynamics. Introduction to high speed aerodynamics. Introduction to dynamics of flight including stability and control.
ME 566Computational Fluid Dynamics for Engineering Design0.50 units
A course to develop the understanding required to simulate complex fluid flows, such as those found in turbo-machines, duct systems, and other engineering hardware. Course topics include the physics of complex viscous fluid flows, first- and second-order finite control volume discretization methods, iterative algorithms for the solution of sparse matrix equation sets, including multi-grid acceleration, boundary condition modelling, two-equation and Reynolds stress turbulence models, and grid generation techniques. Computational fluid dynamics software is used throughout the course to simulate and analyze complex fluid flows relevant to engineering applications.
The art and science of fire safety engineering. Fundamentals of fire behaviour, fuels and flammability, heat transfer and fluid dynamics of fires and fire modelling. Practical issues and applications of fire safety, fire control and hazard assessment in the design of buildings, industrial environments, and transportation systems.
Sources of air pollution and greenhouse gases, chemical and biological aspects, effects on health and environment. Thermodynamics and air emissions, air pollution control techniques and equipment monitoring instrumentation, carbon capture, utilization and storage, low-carbon technologies.
Prerequisites
Complete all of the following
Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
AE280 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences (0.50)
BME384 - Biomedical Transport: Biofluids and Mass Transfer (0.50)
Introduction to whole-building energy analysis. Energy auditing, benchmarking, and simulation. Review of relevant concepts in heat transfer and thermodynamics, including introductory psychrometrics. Interactive effects of building elements, systems, and occupant behaviour. Economic and environmental impacts of building energy use.
ME 573HVAC Systems, Equipment, and Energy Efficiency0.50 units
Selected topics in HVAC systems design with focus on energy-efficiency and environmental-sustainability. Heating and cooling distribution using air-, water-, and refrigerant-based systems. Constant- and variable-flow systems. Heat- and energy-recovery systems. Vapour-compression refrigeration and heat-pump systems (including air- and geothermal-source heat pumps).
Introduction to engineering technologies applicable to the field of biomechanics. Specific topics covered may include biological growth, form and function; biomaterials; kinematics and neurology of gait; biotribology; joint anatomy, function and repair; occupational biomechanics; trauma prevention.
ME 595Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering0.50 units
Various courses dealing with selected topics at the undergraduate level in automation and control, solid mechanics and machine design, materials engineering and processing, fluid mechanics, and thermal engineering. Courses offered when resources permit.
ME 596Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering0.50 units
Various courses dealing with selected topics at the undergraduate level in automation and control, solid mechanics and machine design, materials engineering and processing, fluid mechanics, and thermal engineering. Courses offered when resources permit.
ME 597Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering0.50 units
Various courses dealing with selected topics at the undergraduate level in automation and control, solid mechanics and machine design, materials engineering and processing, fluid mechanics, and thermal engineering. Courses offered when resources permit.
ME 598Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering0.50 units
Various courses dealing with selected topics at the undergraduate level in automation and control, solid mechanics and machine design, materials engineering and processing, fluid mechanics, and thermal engineering. Courses offered when resources permit.
ME 599Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering0.50 units
Various courses dealing with selected topics at the undergraduate level in automation and control, solid mechanics and machine design, materials engineering and processing, fluid mechanics, and thermal engineering. Courses offered when resources permit.
ME 600Engineering Practice, Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Development for MME Graduate Students0.25 units
Introduction to a range of topics related to engineering practice and research. Engineering profession in Canada, including continuing professional development and code of ethics. Academic integrity and responsible conduct of research. Effective communication. Research methodology, scientific methods, and literature reviews. Intellectual property and commercialization. Equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering. Career paths for MME graduate students.
This course presents the principles relevant to understanding and modelling of vibrating systems. The systems may either be continuous, or discrete with multiple degrees of freedom. The following topics of a general nature are first covered: principles of dynamics, strain energy, virtual work, the variational principle, and Lagrange's equation. Discrete-system topics covered are eigenvalue problems, modal analysis, natural modes of vibration, solution of the characteristic determinant, and approximate methods of solution, (e.g., using finite element methods). Continuous-system topics covered are formulation of the boundary value problem, vibration of rods and membranes, Rayleigh's integral method, the Rayleigh-Ritz method, and Galerkin's method. The course work includes computer algebra, computer simulation, and experiments in the laboratory.
