DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING • Mechanics of solid materials

• Nonlinear dynamics

Mechanical engineering is concerned with the responsible The fundamental engineering principles embodied in these topics
development of products, processes, and power, at scales ranging can be applied over a vast range of force, time, and length scales,
from molecules to large and complex systems. Mechanical and applications of interest in the MMEC area span the spectrum
engineering principles and skills are involved at some stage during from the nano/micro world to the geophysical domain. A Course 2-A
the conception, design, development, and manufacture of every track is oered in this area.
human-made object with moving parts. Many innovations crucial to
our future will have their roots in the world of mass, motion, forces, Area 2: Design, Manufacturing, and Product Development. Design,
and energy—the world of mechanical engineers. manufacturing, and product development is the complete set of
activities needed to bring new devices and technologies to the
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most versatile marketplace. These activities span the entire product life-cycle,
of the engineering professions. This is reflected in the portfolio from the identication of a market opportunity or need, through
of current activities in the Department of Mechanical Engineering design, testing, manufacture and distribution, and end of useful
(MechE), one that has widened rapidly in the past decade. Today, life. Our work includes everything from understanding the voice
our faculty are involved in a wide range of projects, including of the customer to nding new ways of processing materials to
designing tough hydrogels, using nanostructured surfaces improving product performance and tracking product flow through
for clean water and thermal management of microelectronics, a distribution network. A central component of this area is the
developing ecient methods for robust design, the building of design and construction of novel equipment, either for consumer
robotics for land and underwater exploration, creating optimization products or for industrial uses. This spans scales from meters to
methods that autonomously generate decision-making strategies, microns, and involves mechanical, electronic and electromechanical
developing driverless cars, inventing cost-eective photovoltaic devices. Many MechE students apply design, manufacturing, and
cells, developing thermal and electrical energy storage systems, product development skills and techniques to extracurricular design
using acoustics to explore the ocean of one of Jupiter's moons, work for organizations and student activities such as Design that
studying the biomimetics of swimming sh for underwater sensing Matters, Formula SAE, Satellite Engineering Team, and the Solar
applications, developing physiological models for metastatic Electric Vehicle Team. Some projects lead to flagship products for
cancers, inventing novel medical devices, exploring 3D printing of new companies. A Course 2-A track in product development is oered
nanostructures and macrostructures, and developing coatings to along with a unique Master of Engineering degree in manufacturing.
create nonstick surfaces.
Area 3: Controls, Instrumentation, and Robotics. The mission in
The department carries out its mission with a focus on the seven this area is to promote research and education for automating,
areas of excellence described below. Our education and research monitoring, and manipulating systems. The focus is on system-
agendas are informed by these areas, and these are the areas in level behavior that emerges primarily from interactions and cannot
which we seek to impassion the best undergraduate and graduate be explained from individual component behavior alone. We seek
students. to identify fundamental principles and methodologies that enable
systems to exhibit intelligent, goal-oriented behavior, and develop
Area 1: Mechanics: Modeling, Experimentation, and Computation
innovative instruments to monitor, manipulate, and control systems.
(MMEC). At the heart of mechanical engineering lies the ability to
The core competencies in which we seek to excel are:
measure, describe, and model the physical world of materials and
mechanisms. The MMEC area focuses on teaching the fundamental • Methodologies for understanding system behavior through
principles, essential skills, and scientic tools necessary for physical modeling, identication, and estimation.
predicting thermo-mechanical phenomena and using such
• Technologies for sensors and sensor networks; actuators and
knowledge in rational engineering design. We provide students with
energy transducers; and systems for monitoring, processing, and
the foundations in experimental, modeling, and computational skills
communicating information.
needed to understand, exploit, and enhance the thermo-physical
• Fundamental theories and methodologies for analyzing,
behavior of advanced engineering devices and systems, and to make
synthesizing, and controlling systems; learning and adapting to
lifelong creative contributions at the forefront of the mechanical
unknown environments; and eectively achieving task goals.
sciences and beyond. Research in the MMEC area focuses on four key
thrusts: We seek to apply our core competencies to diverse areas of social,
national, and global needs. These include health care, security,
• Computational mechanics
education, medical and security related imaging, space and ocean
• Fluid dynamics and transport
exploration, and autonomous systems in air, land, and underwater
environments. We also oer a Course 2-A track in this area.

