Department of Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering Technology / Packaging Science
BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Overview
Mechanical engineering technology involves understanding how products and machinery work and how to design, make or use them. From water wheels and steam engines to high-performance automobiles, air-conditioned environments and jet aircraft, mechanical engineering technology has changed society for the better.
As a mechanical engineering technology student, you will study the foundations of mechanics, materials and energy. You will learn technical skills such as drafting, CAD, how to use computers, how to test materials and how to make parts. You will learn to apply these principles and skills to the various fields of mechanical engineering technology--such as product and machine design, power generation, utilities and manufacturing--through laboratories and design projects. Full-time students gain valuable industrial experience through the required cooperative education program. The BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET http://www.abet.org .
Types of jobs a person might have in this field
Information will be available at a later date.
Typical Course Sequence
For Freshmen entering 9/1/2006 and After
Please note: This sequence of courses assumes that the first year student has no transfer credit. Many students enter with credit from other colleges, AP or Project-Lead-The-Way credit from high school, or other related credit. A student's actual program will be determined by advisement.
Those who transfer with an associate degree or equivalent will find that they will have for most of the first and second year courses and a few of the third year courses. Their program will be determined by advisement.
| Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|
| First Year | |
| First-Year Enrichment 1105-051, 052 | 2 |
| Manufacturing Processes I 0617-220 | 4 |
| Calculus for Engineering Technology I 1016-231 | 4 |
| Introduction to Materials Technology 0610-211 | 3 |
| Materials Testing 0610-304 | 1 |
| Calculus for Engineering Technology II 1016-232 | 4 |
| Solid Modeling and Design 0617-262 | 4 |
| Manufacturing Processes II 0617-420 | 4 |
| College Physics I, Lab 1017-211, 271 | 4 |
| Differential Equations for Engineering Technology 1016-304 | 4 |
| Design Dimensioning and Tolerancing 0610-220 | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 |
| Second Year | |
| College Physics II, III, Labs 1017-212, 213, 272, 273 | 8 |
| Pneumatics and Hydraulics 0610-305 | 4 |
| Data Analysis I, Lab 1016-319, 379 | 6 |
| Introduction to Statics 0610-302 | 4 |
| Electrical Principles for Design I 0609-411 | 4 |
| Strength of Materials 0610-303 | 4 |
| Computational Methods for Engineering Technology 0610-309 | 1 |
| Principles of Mechanical Design I 0610-315 | 4 |
| Engineering Economics 0610-436 | 4 |
| Ethics Elective | 4 |
| Free Elective | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 |
| Third Year | |
| Applied Dynamics 0610-405 | 4 |
| Applied Fluid Mechanics 0610-460 | 4 |
| Effective Technical Communications 0535-403 | 4 |
| College Chemistry 1011-208 | 4 |
| Cooperative Education Preparation 0606-099 | 0 |
| Applied Thermodynamics 0610-440 | 4 |
| Materials Technology 0610-416 | 4 |
| MET Lab II 0610-409 | 2 |
| Introduction to Chemistry of Materials 1011-273, Lab 1011-277 | 3 |
| Liberal Arts* | 4 |
| Cooperative Education (2 quarters) | Co-op |
| Fourth Year | |
| Failure Mechanics 0610-403 | 4 |
| MET Lab I 0610-407 | 2 |
| Machine Design I 0610-506 | 4 |
| Thermofluids Lab 0610-465 | 3 |
| Technical Electives | 8 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 |
| General Elective | 4 |
| Cooperative Education (2 quarters) | Co-op |
| Fifth Year | |
| Technical Electives | 12 |
| Free Elective | 8 |
| Liberal Arts* | 8 |
| Cooperative Education (1 quarter) | Co-op |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 195 |
*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
Students are required to choose two out of the following three courses to fulfill the math/science electives requirement: College Physics III (1017-213), Data Analysis II (1016-320), or Microbiology (1004-210).