Mathematical preliminaries; co-ordinate transformations, introduction to tensors, tensor fields and transformations, integral theorems, analysis of deformation; deformation tensors and rates of deformation tensors and their mechanical significance, convecting and rotating axes. Analysis of stress; definition of stresses and their physical significance, rates of stresses, objective stress rates. Constitutive equations for elasticity and plasticity (Prandtl-Reuss). Hardening laws and material rate sensitivity. Anisotrophy.
The course covers principles of finite element method as applied to linear and non-linear problems. The course will start by reviewing fundamentals of finite element method including discretization, element formulation, assembling process, boundary conditions, solving system of equations, and post processing. The focus will then shift to non-linear FEM. A brief summary of variational calculus and the classical theory of plasticity will be followed by the theory of non-linear FEM including various numerical integration schemes. The course will also include use of software/programming with available codes/in-house codes in solving nonlinear problems.
Advanced fatigue analysis including strain-based and stress-based approaches. Applications will include machine and welded components. Specific topics to include cyclic stress-strain behaviour, notch analysis, damage accumulations, multi-axial and variable amplitude loading. Probabilistic approaches and interpretation of finite element results will be addressed.
Linear elastic, elastic-plastic and fully plastic approaches to the analysis of cracked components. Calculation and measurement of fracture mechanics parameters - Charpy, strain energy release rate, stress intensity factor, crack tip opening displacement and J-integral - will be covered, including correlations between the various parameters and limitations on their use. Applications will include the analysis of sub-critical crack growth (fatigue) and design procedures, especially the failure assessment diagram approach.
Elastic, anelastic and plastic properties of single crystals and polycrystalline aggregates. Relationship between single crystal and polycrystalline deformation. Dislocation theory applied to deformation processes at high and low temperatures. Microscopic aspects of ductile and brittle fracture.
ME 632Experimental Methods in Materials Engineering0.50 units
This course will focus on techniques used to characterise materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. Techniques will include scanning and transmission electron microscopy, x-ray and neutron diffraction, thermal analysis (DSC, DMA, TGA, dilactometry), and quantitative metallography. Some of the techniques covered in lectures will be used in laboratory exercises. These exercises will be used to demonstrate the practical use of the equipment and illustrate materials processing, microstructure and property relationships.
ME 634Practical Experimental Statistics and Data Visualization0.50 units
Experimental variability is examined using a back-to-basics approach showing the fundamental meaning of statistical concepts like mean, standard deviation, and significance. With this foundation, there will be a deeper dive into different techniques to understand data though significance testing, experimental design, typical data distributions, processing non-normal data, and experimental design and analysis. The course will end with a discussion of data visualization, discussing how to maximize the effectiveness of data communication by discussing the theories underpinning effective data communication, matching plotting techniques to presented data and best plotting practices to highlight conclusions. The course concepts will be underpinned by project work to apply the class concept to real-life datasets and figures.
Antirequisites
Complete all of the following
Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
This course presents the fundamentals of Autonomous Mobile Robotics, including both perception and planning for autonomous operation. Topics in Perception include sensor modeling, vehicle state estimation using Bayes Filters, Kalman Filters, and Particle Filters, and simultaneous localization and mapping. Topics in Planning include vehicle motion modeling and control, reactive, graph based and optimal motion planning. An emphasis on examples from recent research in the area pervades the course content. The course requires background knowledge in state space modeling, linear algebra, probability theory and optimization theory.
ME 641System Identification & Adaptive Control0.50 units
This course is on the fundamentals of system identification and (parameter identification based) adaptive control of dynamic systems whose parameters are unknown or changing with time in an unknown manner. Focus is on continuous-time dynamic engineering systems. The covered topics include system parameterization and parametric modeling, gradient and least-squares based parameter identification algorithms, parameter projection and other robustification techniques, state estimation and observer design, adaptive state estimators, kalman filtering, adaptive pole placement control, adaptive linear quadratic control, model reference adaptive control, sliding mode control and other nonlinear techniques. There is a significant project component on applications of parameter identification and adaptive control.