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   3

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Area 4: Energy Science and Engineering. Energy is one of the most essential role in governing the function of cells, tissues, and organs.
signicant challenges facing humanity and is a central focus of Our research emphasizes integration of molecular-to-systems–level
mechanical engineering's contribution to society. Our research approaches to probe the behavior of natural biological systems,
focuses on ecient and environmentally friendly energy conversion and to design and build new systems, ranging from analysis of gene
and utilization from fossil and renewable resources. Programs in regulatory networks to microfluidic assays for drug screening or
the department cover many of the fundamental and technological new technologies for quantitative, high-throughput biomedical
aspects of energy, with applications to high performance imaging. Emphasis is also placed on creating new physiological or
combustion engines, batteries and fuel cells, thermoelectricity disease models, including multicellular engineered living systems,
and photovoltaics, wind turbines, and ecient buildings. Work in using nano- and micro-fabrication as well as new biomaterials.
very-low-temperature thermodynamics includes novel sub-Kelvin Applications include understanding, diagnosing, and treating
refrigeration. Eorts in high-temperature thermodynamics and its diseases such as atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury or
coupling with transport and chemistry include internal combustion liver failure; new tools for drug discovery and drug development; and
engine analysis, design, and technology; control of combustion tissue-engineered scaolds and devices for in vivo regeneration of
dynamics and emissions; thermoelectric energy conversion; low- and tissues and organs. Work also includes design and fabrication of new
high-temperature fuel cells; and novel materials for rechargeable devices and tools for rehabilitation of stroke victims and for robotic
batteries and thermal energy storage. Work in heat and mass surgery. We oer many elective subjects at the undergraduate and
transport covers thermal control of electronics from manufacturing graduate levels, as well as a bioengineering track in Course 2-A.
to end use; microscale and nanoscale transport phenomena;
desalination and water purication; high heat flux engineering; Area 7: Nano/Micro Science and Technology. The miniaturization
and energy-ecient building technology. Work in renewable energy of devices and systems of ever-increasing complexity has been a
encompasses the design of oshore and floating wind turbines and fascinating and productive engineering endeavor during the past
tidal wave machines; and analysis and manufacturing of photovoltaic few decades. Near and long term, this trend will be amplied as
and thermophotovoltaic devices. Energy storage, hybrid systems, physical understanding of the nano world expands, and widespread
fuel synthesis, and integration of energy systems are active research commercial demand drives the application of manufacturing to
areas in the department. We also oer a Course 2-A track in energy. micro- and nanosystems. Micro- and nanotechnology can have
tremendous impact on a wide range of mechanical systems.
Area 5: Ocean Science and Engineering. The oceans cover over 70 Examples include microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices
percent of the planet's surface and constitute a critical element in and products that are already deployed as automobile airbag
our quality of life, including the climate and the resources and food sensors, smart phone parts, and for drug delivery; stronger
that we obtain from the sea. This area's objectives are to support and lighter nanostructured materials now used in airplanes and
the undergraduate and graduate programs in ocean engineering, automobiles; and nanostructured energy conversion devices that
including the naval construction program, the MIT/Woods Hole signicantly improve the eciency of renewable energy systems.
Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Applied Oceanography Research in this area cuts across mechanical engineering and other
and the Course 2-OE degree in mechanical and ocean engineering. disciplines. Examples include sensors and actuators; micro-fluidics,
It also serves as the focus point of ocean-related research and heat transfer, and energy conversion at the micro- and nanoscales;
education at MIT. Major current research activities include marine optical and biological micro- and nano-electromechanical systems
robotics and navigation of underwater vehicles and smart sensors (MEMS and NEMS); engineered nanomaterials; atomic scale
for ocean mapping and exploration; biomimetics to extract new precision engineering; and the nano-phoptonics in measurement,
understanding for the development of novel ocean systems studying sensing, and systems design. Students interested in micro/
marine animals; the study of the mechanics and fluid mechanics of nano technology are encouraged to explore the Course 2-A
systems for ultradeep ocean gas and oil extraction; ocean wave and nanoengineering track.
oshore wind energy extraction; the free surface hydrodynamics
of ocean-going vehicles; the development of advanced naval and In order to prepare the mechanical engineers of the future, the
commercial ships and submersibles, including the all-electric ship; department has developed undergraduate and graduate educational
the mechanics and crashworthiness of ocean ships and structures; programs of the depth and breadth necessary to address the diverse
ocean transportation systems; ocean acoustics for communication, and rapidly changing technological challenges that society faces.
detection, and mapping in the ocean; and adaptive sampling and Our educational programs combine the rigor of academic study with
multidisciplinary forecasting of the ocean behavior. The design of the excitement and creativity inherent to innovation and research.
complex ocean systems permeates all these areas and provides the  
cohesive link for our research and teaching activities.