Course Descriptions
0610-211 Introduction to Materials Technology
This is a survey course of engineering materials and how these materials are matched to the service requirements of components. Emphasis is on metals; their structure, properties, heat treating, and applications. (0610-304 concurrently) Class 3, Credit 3
0610-220 Design Dimensioning and Tolerancing
This course focuses on dimensioning and tolerancing of parts and assemblies. Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing is emphasized throughout lectures, CADD exercises, and physical measurement of parts The course is projectbased where the students examine an assembly to produce free-hand sketches, 3D models of the assembly and its parts, 2D prints, and a bill of materials. Emphasis is placed on proper dimensioning and modeling techniques. (0617- 220, 262) Class 3, Studio 2, Credit 4
0610-302 Introduction to Statics
An introduction to the analysis of static structures covering free-body diagrams, forces, moments, vectors, equilibrium, friction, and analysis of structures and machine members. Applications are drawn from mechanical and civil engineering technology. (1017-211) Class 4, Lab 1, Credit 4
0610-303 Strength of Materials
Students study how forces and moments affect axial, shearing, and bending stresses and deflections of structural and machine members. The relationships between stress and strain, for both axial and torsional loading are explored. Beams, shafts, bolted or pinned joints and columns are analyzed and designed based on stress and deformation. Combined stress states are analyzed, including using Mohr’s circle. Applications are drawn from the fields of mechanical and civil engineering technology. (A grade of C or better in 0610-302) Class 4, Lab 1, Credit 4
0610-304 Materials Testing
This laboratory course deals with the equipment, instrumentation and ASTM Standard Test Procedures used to perform physical tests on various materials, and the preparation of laboratory reports. (0610-211 concurrently) Class 0, Lab 2, Credit 1
0610-305 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems
This course involves the study of the basics of fluid power. Areas of study are pressure viscosity, turbulence, flow, thermal properties, and displacement. Hydraulic/pneumatic components such as pumps, actuators, valves accumulators, lines, directional controls, sealing devices servomechanisms, hydraulic fluids, and fluid containers are studied. (0610-302 concurrently) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4
0610-309 Computational Methods for Engineering Technology
Students develop proficiency in solving simultaneous equations, numerical differentiation and integration, and curve fitting of data using mathematical and computational techniques. These applications are evaluated critically and students develop the ability to select the most appropriate methodology for a given problem. Students critically evaluate the solution results while working on project assignments in teams. (Corequisite 1016-232) Studio 2, Credit 1
0610-312 Macro and Micro Aspects of Metal Fusion
This course introduces students to the different aspects of different types of welding. Students will experience and learn welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, Stick and oxyacetylene welding. Actual practice with technologies such as MIG and TIG will reinforce concepts and provide practical handson experience. Several sample test parts will be welded in a lab and broken with a tensile tester to evaluate the calculated load compared to the welded joint strength. Weld samples will be microscopically inspected to determine the heat affected zone of the material. Oxyacetylene and plasma cutting will be experienced. Interpreting weld symbols on drawings will be learned and applied. Lab Fee: $75.00 payable to welding company. Student receives safety glasses, welding gloves, and lab coat, which they keep. Lab is held offsite. Transportation required. (0610-211, 0610-304) Lecture 1, Lab 2, Credit 2
0610-315 Principles of Mechanical Design I
This course provides design fundamentals for mechanical systems that utilize components such as brakes, clutches, shafts, gears, and pulleys. This project based course will use reverse-engineering techniques to investigate component form, fit, and function along with parts reduction, fabrication alternatives, and feature improvements. Parts fabrication vs. catalog selection will be discussed. Ethics, as it relates to mechanical design, and life long learning skills, will be enforced through examples of job expectations and direct student practice in the classroom. (0610-220, 303 and 0617-220) Class 3, Lab 1, Credit 4
0610-399 Independent Study
A supervised investigation within a mechanical technology area of student interest. Consent of the instructor and departmental approval are required. Credit 1–8
0610-403 Failure Mechanics
In this course, the modes of failure of mechanical parts: static, fatigue, and surface are studied. The mechanisms of the different failure modes are presented, as well as the different models used to predict behavior of mechanical parts under various loading conditions. Concepts are applied to the analysis and design of mechanical components. The computer is used extensively in the design process. (0610-303, 1016-231) Class 3, Studio 2, Credit 4
0610-405 Applied Dynamics
The principles of dynamics and the solution of practical engineering problems are studied. The two-dimensional dynamic analysis of particles and rigid bodies are performed using the three fundamental analytical methods. These problems are also solved using computer simulation software. (0610-302 and 1016-231) Class 3, Studio 2, Credit 4
0610-406 Dynamics Machinery