This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the mechatronic design, analysis, modeling, trajectory planning, parameter identification, and controller design techniques applicable to precision mechatronic systems, such as machine tools and electronic/optical manufacturing equipment. The theoretical content is complemented by application-oriented projects. Students are also expected to give a presentation, at the end of the term, about their independent study of a special topic related to dynamics, modeling, controls, or mechatronic design. For research students, this presentation can be related to their thesis work.
ME 643Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics and Control, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, and Automated Driving0.50 units
In this course, we explore vehicle systems, vehicle modeling and dynamics, and hybrid and electric vehicles, focusing on their powertrain topology, electric motors, energy storage systems, and power management systems. We also cover active suspension control, vehicle stability control, and autonomous driving, emphasizing hardware and software configurations, as well as path planning and tracking techniques. The course provides an introduction to these topics, helping students understand vehicle systems and the latest developments in the automotive industry.
ME 645Metallurgy and Plasticity in Metalworking0.50 units
The interaction of material properties and process variables in plastic deformation processes. Phenomena of hot, warm and cold working. Thermo-mechanical processing. Flow stress and workability. Effects of hydrostatic pressure. Analysis of stress and strain state in forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing and sheet metalworking.
Additive manufacturing (AM) processes are capable of creating parts with a high design complexity and functionality. Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) discusses how to conceptualize and create a part design suited for manufacturability via various AM processes, while leveraging design freedoms to enhance performance. After taking this course, students will have gained experience with key DfAM concepts, such as functional complexity, hierarchical design, architected materials via latticing, topology optimization, and assembly consolidation. Through project coursework, students will explore various design tools, the basics of AM processes, and how DfAM concepts relate to AM production.
Explore additive manufacturing from fundamentals and its standard classification to laser material processing in multi-scale. Gain insights into modeling, real-time monitoring, and quality assurance for metal additive manufacturing processes. Dive into case studies on applications of additive manufacturing in biomedical and industrial fields. Emerging applications, trends and opportunities in this dynamic technology landscape.
This course presents the principles behind the mathematical representation of surfaces in ways that are suitable for computers, together with the application of such representations to computer-controlled machining processes. The Bezier, B-spline and NURBS representations are all covered, as are important surface properties, like curvature, shortest-distance algorithms, ray-intersection, surface sub-division, knot insertion, and degree elevation. Machining aspects covered are three-, four- and five-axis methods, anti-gouging methods and anti-interference checking.
The concepts of computer-aided manufacturing, microcomputer systems and interfacing techniques for industrial applications. Conversion techniques, timing considerations, thermal and optical sensing, interpolation methods for control of drive systems and programmable controllers are representative of the topics presented. Hardware and software design of real time microcomputer systems which are then implemented in the laboratory constitute a major portion of the course requirements.
Steady and transient heat conduction in isotropic media. Review of fundamental principles of heat conduction and boundary conditions. Introduction to the concept of thermal resistance of systems and of thermal constriction resistance. Derivation of gradient, divergence, Laplacian, conduction equation, boundary conditions and thermal resistance in general orthogonal curvilinear co-ordinates. Solutions of conduction equations in several co-ordinate systems. Introduction to finite difference and finite element formulations of the conduction equation in curvilinear co-ordinates.
Derivation of the general energy equation. Parameters required for determination of heat transfer in laminar and turbulent flows. Fully numerical solutions, exact solutions, and approximate solutions for internal and external flows. Problems involving frictional heating, property variations and mass injection at the wall will be considered. If interest is indicated, special topics such as heat transfer by boiling, condensation and evaporation will be discussed.
Blackbody radiation; properties of surfaces; heat exchange between black, isothermal surfaces; heat exchange in an enclosure composed of diffuse-gray surfaces; radiation in the presence of other modes of heat transfer; radiation in absorbing-emitting media; heat exchange in enclosures containing absorbing-emitting gases; flames, luminous flames and particle radiation.
ME 654Advanced Applied Thermal Engineering0.50 units
Review of selected fundamentals in engineering thermodynamics and heat transfer. Application of numerical methods and software, including evaluating thermodynamic properties. Energy analysis as a diagnostic tool for steady flow systems. Analysis and selection of heat exchangers. Detailed study of selected industrial applications such as compressed air systems, refrigeration, heat recovery, and heat rejection.
Aspects of whole-building energy analysis, including energy auditing, benchmarking, and simulation. Review of relevant concepts in heat transfer and thermodynamics. Interactive effects of building elements, systems, and occupant behaviour. Economic and environmental impacts of building energy use.