Area 6: Bioengineering. Engineering analysis, design, and synthesis

are needed to understand biological processes and to harness them
successfully for human use. Mechanical forces and structures play an

4   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

faculty advisors, plan a program that best utilizes the departmental

electives and the 48 units of unrestricted electives available in the
Undergraduate Study
Course 2 degree program.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) oers three
programs of undergraduate study. The rst of these, the traditional This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation
program that leads to the bachelor's degree in mechanical Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and
engineering, is a more structured program that prepares students Technology (ABET) (http://www.abet.org) as a mechanical
for a broad range of career choices in the eld of mechanical engineering degree.
engineering. The second program leads to a bachelor's degree in
engineering and is intended for students whose career objectives Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Course 2-A)
require greater flexibility. It allows them to combine the essential Course 2-A is designed for students whose academic and career
elements of the traditional mechanical engineering program with goals demand greater breadth and flexibility than are allowed under
study in another, complementary eld. The third program, in the mechanical engineering program, Course 2. To a large extent, the
mechanical and ocean engineering, is also a structured program for 2-A program allows students an opportunity to tailor a curriculum to
students interested in mechanical engineering as it applies to the their own needs, starting from a solid mechanical engineering base.
engineering aspects of ocean science, exploration, and utilization, The program combines a rigorous grounding in core mechanical
and of marine transportation. engineering topics with an individualized course of study focused on
a second area that the student designs with the help and approval of
All of the educational programs in the department prepare students the 2-A faculty advisor. The program leads to the degree Bachelor of
for professional practice in an era of rapidly advancing technology. Science in Engineering.
They combine a strong base in the engineering sciences (mechanics,
materials, fluid and thermal sciences, systems and control) with This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation
project-based laboratory and design experiences. All strive to Commission of ABET as an engineering degree.
develop independence, creative talent, and leadership, as well as the
The educational objectives of the program leading to the degree of
capability for continuing professional growth.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-
charts/mechanical-engineering-course-2-a) are that:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Course 2)
The program in mechanical engineering provides a broad intellectual Within a few years of graduation, a majority of our graduates will
foundation in the eld of mechanical engineering. The program have completed or be progressing through top graduate programs;
develops the relevant engineering fundamentals, includes various advancing in leadership tracks in industry, non-prot organizations,
experiences in their application, and introduces the important or the public sector; or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. In these
methods and techniques of engineering practice. roles they will: (1) apply a deep working knowledge or technical
fundamentals in areas related to mechanical, electromechanical,
The educational objectives of the program leading to the
and thermal systems to address needs of the customer and
degree Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (http://
society; (2) develop innovative technologies and nd solutions to
catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/mechanical-engineering-course-2)
engineering problems; (3) communicate eectively as members of
are that:
multidisciplinary teams; (4) be sensitive to professional and societal
Within a few years of graduation, a majority of our graduates will contexts and committed to ethical action; (5) lead in the conception,
have completed or be progressing through top graduate programs; design, and implementation of new products, processes, services,
advancing in leadership tracks in industry, non-prot organizations, and systems.
or the public sector; or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. In these
A signicant part of the 2-A curriculum consists of electives chosen
roles they will: (1) apply a deep working knowledge or technical
by the student to provide in-depth study of a eld of the student's
fundamentals in areas related to mechanical, electromechanical,
choosing. A wide variety of popular concentrations are possible in
and thermal systems to address needs of the customer and
which well-selected academic subjects complement a foundation in
society; (2) develop innovative technologies and nd solutions to
mechanical engineering and general Institute requirements. Some
engineering problems; (3) communicate eectively as members of
examples of potential concentrations include robotics, engineering
multidisciplinary teams; (4) be sensitive to professional and societal
management, product development, biomedical engineering
contexts and committed to ethical action; (5) lead in the conception,
and pre-medicine, energy conversion engineering, sustainable
design, and implementation of new products, processes, services,
development, architecture and building technology, and any of the
and systems.
seven departmental focus areas mentioned above. The MechE faculty
Students are urged to contact the MechE Undergraduate Oce as have developed specic recommendations in some of these areas;
soon as they have decided to enter mechanical engineering so that details are available from the MechE Undergraduate Oce and on
a faculty advisor may be assigned. Students, together with their the departmental website.

