Mechanical
Engineering
By: Parrie
Italiano
Table of Contents
Page 1….Title Page
Page 2….Table of Contents
Page 3….Field Report
Page 4-5….Interview
Page 6-14….Courses and Course Descriptions
Page 15….Summary of Report
Page 16….Bibliography
Field Report
Mechanical Engineering is one of the few types of many engineering fields.
It is also one of the most well-known fields. There are many different things a
mechanical engineer does for their work and job.
One of these things has to do with where a mechanical engineer would
work. A mechanical engineer usually works in an office. Some of them do go
outside for their jobs. Mechanical engineers that work outside usually do work
such as visiting job sites to observe problems or conditions of things. Also, they
might have to meet with customers or attend to meetings for a project, or in the
development of construction.
Another thing that has to do with a mechanical engineer is what tools they
use for their work. Mechanical engineers use computers (Word), CAD, email,
software to calculate heating, cooling, and ventilation.
A mechanical engineer must have certain degrees. A mechanical engineer
needs a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. A mechanical engineer
makes roughly about 53,000 to 86,000 dollars a year. This all depends on how
long and what degree the engineer has or is. The areas of specialization include
biomedical, combustion, ground vehicle systems, Mechanical design, and much
more.
Mechanical engineers require certain high school classes. This includes
Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Pre- Calc or Calc.
Mechanical Engineering is very important to our everyday life. If we did not
have it then we wouldn’t have a lot of things. Mechanical Engineers are the ones
who build cars, planes, rockets, and many more things that move. Imagine what
life would be without these.
Interview
Charles Depase
1. Q: How long did you go to school for?
A: 4 years of college
11 years of night school
2. Q: What tools do you use in your work?
A: Computer- Word Processing, CAD, email, engineering software to calculate heating,
and cooling.
3. Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Penn State University, PA, Florida Institute of Technology
4. Q: Do you spend most of your day in an office or outside?
A: Mostly in the office. Occasionally, I have to visit a job site to observe conditions.
Sometimes I have to visit with customers on attend meetings regarding project in their
development and during construction.
5. Q: Do you do any experiments? If so what?
A: Not really. Construction and renovation of buildings and facilities is a well developed
field. What I do is applied engineering.
6. Q: Who other jobs are associated with your field of engineering?
A: Mechanical Engineers also design and build things that move- cars, trucks, trains,
planes, rocket.
7. Q: Why did you become interested in the field of engineering you are in?
A: I was pretty good in math, liked science, and enjoyed figuring out how things worked.
8. Q: How difficult was it to become an engineer?
A: I wasn’t easy, and it did require a lot of hard work. If you want to succeed, you have
to give your best effort.
9. Q: What would you tell someone that wanted to become an engineer?
A: There are a lot of different types of engineers. There are also a lot of appointments
available. There is a shortage of engineers in the country. Engineers are paid well.
10: Q: What kind of degree do you have now?
A: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Masters of Science in Engineering
Management.
11. Q: What classes did you have to take prior to your education?
A: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II/Trig, Cal, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mechanical
Drawing (Drafting before there was CAD,) French I, II, III, Speech, and Religion.
Mechanical Engineering
Sample listing of Courses from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
EMA 4225 Mechanical Metallurgy
EMA 4501 Optical and Electron Microscopy
EML 4161 Cryogenics
EML 4312 Design and Analysis of Control Systems
EML 4316 Advanced Design and Analysis of Control Systems
EML 4421 Fundamentals of Propulsion Systems
EML 4450 Energy Conversion Systems for Sustainability
EML 4452 Sustainable Power Generation
EML 4512 Thermal-Fluid Design
EML 4535C Computer Aided Design (CAD)
EML 4536 Design using FEM (Finite Element Method)
EML 4542 Materials Selection and Design
EML 4711 Introduction to Gas Dynamics
EML 4800 Introduction to Robotics
EML 4840 Introduction to Mobile Robotics
EML 4930 Vehicle Design
Sample Descriptions of two of the fields above
Mechanical Engineering
DEPARTMENT: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
COURSE #: EML 4840/5841, 3 credits
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to
Mobile Robotics
TYPE COURSE: Dynamic Systems
TERM(S) OFFERED: Fall
Elective
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Analytical dynamic modeling and
dynamic simulation of mobile robots;
mobile robot sensors; basic methods of
computer vision; Kalman filtering and
mobile robot localization; basic concepts
of mapping; path planning and obstacle
avoidance; intelligent control
architectures.
PREREQUISITES:
Graduate standing or instructor's
approval.
AREA COORDINATOR: Dr.
Emmanuel Collins
RESPONSIBLE FACULTY: Dr.