A study of the kinematics and kinetics of machine elements. Applications in robotics mechanisms are studied. Both graphical and computer methods are used. (0610-405) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4
0610-407 Mechanical Engineering Technology Lab
This is a course in mechanical laboratory techniques and the preparation of laboratory reports. Experiments utilize principles of statics, strength of materials and dynamics. Students work independently and in groups to prepare formal and informal reports and an oral presentation. (0610-303 or 408, 0610-405 or 410) Class 1, Lab 2, Credit 2
0610-408 Applied Mechanics I
Elements of statics and strength of materials. Topics include plane equilibrium, friction, stress, strain, torsion, and the bending of beams. Offered as a service course to electrical engineering technology students and electrical/mechanical engineering technology students. (1017-211) Class 3, Recitation 1, Credit 4
0610-409 Mechanical Engineering Technology Lab II
Students characterize polymers, ceramics, and composites by performing tests of mechanical and processing properties according to ASTM standards. Emphasis is placed on analyzing experimental results and preparing professional- quality laboratory reports (1011-208 and 0610-416 concurrently) Class 1, Lab 2, Credit 2
0610-410 Applied Mechanics II
The basic concepts of statics and strength of materials are briefly reviewed. Additional strength of materials topics are introduced with the view of developing basic analytical procedures for the preliminary design of engineering structures and machine components. Topics include combined stress, transformation of plane stress, principal stresses and maximum shear stress, Mohr’s circle, thin walled pressure vessels, columns and structure stability. The fundamentals of kinematics and kinetics of particle motion are developed, including the study of Newton’s Laws of Motion, energy methods, and impulse and momentum. Offered as a service course to electrical engineering technology and electrical/mechanical technology students. (0610-408, 1016-232 concurrently) Class 3, Recitation 1, Credit 4
0610-416 Materials Technology
The interrelation of properties, structure, processing, and performance for non-metallic materials is studied. Emphasis is placed on materials and process selection for design application. Failure mechanisms are discussed, along with ways to minimize the effects of these mechanisms. (0610-211, 1011-208) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-432 Computers in Mechanical Technology
This course reviews the use of fundamental operations and features of the Microsoft Windows operating system. A set of projects are assigned to utilize the most commonly used features of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and to introduce other features which are important to engineering analysis and related report generation. The basic capabilities of MathCAD are utilized to perform calculations to generate graphs and to solve equations, as well as to organize and document solutions to a variety of engineering analysis problems. Class 1, Lab 2, Credit 2
0610-440 Applied Thermodynamic I
This is the first course in the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their applications. Thermodynamic properties of fluids including ideal gases and pure substances are studied. Thermodynamic processes and applications of thermodynamic principles to steam cycles and refrigeration cycles. (1016- 232 or permission of adviser) Class 3, Recitation 2, Credit 4
0610-441 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
The first and second laws of thermodynamics and their applications. Thermodynamic properties of fluids, including ideal gases and pure substances, are studied. Introduction to heat transfer by conduction, radiation, and convection. Selection of heat exchangers. (1016-232 or permission of adviser) Class 3, Recitation 2, Credit 4
0610-442 Heat Transfer
The first course in heat transfer. The theory and application of the fundamentals of heat conduction, convection and radiation. The design and application of heat transfer apparatus. (0610-440 0610-460) Class 3, Lab/recitation 2, Credit 4
0610-451 Vibration and Noise
A study of the basic concepts of vibration and noise. Designing equipment for survival in vibration and shock environments. Methods of reducing noise in machinery structures. Environmental tests for vibration and shock. Methods of vibration and noise analysis will be demonstrated. (1016-304, 0610-405) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-460 Applied Fluid Mechanics
The fundamentals of fluid statics and dynamics are studied. This includes the principles and applications of fluid statics, fluid kinematics, fluid kinetics, the energy conservation principle, dimensional analysis and fluid momentum. Also covered are laminar and turbulent flow in pipes and products, fluid machinery, fluid meters, and lifting vanes. (1016-304) Class 3, Recitation 2, Credit 4
0610-465 Thermo Fluid Lab
Students perform laboratory experiments in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Students will do a group project involving the design of an experiment, its instrumentation, method of test, data analysis and final report presentation. Special emphasis is placed on report preparation and computeraided data reduction. (0610-440, 460) Class 1, Lab 3, Credit 3
0610-499 Mechanical Engineering Technology Co-op
One quarter of appropriate work experience in industry. (0606-099) Credit 0
0610-506 Machine Design I
The static theories of failure and mechanical fatigue analysis are reviewed. These concepts are applied to the selection, analysis, and design of power transmission shafts, power screws, fasteners, springs, and spur gears. The design and selection of both hydrodynamic and rolling element bearings are studied. (0610-403) Class 3, Studio 2 Credit 4
