Taught as part of the undergraduate and graduate Mechanical Engineering Department curriculum and the Energy Engineering Graduate Program at UMass Lowell.
Thermodynamics (MECH.2420)
The first and second laws of thermodynamics are introduced and applied to the analysis of thermodynamic systems in terms of work, heat, energy transformation, and system efficiency. The use of tables, graphs, and equations of state is introduced to obtain various properties of pure substances. The concepts of work, heat and energy, as well as their relationships, are studied. The theory and application of reversible and irreversible thermodynamic process, Carnot cycles, and entropy are studied in relation to the energy analysis of engineering systems. Energy balances and ideal efficiencies of steady flow engineering systems are analyzed.
Fluid Mechanics (MECH.3810)
A calculus-based engineering course which deals with the development of basic fluid mechanic relations. Emphasis is placed on the control-volume approach for solving problems, Topics includes fluid behavior and fluid properties: hydrostatic pressure and forces; buoyancy and stability; continuity, momentum, and Bernoulli equations; similitude and dimensional analysis; scale analysis and modeling; internal and external flows with friction; Reynolds number; laminar and turbulent flows; mathematical development of the hydrodynamic boundary layer; boundary layer separation and fluid dynamic drag; fluid flow in pipes and ducts,; friction and minor losses.
Capstone Design (MECH.4230)
Students perform independent design work and participate in team efforts to develop conceptual designs from functional requirements. Perform design analysis and synthesis, modeling, fabrication, testing, cost estimating, and documenting the essential elements of the system design. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL), Information Literacy (IL), and Written & Oral Communication (WOC).
Green Combustion & Biofuels (MECH.5340)
Fundamentals of combustion and pollutant formations in application to internal combustion engines, turbines, and fire safety. Concepts include flame structure, flame speed, flammability,ignition, reaction kinetics, nonequillibrium processes, diffusion flames, and boundary layer combustion. Additional specific emphasis on combustion modeling, green approaches to energy production, and biofuels.
Combustion Modeling (MECH.5440)
This course is focused on combustion modeling and computational combustion. It will introduce methods for modeling laminar and turbulent premixed and non-premixed flames, as well as particulate combustion. Specific emphasis will be placed on the theory and derivation of the methods, their implementation, and the use of existing computational tools. Models will include combustion kinetics, convective and diffusive transport, equilibrium, simple reactors, canonical premixed and non-premixed flames, and methods for treating turbulent flows. Practical applications include internal combustion engines and gas turbines.