Emmanuel Collins
INSTRUCTOR OF RECORD:
Dr. Emmanuel Collins
Rm. B346, 410-6373,
ecollins@eng.fsu.edu
CLASS SCHEDULE:
MW 10:20 am - 11:35 am
(***However, the 8 or so classes
related to Modeling & Simulation
will be scheduled at a different time
to accommodate the teaching
schedule of Dr. Hollis.)
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS:
Dr. Pat Hollis (Modeling & Simulation),
Rm. A232, 410-6319,
hollis@eng.fsu.edu
Ms. Charmane Caldwell (Lab TA), Rm.
B360, 410-6389, cvcaldwe@eng.fsu.edu
LABORATORY SCHEDULE: The
lab times will be announced
throughout the semester.
DATE OF PREPARATION: 8/26/06
EC
TEXTBOOKS/REQUIRED
MATERIAL:
SCIENCE/DESIGN (%): 70% /
30%
Textbook:
CONTRIBUTION TO MEETING
THE PROFESSIONAL
COMPONENT:
70% Engineering science
30% Engineering design


Introduction to Autonomous
Mobile Robots by Roland
Siegwart and Illah R.
Nourbakhsh The MIT Press,
2004 (ISBN 0-262-19502-X)
Supplementary: Notes from
class web site
COURSE TOPICS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Examples of mobile robots
Applications of mobile robots
Concept of autonomy
Basic modeling concepts
Vehicle kinematics
Dynamic modeling of vehicles
Sensor characteristics
Description of mobile robot
ASSESSMENT TOOLS:
1.
2.
3.
Homework
Quizzes
Laboratory reports
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
sensors
Kalman filtering for sensor
fusion and localization
Global path planning algorithms
Local path planning algorithms
(obstacle avoidance)
Control architectures
Experimental implementation of
mobile robot concepts
(Numbers shown in brackets refer to department educational
COURSE
OBJECTIVES* outcomes - Please ask Dr. Shih to check these numbers)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
COURSE
OUTCOMES*
To provide an overview of the key concepts related
to designing and implementing mobile robots in
practical applications. [1,3,4,5,8,9,10]
To introduce the application of three dimensional,
analytical modeling and simulation to vehicles.
[1,2,10,11]
To provide an overview of the basic sensors used in
mobile robots and the ways that these sensors are
characterized. [1,2,10,11]
To introduce the concept of Kalman filtering and
mobile robot localization. [1,2,10,11]
To introduce basic issues in computer vision for
mobile robotics. [1,2,10,11]
To present standard path planning and obstacle
avoidance algorithms. [1,2,10,11]
*(Numbers shown in brackets are links to course objectives check them out)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Be able to describe a wide variety of autonomous
vehicles and their industrial or military applications.
[1]
Be able to describe the major physical subsystems
associated with mobile robots. [1]
Be able to discuss the different levels of autonomy
for mobile robots. [1]
Be able to use a software package such as ADAMS
for simulating a simple mobile robot. [2]
Be able to develop analytical dynamic models for a
simple mobile robot. [2]
Be able to describe the basic types of mobile robot
sensors and the principle of operation of a given
sensor type. [3]
Be able to discuss the way sensors are characterized
and the precise meaning of a given sensor
characteristic. [3]
Be able to design and simulate a Kalman filter for
simple navigation problems. [4]
Be able to describe the basic issues in computer
vision for mobile robot applications. [5]
10. Be able to describe the A* algorithm for path
planning. [6]
11. Be able to describe at least two alternatives to the A*
algorithm for path planning. [6]
12. Be able to program a simple obstacle avoidance
algorithm. [6]
DEPARTMENT: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
COURSE #: EML 4800/5802, 3 credits
COURSE TITLE:
Introduction to Robotics
TYPE COURSE: Elective
TERM(S) OFFERED: Spring
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Basic elements of a robot, robot actuators,
and servo control; sensors, senses, vision, and
voice; microprocessor system design and
computers; kinematic equations; motion
trajectories.
PREREQUISITES:
EML 3014C, Dynamic Systems
II
AREA COORDINATOR: Dr. Emmanuel
Collins
RESPONSIBLE FACULTY: Dr.
Emmanuel Collins
INSTRUCTOR OF RECORD: Dr. Carl.
Moore
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Three times weekly for 50 min.
CO REQUISITE:
EML 4535C, Computer Aided
Design (CAD)
DATE OF
PREPARATION: 07/18/02(AHS)
TEXTBOOKS/REQUIRED MATERIAL:

Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics
and Control, Craig, J. J.
References:


A Mathematical Introduction to
Robotic Manipulation, Murray, R.
M.
Robot Manipulators, Paul, R. P.
