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Course Catalog

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Mechanical Engineering

Chairperson: Jennifer Shepherd (Interim) 
Professors: K. Ansari (Emeritus),T. Chen, P. Ferro, G. Hordemann (Emeritus)
Associate Professors: M. Baumgardner, T. Fitzgerald, J. Marciniak (Emeritus) 
Assistant Professors: H. Khare, B. Sargent, G. Weber
Lecturers: D. McDonald, A. Toghraee, J. Weston, 

Mechanical Engineering is that branch of engineering that encompasses the study of forces, motion, energy, materials, manufacturing, and design in order to apply them to the creation of mechanical devices and systems that serve society (e.g., engines, refrigerators, machines, tools, etc.). This is accomplished through a process of problem description, creative idea generation, design, analysis, judgment, planning, and production that typically involves a host of professionals who may all have been educated as mechanical engineers. For example, mechanical engineers may be involved in product design, analysis, and testing, in developing manufacturing processes, in defining product requirements and trouble-shooting customer problems, in project management, and in research and education.

The profession serves many diverse fields and industries such as the aerospace, pharmaceutical, automotive, biomedical engineering, and power generation industries, to name just a few. In fact, any device or system that involves energy or movement probably involved one or more mechanical engineers in its creation. Some exciting, rapidly developing fields and emerging technologies of interest to mechanical engineers include fuel cells (the use of chemical fuel and an oxidant to directly produce electricity), rapid prototyping (the use of computer-controlled machines to fabricate complete objects in one step directly from computer models), mechatronics (the integration of mechanical systems and electronic sensing and control), biomedical engineering (the application of engineering to problems in medicine and biology), nanoengineering (the creation of materials and devices at the nanometer level, i.e., at the atomic, molecular, or supramolecular levels), and MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems-the integration of mechanical, chemical, and/or electronic systems at the chip level).

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Gonzaga University develops men and women who are both competent engineers and educated, responsible human beings. The development of these two characteristics in students is affected by course work from both the liberal arts and the profession. Thus, these two aspects are interwoven, being a single, integrated fabric having many threads contributed by many curricula. This synthesis is expressed by the engineering program educational objectives that are listed in the School of Engineering and Applied Science section of this catalog, and by the Gonzaga University Mission Statement that may be found at the beginning of the catalog.

Diversity of opportunity and professional breadth are hallmarks of the mechanical engineering profession. This translates into a need for a thorough grounding in a variety of mathematical, scientific, and engineering fundamentals. Thus, the Mechanical Engineering Program at Gonzaga University prepares the student in the areas of mathematics, chemistry, physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, materials, manufacturing, design, control theory, experimentation, and economics. These fundamentals are enhanced with exposure to important engineering tools such as: mathematical techniques; computer programming; computer applications including computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD); and the use of equipment, instruments, and software typically found in manufacturing and laboratory situations. Since teamwork is an essential aspect of the modern practice of mechanical engineering, the Mechanical Engineering Program gives considerable attention to building personal communication skills through team design projects, reports, and presentations. Furthermore, as a critical component of the program, all students engage in design courses beginning in their Sophomore year, culminating in a two-semester capstone design experience in the Senior year. That experience typically entails requiring student design teams, led jointly by faculty and practicing engineers, to solve real industrial design problems. Finally, the degree requirements also include the opportunity for breadth as well as concentration in particular engineering applications through a group of technical electives taken in the senior year (the list of allowed technical electives is given below). The department also has a five-year plan available for students wishing to proceed at a slower pace or for those planning to add a minor in business or in a liberal arts subject such as physics, music, or art. Information and a suggested course package is also available for students planning to enroll in the Gonzaga-in-Florence Engineering Semester program.

The following curriculum details the course requirements for each semester. In addition to these courses, all students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination prior to graduation (see ENSC 400, “Fundamentals of Engineering Exam” course in the Spring semester of the Senior year). Finally, students who follow a curriculum sequence other than that listed below should meet with their Academic Advisors at their first opportunity in order to resolve any scheduling conflicts that may arise due to off-schedule course availability and/or course pre- and co-requisite structure. In all cases, students must comply with the pre- and co-requisite requirements in order to be granted admission into courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Program Criteria and the Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering: 140 credits


(1) ENSC 300 is waived under the following circumstances:
  • Students enrolled in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership program: ENSC 300 is waived.
    Students pursuing the General Business or Analytical Finance minor:     ENSC 300 is waived after completing both (ECON 200 or (ECON 201 and ECON 202)) and BFIN 320
  • Students Pursuing the B.S. in Engineering and M.B.A. program: ENSC 300 is waived after completing both (ECON 200 or (ECON 201 and Econ 202)) and BFIN 320.