ME 656Advanced HVAC Systems, Equipment, and Energy Efficiency0.50 units
Selected topics in HVAC systems design, with focus on energy-efficiency and environmental-sustainability: heating and cooling distribution using air-, water-, and refrigerant-based systems; constant- and variable-flow systems; heat- and energy-recovery systems; vapor-compression heat-pump systems, including air-and geothermal-source heat pumps. May be held with ME 573, but with enhancements for the ME 656 students.
Review Canada's and the world's energy situation from energy reserve availability to consumption trends, to environmental impact. The technological capabilities and challenges associated with, and physics and engineering principles behind, a range of energy conversion systems for a range of energy resources and energy storage mediums including fossil fuels, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bio-fuels, hydrogen (fuel cells), wave, and tidal. The thermodynamics of energy conversion systems is considered from the perspectives of optimization, improving energy conversion efficiency, and energy system decision making. May be held with ME 459 Energy Conversion but with enhancements for the ME 659 students.
Cartesian tensor forms of basic equations; vorticity; Reynolds number effects; ideal, irrotational flow, some exact viscous solutions. Selection of topics from: boundary layer theory with heat and mass transfer; slow viscous flows and lubrication; hydrodynamic stability of laminar flows; special topics.
This course presents the concepts and details required to develop computer codes for the simulation of complex multidimensional fluid flows. The following topics will be covered: the finite volume discretization method, discretization schemes for diffusive fluxes, iterative solution algorithms, multigrid acceleration techniques, first and second order bounded discretization schemes for advective fluxes, special treatments for the coupled momentum and mass conservation equations, pressure redistribution techniques, velocity-pressure solution techniques, and extensions to multi-dimensions. Enrichment topics will be chosen from the following research areas: grid generation, turbulence modelling, and emerging discretization and solution algorithm technologies.
Stochastic concepts, averages, correlation coefficients, auto-correlation functions, spectra. Space and time scales of turbulent fluctuations, energy dissipation in turbulence. Correlation and spectral tensors in three dimensions, isotropic forms. Equations of motion, spectral equation for isotropic turbulence. Universal equilibrium theory, the Kolmogoroff spectrum. Turbulence transport modelling for engineering calculation of turbulent shear flows.
Fuels and their chemical structure. Polymers and polymer decomposition, ignition of liquids and solids, geometric and chemical effects. Combustion processes and reaction stoichiometry. Ignition, catalysis and combustion kinetics. Heat of reaction, flame temperature, fire heat release rate. Flammability, evaporation, flashpoint. Conduction, convection and radiation heat transfer in fire analysis. Gas and flame radiation, point source, planar models. Premixed flames, explosions, deflagrations. Suppression, flame arrestors, "explosion proof" equipment. Diffusion and jet flames, fire plumes, flame heights, CO, soot and smoke formation. (Also offered Online)
Ignitability of materials, flame spread, burning rates. Specification of design fires. Stages of room fires, hot layer development and composition. Thermal stratification, entrainment, ceiling flames and jets, smoke filling. Principles of ventilation, wall and ceiling vents, pressure distributions, smoke control. Wall and ceiling heat transfer, corner effects. Enclosure and zone radiation. Room fire growth and spread, flashover, rapid fire growth phenomena. Use of zone/field models for fire development. (Also offered Online)
Introduction to Computational Fluids Dynamics (CFD) simulation of complex, fire-related flows. First-and second-order finite control volume discretization and iterative solution methods. Introduction to finite element analysis. Boundary conditions, turbulence models and grid generation techniques. Assessment of strengths, limitations and uncertainty in simulation of complex applications relevant to fire engineering. Introduction to zone and field models, such as CFAST and FDS, with application to practical fire engineering applications and design. ME 671 recommended but not required. (Also offered Online)
An overview of advanced engineering design, from the establishment of the need to preliminary design, including formal and informal methods to facilitate and encourage innovation. Focus is places on a fundamental understanding of the problem and various theoretical and practical techniques to arrive at feasible solutions. There is a strong focus on practical applications, including case studies, and culminating in a major design project.