0610-508 Machine Design II
The study of the machine design principles in a design team environment to conceptualize design, build and test a product or mechanical system. Group projects from industry or school laboratory are emphasized. (0610-405, 506) Class 3, Lab/Project 2, Credit 4
0610-509 Product Design
Integrates product development and design processes with establishing a need for the product; developing concepts; generating and evaluating the product concepts; developing specifications and design reviews; considering production, service and retirement. Special emphasis is placed on team work (concurrent engineering), determining customer requirements (quality function deployment), design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) and quality/ reliability. Students learn how to reduce material and part costs, assembly time and the number of parts in the product. Class 4, Credit 4
0610-512 Computer Integrated Mechanical Design
The use of computer simulation and finite element method in solving mechanical design problems, such as stress concentration, dynamic impact, thermal stresses. Industrial projects are emphasized. (0610-405, 506) Class 2, Lab 3, Credit 4
0610-515 Plastics Processing Technology
Various methods used to manufacture plastics products. Topics include compression molding, rotational molding, extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming. (Fourth-year status) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-516 Plastic Product Design and Materials Selection
The study of design guidelines for plastics products based on the interrelationships between product design, the material selected, the manufacturing process selected, and the tooling to be used. (0610-515 or permission of the adviser) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-517 Product Ideation and Concept Solution
This course introduces the principles utilized in the early phase of the design process. Topics include the process of generating and formulating an idea, developing a Voice of the Customer (VOC) survey, utilizing a House of Quality (HOQ) matrix for developing a product requirements document, brainstorming and ranking concepts through the Plough Concept Selection Matrix technique, among others. Patenting and intellectual property issues will be discussed and selected ideas will be evaluated against patent searches. This is planned to be the first in a series of three courses that will result in the completion of a product utilizing these methods. (Third-year status or permission of instructor) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-518 Development and Design of New Products
This course is designed to offer the student an experience of what it is like to develop an idea into a real product. In this second of three courses the student will be responsible for taking the info from a previously selected concept and developing that into a working design. This design process will require the student to perform a design feasibility study, develop a product specifications document, and be responsible for defining a preliminary manufacturing and assembly feasibility assessment. CAD will now be the “tool-of-choice” where all work will be documented and handled with a standard release procedure that parallels industry protocols. It is expected that this product phase will require the implementation of many foundation principles from previous courses. (Third-year status or permission from the instructor) Class 3, Credit 4
0610-519 Product Realization
This course is intended to offer the student an experience of what it is like to develop an idea into a real product. In this third of three courses the student will be responsible for taking a project that is in the final design phase (from the Development and Design of New Products course) and provide the support necessary to develop models and working prototypes. The student will be responsible for applying Design, Manufacturing, and Assembly analysis along with other appropriate disciplines such as Value Analysis and Process control. The results of these disciplines will guide the student into developing a fabrication process that will actually produce products at a reasonable quantity to sell. The student will also be responsible for setting up test procedures and evaluating the product for robustness according to a Product Specification Document. (Third-year status or permission from instructor) Credit 4
0610-523 Instrumentation and Characteristics in Plastics
This course is intended for fourth or fifth-year students interested in understanding fundamental instrumentation used for the characterization of plastics. Major emphasis is on interplay between analytical and experimental methods in the solution and development of plastic products. In addition to theory and basic principles, the instrumentation and apparatus necessary for methods are examined in polymer permeability testing, and characterization by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG A), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and mechanical testing in an environmental chamber. Credit 4
0610-530 Instrumentation
The design and use of force, torque, pressure, flow, temperature, acceleration, velocity, and displacement instrument transducers. Laboratory experiments demonstrate calibration and set-up techniques and analysis of data. Principles of uncertainty, dynamic response, signal conditioning and computerized data acquisition are explained. (0609-411, 1016-304) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-540 Applied Thermodynamics II
The application of thermodynamics to vapor power cycles, internal combustion engines, compressors, refrigeration, air conditioning, psychometrics and combustion processes are studied. Emerging technologies such as distributed generation, cogeneration and total energy plants are covered. (0610-440) Class 3, Lab 1, Credit 4