COURSE TOPICS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
SCIENCE/DESIGN (%): 80 /
20
Introduction and History of robots
Translations, rotations, and
transformations
Manipulator kinematics
Inverse manipulator kinematics
Jacobians: velocities and static
CONTRIBUTION TO
MEETING THE
PROFESSIONAL
COMPONENT:
80% Engineering Science
20% Engineering Design
ASSESSMENT TOOLS:
1.
2.
3.
Weekly homework
problems
MATLAB computer
programming
assignments
Group presentation of
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
forces
anipulator dynamics
Trajectory generation
Linear manipulator control
Nonlinear control of manipulators
Force control of manipulators
4.
5.
journal papers
One or more exams
Final project including
written and oral
presentations
(Numbers shown in brackets refer to department educational
COURSE
OBJECTIVES* outcomes - Please ask Dr. Shih to check these numbers)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
COURSE
OUTCOMES*
To provide an overview of the state of the art in
robot technology
To teach formation of homogeneous transformations
for relating positions and orientation between frames
To teach the relationship between manipulator joint
space positions and task space positions
To teach the relationship between manipulator joint
space velocities and task space velocities
To teach the Lagrangian (energy-based) approach to
dynamics
To teach how to compute a manipulator trajectory
through multidimensional space
To teach computed torque and position/force control
methods
To teach comprehension and application of material
from technical journal articles
To teach the ability to write computer programs that
calculate robot mathematics
(Numbers shown in brackets are links to course objectives
listed above)
Upon course completion, students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Be able to recognize different types of robots and
their intended applications [1]
Be able to develop a transformation matrix that
relates the end effector of a robot with the base
coordinate frame [2, 3]
Be able to determine the position and orientation of
a robot end effector given its joint positions [3, 4, 8]
Be able to determine the linear and angular velocity
of a robot end effector given the position and
velocities of its joints [3, 4. 8]
Be able to create the equations of motion for a
manipulator using the Lagrangian formulation [5, 8]
Be able to calculate a set of robot joint positions,
velocities, and accelerations that will achieve a
desired end effector trajectory
Be able to develop and simulate robot control using
the computed torque method [5, 7, 9]
Understand the fundamentals of robot control [5, 7,
8]
Be able to create computer code necessary to drive a
robot system [2, 3, 4, 5, 7]
10. Be able to present technical material through writing
[8]

1. 1.
DEPARTMENT: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
COURSE #: EML 4512
COURSE TITLE: Thermal-Fluid
Design
TYPE COURSE: Elective
TERM(S) OFFERED: Fall or Spring
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course is intended to develop
the student’s awareness and
understanding of the relationship
between fluid mechanics,
thermodynamics, and heat transfer
in consideration of design.
Emphasis is placed upon energy
systems components such as heatexchangers, piping networks, and
pumps. Includes a student project.
PREREQUISITES:
EML 3016C, Thermal-Fluids II
AREA COORDINATOR: Dr. C.
Shih
RESPONSIBLE FACULTY: Dr.
C. Shih.
INSTRUCTOR OF RECORD: :
Mr. J. Seely
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Twice weekly for 1 hr. and 15 min.
DATE OF
PREPARATION: 04/25/03 (AHS)
TEXTBOOKS/REQUIRED
MATERIAL:

Heating, Ventilating & Air- CONTRIBUTION TO MEETING
THE PROFESSIONAL
Conditioning, 5th Ed.
McQuiston et al,. Wiley & COMPONENT:
70% engineering science
Sons. 2000.
30% engineering design
COURSE TOPICS:
1.
2.
SCIENCE/DESIGN (%): 70 / 30
Review of basic
thermodynamics, heat
transfer and fluid dynamics
Psychrometric and Air-
ASSESSMENT TOOLS:
1.
2.
3.
Weekly homework problems
Examinations
Group project reports
1.
1.
3.
4.
5.
Conditioning (AC)
Applications
Heat Exchangers
Prime Movers
Piping Systems
(Numbers shown in brackets refer to department educational
COURSE
OBJECTIVES* outcomes - Please ask Dr. Shih to check these numbers)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
COURSE
OUTCOMES*
To obtain greater depth in the analysis and design of
thermal fluid components and systems [1,2,3].