ME 681Advanced Design Engineering- Design Project 10.50 units
In this course students apply design methods, principles and practices learned in the previous course (ME 680) to a highly authentic design project challenge. Students apply methods, principles and practices related largely to proposal refinement, needs assessment, conceptual design, embodiment design, design verification and design project communication. Aspects of design safety, sustainability and professional ethics and emphasized during the realization of the design project. Three graded design project reviews provide formative and summative assessment opportunities, as well as weekly instructor mentorship and assignments, preferably in a studio setting.
ME 682Advanced Design Engineering- Design Project 20.50 units
In this course students apply design methods, principles and practices learned in the previous courses (ME 680 and ME 681) to a highly authentic design project challenge. Students apply methods, principles and practices related largely to embodiment design, design verification, design implementation and refinement and design project communication. Aspects of design safety, sustainability and professional ethics and emphasized during the realization of the design project. Three graded design project reviews provide formative and summative assessment opportunities, as well as weekly instructor mentorship and assignments, preferably in a studio setting.
Various courses dealing with selected aspects of friction, lubrication and wear, including contact phenomena, lubricant behaviour under concentrated contact conditions, and lubrication in special environments. Subject to approval of instructor.
Mechanical engineering aspects of tribology are emphasized. Topics include the fundamentals of fluid film lubrication and contact mechanics. These fundamentals are applied to model friction, surface temperatures, boundary lubrication, mixed film lubrication, elastohydrodynamic lubrication and wear. Specific applications may be presented, if time permits. ME 423 is a recommended but not an essential prerequisite.
ME 707Machinery Noise and Vibration Analysis0.50 units
Deterministic and random signal analysis. Digital spectral analysis. Data analysis. Further aspects of theoretical acoustics, spherical wave propagation, effects of attenuation due to damping. Applications of the fast Fourier transform. Structural acoustic coupling. Statistical analyses applied to signal processing. Gear and bearing noise. Impacting noise from machinery. Machinery health monitoring system. System identification of potential equipment breakdown.
ME 709Control Engineering and Mechanical Systems0.50 units
This course is aimed at applications of control to Mechanical Systems. Course contents: Review of Control; Poles and zeros, Transfer functions, Time Reponse, Actuators, Electrical Systems, PID Control, designing controllers with root locus, state space representations, phase planes, stability concepts, frequency Response. Applications to Mechanical systems: Robots, Hydraulic systems, Active Vibration Control.
Review of linear systems; free and forced vibrations; conservation systems; general autonomous systems; equilibrium and periodic solutions, linearization and Lyapunov stability criteria; Poincare-Bendixon theorem; quantitative analysis of weakly nonlinear systems in free and forced vibrations using perturbation methods; bifurcations and chaos in dynamical systems. This course will use computer programs (such as MAPLE and MATLAB) for simulation and analysis.
Design and analysis of pressure vessels, safety considerations and interpretation of pressure vessel codes. Fatigue and fracture modes of failure. Intersecting vessels and connections. Computer techniques of analysis.
ME 725Special Topics in Advanced Stress Analysis0.50 units
Various courses dealing with advanced topics in stress analysis such as finite element and other computational techniques, variational approaches, continuum mechanics, plasticity, contact and dynamic stresses. Subject to approval of instructor.
ME 729Special Topics in Advanced Machine Design Methods0.50 units
Various courses concerned with advanced topics and methods in machine design, such as reliability, life-cycle design, computer-aided design, and kinematic synthesis. Subject to approval of instructor.
Electrochemical reactions and equilibria in ionic systems. Electrode kinetics and rates of corrosion. Modes of corrosive attack including stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement. Corrosion prevention through materials selection, design, cathodic and anodic protection and coatings. Mechanisms and kinetics of high temperature oxidation. Selection of high temperature materials for maximum service lives. Discussion of technologically important material-environment combinations.
ME 732Thermodynamics and Phase Transformations0.50 units
Atomistic and thermodynamic interpretation of the fundamental properties of solids. Diffusion, solidification, solid-state transformations (civilian and military), surface behaviour, phase equilibria, oxidation, corrosion.
Mechanics of advanced fiber-reinforced composite materials, including continuous fiber, discontinuous fiber, and laminates. Review of reinforcing fiber and matrix properties, and mechanics of anisotropic material. Micromechanics concepts will be covered for material property and strength evaluation of lamina. Governing equations for classical lamination theory will be derived and applied, and extended for analysis of laminated plates. Includes advanced topics such as progressive failure, damage mechanics, fracture and energy absorbing characteristics, as well as fatigue of laminated structures.