The above courses are not intended to be options for the ENSC 300 course. Hence, students who are not in one of the above programs are required to take ENSC 300. Also, students who comply with one of the above criteria must complete all of the courses required to waive ENSC 300 prior to enrolling in any course for which ENSC 300 is a pre-requisite.

(2) Students must show proof of having taken the examination in the State of Washington, as part of the requirements of this course.

Technical Electives

The courses used to satisfy the technical elective requirements must normally be selected from the following list. However, students may take other courses for technical elective credits but only with the prior approval of both the student’s academic advisor and the chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The actual technical elective courses offered from the list below varies from year to year and the department may on occasion offer one or more pre-approved technical elective courses that are not listed below. Courses other than MENG courses may have pre and/or co- requisites that are outside of the normal mechanical engineering curriculum. Students wishing to take these courses should plan well in advance in order to comply with all admission requirements prior to enrolling in the course.

  • CENG 301 Structural Analysis I
  • CENG 422 Structural Analysis II
  • EENG 412 Digital Control Systems 
  • MENG 435 Applications in Vibrations
  • MENG 442 Advanced Heat Transfer
  • MENG 443 Combustion 
  • MENG 445 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
  • MENG 446 Energy Auditing 
  • MENG 447 Advanced Energy Systems
  • MENG 451 Computational Dynamics 
  • MENG 456 Design for Manufacturing
  • MENG 465 Introduction to Finite Elements
  • MENG 467 Designing with Polymers and Composites
  • MENG 468 Biomaterials & Biomechanical Engineering
  • MENG 477 Material Selection for Design
  • MENG 478 Vehicle Dynamics
  • MENG 479 Tribology 
  • PHYS 452 Optics
    PHYS 424 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
  • PHYS 456 Biophysical Systems & Modeling
    PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics 
Lower Division
MENG 193 FYS:
3.00 credits
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
MENG 221 Materials Engineering
3.00 credits
Introduction to the structure-property-processing relationship in metallic, ceramic, and polymeric materials, and to the atomic structure of materials and its influence on mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Students explore how alloying and thermomechanical processing modifies structure and changes the properties of materials.
Prerequisite:
CHEM 101 Minimum Grade: D or TRAN GCHM Minimum Grade: T
MENG 291 Intro to Mech Eng Design
2.00 credits
Introduction to mechanical engineering design, with emphasis on the creation and communication of design ideas. Students will learn construction geometry, visualization (orthographic views, isometric views, sectional views, etc.), hand sketching and drawing of initial designs, and how to create 2-D drawings. Detailed treatment of dimensioning and tolerancing. Strong focus on the design of basic machine elements in order to prepare the student for further coursework in machine design, and senior projects, as well as direct application in the practice of mechanical engineering. The design process, including, product specifications, product descriptions, and prototype fabrication will be introduced. To register for this course, each student is required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the specifications of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). Specifications are available on the SEAS web site.
Concurrent:
MENG 291L
MENG 291L Intro to Mech Eng Design Lab
1.00 credit
Hands on use of SOLIDWORKS CAD system to create 3-D models and 2-D drawings of machinery elements and assemblies. Laboratory assignments are coordinated with lecture content from MENG 291. Student projects will focus on the creation of machinery elements and assemblies in a team environment.
Concurrent:
MENG 291
Upper Division
MENG 301 Manufacturing Processes
2.00 credits
Overview of manufacturing processes and how they influence design decisions. Emphasizes design for manufacturability, process comparison, and process specification.
Prerequisite:
MENG 221 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
MENG 301L
MENG 301L Manufacturing Processes Lab
1.00 credit
Laboratory experiences with machine tools and manufacturing processes. Calculations and problem solving that reinforce lecture topics.
Concurrent:
MENG 301
MENG 321 Thermodynamics I
3.00 credits
The first and second laws of thermodynamics; thermophysical properties of matter, ideal gases and their mixtures; concept of entropy as applied to thermal systems.
Prerequisite:
MATH 259 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 322 Thermodynamics II
3.00 credits
Second Law analysis, power and refrigeration cycles, mixtures, combustion, and high speed flow. Applications of first and second law analysis to engineering systems.
Prerequisite:
MENG 321 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 330 Machine Design
3.00 credits
Application of stress analysis and theories of failure to basic machine elements. Design of elements under static and fatigue loading. Design involving mechanical elements such as shafts, gears, springs, bearings, and fasteners.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 301 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 341 Heat Transfer
3.00 credits
One and multidimensional steady conduction, transient conduction, internal and external forced convection, natural convection, radiation heat transfer, boiling and condensation, heat exchangers.
Prerequisite:
MENG 321 Minimum Grade: D and ENSC 352 Minimum Grade: D and MATH 260 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 411 Instrumentation Systems
3.00 credits
Basic concepts of measurement and analysis of measurement uncertainties and experimental data. Study of transducers and investigation of data acquisition, signal conditioning, and data processing hardware typically utilized in performing mechanical measurements.
Prerequisite:
EENG 201 Minimum Grade: D and ENSC 371 Minimum Grade: D and MATH 321 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
MENG 411L
MENG 411L Instrumentation Systems Lab
1.00 credit
Laboratory exercises supporting the topics covered in MENG 411.
Concurrent:
MENG 411
MENG 412 Mechanical Measurements
3.00 credits
Study of the techniques used for measuring displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, pressure, flow, temperature, and strain. Investigation of the proper application and the associated limitations of the techniques and of the required instruments. The topics are studied within the context of obtaining experimental solutions to engineering problems in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanics, and strength of materials.
Prerequisite:
MENG 411 Minimum Grade: D and MENG 341 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
MENG 412L
MENG 412L Mechanical Measurements Lab
1.00 credit
Laboratory exercises supporting the topics covered in MENG 412.
Concurrent:
MENG 412
MENG 434 Vibration Engineering
3.00 credits
Elements of vibrating systems. Free, forced harmonic and transient vibrations of single-degree-of-freedom systems with and without damping. Vibration isolation and control. Two-degree-of-freedom systems. Application of matrix techniques.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 306 Minimum Grade: D and ENSC 371 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 435 Applications in Vibrations
3.00 credits
Continuation of MENG 434. Practical applications of vibration theory to topics such as: Control and suppression of vibrations in machinery; vibration isolation and damping treatments; dynamic vibration absorbers; balancing of rotating and reciprocating machinery; critical speed evaluation of flexible rotors; ground vehicle response to road profile excitation and evaluation of ride performance; vibration in electronic equipment and prevention of vibration failures; aircraft vibration and flutter; and response of structures to earthquakes.
Prerequisite:
MENG 434 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 442 Advanced Heat Transfer
3.00 credits
Advanced heat transfer topics with emphasis on industry applications. Small length scale heat transfer problems, contact resistance, multidimensional transients, boiling and condensation heat transfer, and design of heat exchangers.
Prerequisite:
MENG 341 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 443 Combustion
3.00 credits
Combustion processes including explosions, detonations, flame propagation, ignition, and generation of pollutants in moving and stationary energy conversion systems. Focused on fundamental combustion theory in the context of internal combustion engines and, to a lesser degree, the subsequent effect of those emissions on the atmosphere, climate, and human health. Specific focus may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite:
MENG 322 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 445 Heating Vent and Air Condition
3.00 credits
Introduction to the techniques used in the analysis and design of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Topics include the arrangement of typical air conditioning systems (i.e. all air systems, air and water systems, etc.), moist air processes, comfort and health criteria for indoor air quality, heating and cooling loads, piping system design, building air distribution, and operational principles and performance parameters of typical components (i.e., cooling towers, air washers, heating and cooling coils, etc.)
Prerequisite:
MENG 341 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 446 Energy Auditing
3.00 credits
This course provides a practical application of thermodynamics and heat transfer concepts with regard to commercial building systems (HVAC, lighting, automated controls, etc.). Students will learn how building systems use electric and natural gas energy, how to identify and make recommendations for how these systems can be made more efficient, and learn calculation methods to quantify these energy savings into useful metrics for clients.
Prerequisite:
MENG 322 Minimum Grade: D and MENG 341 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 447 Advanced Energy Systems
3.00 credits
This course is designed for students to understand the basic engineering principles of clean, renewable, and advanced energy conversion technologies. This course features an overview of various energy sources, their characteristics, and in-depth coverage of engineering technologies of converting these sources to electricity. Students should understand the engineering principles and limitations of each energy conversion technology. They will gain the ability to choose appropriate energy conversion techniques based on the application and energy resource availability.
Prerequisite:
MENG 322 Minimum Grade: D and MENG 341 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 451 Computational Dynamics
3.00 credits
A programming intensive course in applied numerical methods that will be explored using student-lead projects. Fundamental topics will include a variety of tools that arise in many types of problems, such as numerical linear algebra, multivariable root finding, and solving ordinary differential equations. Applications and projects may include simulation and prediction of system models, numerical solution of classical partial differential equations, studies in nonlinear dynamics, and optimization.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 244 Minimum Grade: D and ENSC 371 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 456 Design for Manufacturing