To understand the properties and behavior of moist
air systems [1]
To analyze and design piping networks. [1,3]
To become familiar with common heat exchangers
[1,3]
To become familiar with the characteristics and
applications of common pumps and fans. [1,3]
To prepare clear and concise report of system
designs and laboratory experiments.[2,4,7]
(Numbers shown in brackets are links to course objectives
listed above)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Analyze and design common thermal fluid
components and systems [1,2,3,4,5]
Perform psychrometric analysis of moist air in
HVAC applications [1,2,4]
Design series and parallel piping systems [3,4]
Select appropriate heat exchangers for specific needs
[4]
Select pumps and fans based on their characteristics
and system requirements [2, 3, 5]
Be able to create reports and present one's results of
analysis and design [6]
Work effectively in group projects [6]
Back to Table
DEPARTMENT: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
COURSE #: EML 4711/5710, 3 credits
http://www.eng.fsu.edu/~dommelen/courses/gas
COURSE
TITLE: Introduction to
Gas Dynamics
TYPE COURSE: Elective
TERM(S)
OFFERED: Fall
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course is a thorough one-dimensional treatment
PREREQUISITES:
EML 3016C, Thermal-
of compressible flows and applications to nozzle,
diffuser, sound waves, tunnel, and shock tube flows.
Fluids II
AREA COORDINATOR: Dr. Chiang Shih
RESPONSIBLE FACULTY: Dr. Leon Van
Dommelen
INSTRUCTOR OF RECORD: Dr. Leon Van
Dommelen
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Three times weekly for
50 min.
DATE OF PREPARATION: 8/25/02 (Van
Dommelen)
TEXTBOOKS/REQUIRED MATERIAL:

Modern Compressible flow with Historical
Perspective by John D. Anderson, Jr.
McGraw-Hill, 2nd edition, 1990. ISBN 0-07- CONTRIBUTION TO
MEETING THE
001673-9.
PROFESSIONAL
COMPONENT:
100% engineering
science
COURSE TOPICS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
SCIENCE/DESIGN
(%): 100 / 0
ASSESSMENT
TOOLS:
Some historical and introductory notes.
One-dimensional flow.
Quasi one-dimensional flow.
Unsteady wave motion.
Additional topics as time permits.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Homework
Problems
Weekly
quizzes
Midterm
Final Exam
(Numbers shown in brackets refer to department educational
COURSE
OBJECTIVES* outcomes - Please ask Dr. Shih to check these numbers)
1.
2.
3.
4.
COURSE
OUTCOMES*
Provide students with a minimum literacy into the
origins, purposes, and methods of gas dynamics.
[1,5,8]
To teach students how thermodynamical concepts
apply to gas dynamics. [1,5]
To familiarize students with the features of inviscid
compressible flows, including shock waves,
expansion fans, and contact surfaces. [1,5]
To teach students to analyze or compute onedimensional and quasi-one-dimensional flows in
typical applications such as supersonic windtunnels,
rocket nozzles, and shock tubes. [1,3,5,10]
(Numbers shown in brackets are links to course objectives
listed above)
Upon course completion, students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
e literate about at least some of the most important
historical developments in gas dynamics. [1]
Understand the physical meaning of key
thermodynamic state variables of simple gasses,
including pressure, density, specific volume,
temperature, internal energy, enthalpy, and entropy.
[1]
Understand the relationship between thermodynamic
pressure and density or specific volume and
mechanical properties, and be able to compute basic
mechanical properties from the thermodynamic ones
and vice-versa. [1]
Understand the requirements for the thermodynamic
state of a typical gas to be completely determined.
Understand the relationship between inviscid and
isentropic flows for typical compressible flows, the
major limitations of isentropic and inviscid flows,
and the effect of irreversibility and viscous effects
on entropy. [2]
Be able to recognize where the equation of state may
be used to find additional variables, and be able to
do so. [1,2]
Understand the concept of Mach number, and how it
relates to compressibility effects, typical flow
properties, and wave propagation. [3]
Understand the physical origin of the equations of
compressible one-dimensional flows. [1]
Be able to analyze one-dimensional flows including
shock waves, heat addition, and friction. [1]
Understand the relationship between Mach number
and stagnation and pitot properties and be able to
compute their relationship in typical applications.
[1,2,3]
Be able to analyze converging and convergingdiverging ducts in typical applications such as wind
tunnels, turbines, and rocket exit nozzles. [4]
Be able to analyze the starting problem in supersonic
wind tunnels.[4]
Be able to analyze unsteady one-dimensional wave
motion, including moving and reflected shock
waves, expansion waves, for typical applications
such as shock tubes and flow measurements. [4]
Be able to graphically describe and analyze onedimensional wave motions. [4]
Summary
As you have read, Mechanical engineering is not easy, but it is
rewarding in many ways. I think it is the most interesting type of
engineering there is and if I were to be an engineer, I would choose
mechanical. This project was difficult, but I learned a lot from it. I
learned that it takes a lot to become an engineer but that it’s totally
worth it. I also learned what I would need to take in order to become
an engineer. I found this project very useful.
Bibliography
www.me.unm.edu
www.me.iostate.edu
www.me.iastate.edu
www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide
www.eng.fsu.edu.com