ME 741Design of Intelligent Systems: Mechatronics0.50 units
Review of modelling and approximation of dynamic systems. Review of classical control theory. Electronic realisation of control elements and compensations: ideal and real PID. Elements of digital control theory: sampling theorem, z-transform and digital filters. Review of computer interfacing, power amplifiers, sequential logic, encoders, and motor control. The course involves practical projects and significant laboratory usage.
ME 742Modelling and Control of Dynamic Systems0.50 units
Review of classical system modelling. Introducing bondgraphs as a unified approach in modelling of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid dynamic systems. Application of bondgraphs to multibody dynamics. State space representation and response of linear systems. Review of classical linear control theory. Introduction to modern control theory and study system characteristics: controllability, observability and stability.
Computer-aided engineering complements CAD/CAM by helping the engineer design not only individual components, but also design and analyse total systems. This course deals with the area of advanced vibration analysis and modelling using a combination of data acquisition and software analysis methods. This modal analysis approach to design uses several software packages. Topics discussed are the theory of modal analysis, parameter estimation and error assessment, computer modelling of structures, practical aspects of good data collection and manipulation. The course involves significant laboratory usage.
The course offers a comprehensive study of different machine learning techniques used for a variety of engineering applications. The theoretical aspect of the course introduces the students to topics such as supervised (shallow and deep) learning, unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning. In this course, implementation of these machine learning tools in image processing, robotics motion planning and control applications will be discussed. Implementation of machine learning algorithms using resources available in machine learning libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch will also be introduced through several assignments that students will tackle during the term.
ME 745Quality Assurance and Reliability in Manufacturing0.50 units
Building quality in manufacturing processes and products through statistical design of experiments. Reliability engineering and the association with quality. Reliability models of systems. Maintainability, and fault free analysis.
ME 750Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics0.50 units
The assumption of local equilibrium in continuous systems; entropy production; the properties of real gases and their equations of state; statistical thermodynamics and the calculation of perfect gas properties; introduction to Second-Law Analysis; the principle of entropy maximization and the Janes-Tribus formalism.
Introduction to the principle and operation of various types of fuel cells (such as alkaline, proton exchange membrane, phosphoric acid, molten carbonate, solid oxide, and direct methanol fuel cells). Configuration of individual cell, stack and fuel cell system. Overview of fuel cell technology. Thermodynamics of fuel cells. Introduction to electrochemical kinetics. Transport-related phenomena and conservation equations for reacting multi-component systems. Fuel cell system design, optimization and economics. Fuel cell performance modelling. Challenges of fuel cell commercialization. (Also offered Online)
Terrestrial and extra-terrestrial solar radiation; radiative and optical properties of materials; basic and advanced flat plate solar thermal converters, focussing converters, solar-electric converters, solar photovoltaic cells, thermal storage; applications to building heating and cooling systems, industrial heat and central electric plants. (Also offered Online)
ME 759Advanced Experimental Methods in Thermal and Fluids Engineering0.50 units
Design of experiments, error analysis, thermometry, flow visualization, anemometry, barometry, gas chromatography, radiation spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, photography and thermal radiation flux measurement. Application of these methods to measurements in reacting and non-reacting fluids.
ME 761Fluid Dynamic Design of Turbomachines0.50 units
Basic equations in stationary and rotating coordinate systems, forms suitable for axial flow and centrifugal flow machinery. Analysis and experimental characteristics of two-dimensional cascades, analysis of circular cascades. Effects of turbulence. Axisymmetric and general three-dimensional flows in diffusers, inlets, volutes and blade passages.
ME 762Turbulent Diffusion in the Natural Environment0.50 units
Statistical quantities of interest in turbulent diffusion; Eulerian and Lagrangian probability distributions, averages, correlations, spectra. Specific prediction models for atmospheric and oceanic mixing processes, diffusion in a homogeneous field in a boundary layer. Effects of density stratification, buoyant movements.
ME 770Special Topics in Numerical Methods, Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer0.50 units
Various courses dealing with numerical methods of predicting the fluid flow, heat transfer and chemical reaction in engineering equipment, in the human body, and in the environment. The methods usually involve the solution of partial differential equations of the parabolic, elliptic and hyperbolic type.