0610-542 HVAC System Engineering
Principles and applications of refrigeration, air conditioning, comfort heating and ventilating are studied. Thermodynamics of air conditioning processes, psychometrics, moisture calculations and load estimating and operating costs are covered. (0610-440, 460) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-543 Energy Management
Technical, management and cost aspects of energy conservation. Technical aspects of reducing energy consumption in utilities, processes, buildings, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. Special topics such as furnace efficiency, heat recovery, heat pumps, pumping and piping, and architectural considerations. (0610-542 or permission of instructor) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-555 Land Vehicle Dynamics
Dynamic modeling of land vehicles, including tire mechanics and suspension and steering systems. Both cars and motorcycles will be analyzed, modeled and tested. Students will develop computer models and do physical testing for real vehicles. (0610-405) Class 3 Lab 2, Credit 4
0610-570 Robust Design
The fundamental principles of robust design are developed. The history of the robust design engineering methodology is presented. The concepts of the loss function, concept selection, parameter design and tolerance design are covered in detail. A structured design engineering methodology is taught with strict attention to the importance of linking engineering knowledge to Taguchi’s approach to designed experiments. Metrics and analysis techniques are developed to optimize the performance of product or process components in spite of the variability of their design, manufacturing or customer use environments. Specific attention is paid to a number of case studies to reinforce the students’ conceptualization of the methods and their focus on engineering of optimized products and processes. (Fifth-year student or department approval) Class 4, Credit 4
0610-596 Honors MET Independent Study
A supervised investigation within an advanced mechanical engineering technology area of student interest. The student must be a registered CAST/RIT honors program student. Consent of the instructor and department approval are required. Credit variable 1–4
0610-599 Mechanical Technology Independent Study
A supervised investigation within a mechanical technology area of student interest. Consent of the instructor and departmental approval are required. Credit 1–8
0610-630 Tolerance Design
This is a comprehensive course on the topics of analytical and experimental development of design and production tolerances. The course covers worst case and statistical tolerance analysis, 6 Sigma methods for tolerancing, Monte Carlo Simulation Sensitivity Analysis of systems, and Taguchi’s approach to tolerance design. Special emphasis will be given to developing tolerances for complex aggregations of technologies. System tolerance and cost balancing is covered in detail. The use of tolerance design in critical parameter management will be covered. Students will conduct a project in computer-aided tolerance analysis. (Permission of instructor) Credit 4
Program Accreditation and Educational Objectives
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), http://www.abet.org .
Program education objectives
Graduates from RIT's Mechanical Engineering Technology Program will demonstrate:
- A professional work ethic, a commitment to lifelong learning, quality and continuous improvement through the clear ability to assume increasing levels of technical and/or management responsibility.
- Participation and leadership while working on teams involved in the analysis, design, development, implementation, or oversight of mechanical and/or manufacturing systems and processes.
- An ability to design new and improved products, systems and processes that are appropriate for their use.
- Effective communication.
Program outcomes
Graduates from the Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Technology Program will demonstrate:
- The ability to apply technical expertise from the following areas to the analysis, design, development, implementation, or oversight of mechanical systems and processes:
- A1. Manufacturing Processes
- A2. Engineering Materials
- A3. Statics
- A4. Strength of Materials
- A5. Dynamics
- A6. Fluid Mechanics
- A7. Thermodynamics
- A8. Computer Aided Engineering Tools
- A9. Mechanical Design
- A10. Electric, Hydraulic, and Pneumatic Circuits
- The ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
- The ability to formulate, conduct, analyze and interpret experiments and apply experimental results to improve designs and processes.
- The ability to apply creativity to the design of mechanical systems, components and processes.
- The ability to function effectively on teams.
- The ability to identify, analyze and solve technical problems.
- Effective communication.
- Recognition of the need for, and the ability to engage in, life long learning.
- Knowledge of the ethical and social responsibilities of professionals working in the mechanical engineering technology field.
- Respect for diversity and knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues.
- Commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.
- Competence in the use of the computer as a problem solving and communications tool.
- The ability to apply project management techniques to the completion of laboratory and project assignments.
- Knowledge of and the ability to apply codes and regulations, and produce proper documentation to comply with them.
- Meaningful work experience in the mechanical engineering technology field.