This course provides an introduction to the analysis and design of structures and machines. Students learn to calculate unknown forces using the concept of equilibrium and free body diagrams and to calculate simple stresses and deflections for axially loaded members. Topics include forces, moments, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, stress, strain, and deflection. Examples are drawn from mechanical, manufacturing, and civil engineering technology.

All machines are comprised of individual components (springs, gears, fasteners, etc.) working together as a system to accomplish a goal. Students work independently and in teams to design and analyze machine components and integrate them into a functional system. Students develop good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills while documenting, describing, and presenting short-term projects that are application focused and real-world problem scenarios.

This is the Senior Design course that engages MMET students with open-ended, real-world problems. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, the design process, and project management tools addressing project scope, schedule, milestones, deliverables, risk, and cost. The course also focuses on developing oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. In this course, cross-disciplinary student teams develop their proposed mechanism or machine after identifying customer needs, and possible alternative concepts.

This course provides the MMSI graduate students an opportunity to complete their degree requirements by addressing a practical real-world challenge using the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies. This course is not only the culmination of a student's course work but also an indicator of the student's ability to use diverse knowledge to provide a tangible solution to a problem. The capstone project topic can be in the areas of product development, manufacturing automation, management system, quality management or electronics packaging. The course requires a comprehensive project report and a final presentation.