The core of this junior/senior level course is dedicated to modeling physical systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic and their combinations) using the Bond Graph language and deriving differential equations that represent different dynamic systems. Methods, manual and computational, to determine system responses are discussed. There are hands-on laboratory activities that involve disassembly, modeling and re-assembly of different mechanical and electro-mechanical systems as well as comparison of sensor data with theoretical calculations. In addition, topics such as conceptual system design, free-body diagrams, and rigid body kinematics and kinetics are also emphasized in this course. Additional details can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Class Structure

The course is conducted in four 50-minute weekly lecture sessions with a 100-minute weekly lab. Homework and Labs are some of the activities in the course. Students also have an option to improve their grades by resubmitting work after making corrections based on instructor feedback, giving an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

Course Code

ME 4322 / RBE 4322

Recommended Background

Statics, Dynamics, Kinematics of Mechanisms, Design of Machine Elements, Thermo-Fluids Introduction, Calculus, Differential Equations

Tools Used

PMKS+, Matlab, 20sim

Reference Books

System Dynamics: Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Mechatronic Systems by Karnopp, Dean C.; Margolis, Donald L.; Rosenberg, Ronald C., Hoboken: Wiley, 2012
Intelligent Mechatronic Systems: Modeling, Control and Diagnosis by Merzouki et al. (available as an e-book)
Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and Control by Karnopp, Dean C., 2013, 2nd ed., ISBN 1466560851
Analysis and Design of Dynamic Systems by Cochin, Ira and Cadwallender, William; 1997, 3rd ed., ISBN 9780673982582 

Terms Taught

A and C terms, since A-term 2014

Course Management Systems Used

Piazza (no longer used), Blackboard (now discontinued), Canvas, Slack

Sample Student Projects (between 2014-2021)

• Shark Steam Mop
• Demonstrating a Regenerative Braking System (won the Best Project Award selected by fellow students)
• Demonstrating a Generative System (won the Best Project Award selected by fellow students)
• Nerf Gun (won the Best Project Award selected by fellow students)
• Amusement Park Ride
• Electric Shaver
• Oscillating Table Fan
• Artificial Muscles Hysteresis model
• Automated Manual Transmission (won the Best Project Award selected by fellow students)
• Automated Graph-Grammar Based Bond Graph Tool (won the Best Project Award selected by fellow students)
• Analysis of a Automated Tube Insertion Machine
• Bond-Graph derivation for the analysis of an artificial bird
• Automatic French Fry Maker
• Analysis of a Slider Crank Mechanism
• Automated 3D Printer Part Removal
  and many more.

Syllabus

If you are interested in obtaining the course syllabus, feel free to Contact me.

This course, also known as the “Capstone Engineering Experience,” integrates students’ background in various mechanical engineering concepts and techniques from different courses to develop a working electro-mechanical system that solves an industrial problem. To provide this experience, a real engineering problem from an industrial sponsor will be presented. You will work in groups and demonstrate a working solution after carrying out tasks such as identifying customer needs, carrying out literature survey, arriving at goals and requirements, brainstorming and generating concept designs, mathematical modeling (static and dynamic analyses) of the most promising design, manufacturing and testing of the final design and data collection and interpretation. There will be regular oral presentations and interim report submissions, where feedback will be shared. Additional details can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Course Structure

Since this is a Capstone Engineering Experience course, the first few sessions will focus on the project requirements, group formation and other logistical aspects. Then subsequent lectures will involve presentations from different groups on the progress made on fulfilling the requirements of the project. The teaching team will interact with individual teams, ascertain progress and provide critical feedback.

Projects

Different types of projects are carried out including ones sponsored by the industry. Example Projects include:
* Development/Refurbishment of four-bar linkages
* Development of Scaled-cars (Remote controlled cars) for integrating an autonomous driving module
* Design and Integration of an electric motor input in a crank-slider mechanism

Course Code

ME 4320

Recommended Background

Statics, Stress Analysis, Dynamics, Kinematics of Mechanisms, Design of Machine Elements, Modeling and Analysis of Mechatronic Systems, Basics of Manufacturing

Tools Used

PMKS, Matlab, MathCAD, SolidWorks

Reference Books

Fundamental text books relating to the recommended background are the reference books. Additional resources will be shared during the course.

Terms Taught

D-2017, B-2017, C-2018, D-2018, B and D terms since B-2018

Course Management Systems Used

Canvas and Slack

Syllabus

If you are interested in obtaining the course syllabus, feel free to Contact me.