3.00 credits
Principles of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) are taught in the context of manufacturing engineering. Tool design, part features, tolerances and material processing parameters are discussed as examples to demonstrate how overall manufacturing costs are affected. Communication within the supply chain, upstream and downstream, are emphasized to achieve design and manufacturing costs goals. Traditional and nontraditional manufacturing (e.g. additive manufacturing) examples are used to show how DFM principles may be employed in globalized manufacturing. Recommendations from Bralla, Design for Manufacturing, are covered. Value engineering, outsourcing, reshoring, maquiladoras and other manufacturing trends are discussed.
Prerequisite:
MENG 221 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 461 System Dynamics and Control
3.00 credits
Principles of feedback control. Mathematical modeling and analysis of dynamic physical elements and systems. . Linearization to approximate dynamics with linear time-invariant models. Transient and steady-state response of first and second-order systems. Use of Laplace transforms. System response with zeros and additional poles. Transfer functions and block diagrams. Stability criteria and steady-state errors. Root locus and frequency response methods.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 306 Minimum Grade: D and ENSC 371 Minimum Grade: D and EENG 201 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 465 Introduction to Finite Element
3.00 credits
Development of the stiffness matrix method applied to bar and beam elements. The plane problem is discussed and plane elements are presented. The Isoperimetric formulation is introduced. Modeling and accuracy in linear analysis is considered. Utilizes a commercial finite element program in problem solving. One hour lecture and two hour computer Laboratory each week.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 301 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 467 Design w/Polymers-Composites
3.00 credits
Background of composites, stress-strain relations for composite materials, extension and bending of symmetric laminates, failure analysis of fiber-reinforced materials, design examples and design studies, non-symmetric laminates, micromechanics of composites, properties of fibers and matrix materials.
Prerequisite:
MENG 221 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 468 Biomatls & Biomech Eng
3.00 credits
Introduction to the field of biomaterials and biomechanical engineering. Review and continuation of materials and mechanical properties concepts specific to biomaterials. Introduction to the disciplines of biomechanics and biomechanical engineering. Topics covered include orthopedic anatomy and function, implant technology, cardiac anatomy and function, and medical devices used to restore proper physiological function.
Prerequisite:
MENG 221 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 477 Materials Selection for Design
3.00 credits
Methods of materials selection. Systematic approaches for selecting optimal material when competing criteria exist. Real applications and case studies are included. Several topics including fracture mechanics, corrosion, titanium alloys, etc. are covered.
Prerequisite:
MENG 221 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 478 Vehicle Dynamics
3.00 credits
Overview of vehicle and engine construction. Various design conditions are covered including acceleration performance, braking forces, road loads, cornering, suspension modeling, and steering systems. Safety considerations for rollover. Tire modeling and its impact on system performance. The Vehicle Development Process is developed from concept through testing. The relationship between performance, emissions, safety, and fuel efficiency to the overall vehicle design is stressed. Each student will complete a project to propose a new vehicle market entry and establish the performance and related product technical specifications for this vehicle.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 306 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 479 Tribology
3.00 credits
In this course, you will learn about foundational concepts in surface metrology, contact mechanics, the nature of surfaces forces and fundamentals of friction, lubrication, war and failure, as well as properties of lubricant materials and bearing machine elements. Practical applications and case studies (for example, in automotive, aerospace and biotribology) will be discussed within the broader context of improving energy efficiency and reliability of mechanical systems through the application of these concepts.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 301 Minimum Grade: D and ENSC 352 Minimum Grade: D
MENG 487 Vehicle Dynamics
3.00 credits
Overview of vehicle and engine construction. Various design conditions are covered including acceleration performance, braking forces, road loads, cornering, suspension modeling, and steering systems. Safety considerations for rollover. Tire modeling and its impact on system performance. The Vehicle Development Process is developed from concept through testing. The relationship between performance, emissions, safety, and fuel efficiency to the overall vehicle design is stressed. Each student will complete a project to propose a new vehicle market entry and establish the performance and related product technical specifications for this vehicle.
Prerequisite:
ENSC 306 Minimum Grade: D