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   5

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Concentrations are not limited to those listed above. Students conception, design, and implementation of new products, processes,
are encouraged to design and propose technically oriented services, and systems.
concentrations that reflect their own needs and those of society.
Graduates have exciting opportunities in oshore industries, naval
The student's overall program must contain a total of at least one architecture, the oceanographic industry, the Navy or government, or
and one-half years of engineering content (150 units) appropriate for further study in graduate school.
to the student's eld of study. The required core and second-level
subjects include approximately 78 units of engineering topics. Minor in Mechanical Engineering
The self-designed concentration must include at least 72 more Students pursuing a minor in the department must complete a total
units of engineering topics. While engineering topics are usually of six 12-unit subjects in the Mechanical Engineering Department
covered through engineering subjects, subjects outside the School program. At least three of the subjects must be selected from among
of Engineering may provide material essential to the engineering the required subjects for the Course 2 and Course 2-OE degree
program of some concentrations. For example, management subjects programs, which are listed below. In addition, two subjects may be
usually form an essential part of an engineering management selected from restricted electives in those programs.
concentration. In all cases, the relationship of concentration subjects
1
to the particular theme of the concentration must be obvious. 18.03 Dierential Equations 12
Select three of the following: 36
To pursue the 2-A degree, students must submit the online 2-A
2.001 Mechanics and Materials I
enrollment form no later than Add Date of their second term in the
2.002 Mechanics and Materials II
program.
2.003[J] Dynamics and Control I
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering 2.004 Dynamics and Control II
(Course 2-OE) 2.005 Thermal-Fluids Engineering I
This program is intended for students who are interested in 2.006 Thermal-Fluids Engineering II
combining a rm foundation in mechanical engineering with
2.007 Design and Manufacturing I
a specialization in ocean engineering. The program includes
2.008 Design and Manufacturing II
engineering aspects of the ocean sciences, ocean exploration, and
utilization of the oceans for transportation, defense, and extracting 2.009 The Product Engineering Process
resources. Theory, experiment, and computation of ocean systems 2.017[J] Design of Electromechanical Robotic
and flows are covered in a number of subjects, complementing a Systems
rigorous mechanical engineering program; a hands-on capstone 2.019 Design of Ocean Systems
design class allows students to master the design of advanced 2.612 Marine Power and Propulsion
marine systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles and
2.086 Numerical Computation for
smart sensors.
Mechanical Engineers
This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation 2.671 Measurement and Instrumentation
Commission of ABET in both mechanical engineering and ocean Select two additional subjects from the required 24
engineering. subjects or restricted electives for either Course 2 or
2
Course 2-OE
The educational objectives of the program leading to the degree
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering (http:// Total Units 72
catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/mechanical-ocean-engineering- 1
18.032 Dierential Equations is also an acceptable option. Consult
course-2-oe) are that within a few years of graduation, a majority of
department for other alternatives.
our graduates will have completed or be progressing through top 2
For information about restricted electives in these programs, please
graduate programs; advancing in leadership tracks in industry, non-
refer to the department's website (http://meche.mit.edu/academic/
prot organizations, or the public sector; or pursuing entrepreneurial undergraduate/mecheminor). 
ventures. In these roles they will: (1) apply a deep working
knowledge or technical fundamentals in areas related to mechanical, Inquiries
electromechanical, and thermal systems to address needs of the
customer and society; (2) develop innovative technologies and nd Further information on undergraduate programs may
solutions to engineering problems; (3) communicate eectively as be obtained from the MechE Undergraduate Oce (me-
members of multidisciplinary teams; (4) be sensitive to professional undergradoce@mit.edu), Room 1-110, 617-253-230.
and societal contexts and committed to ethical action; (5) lead in the

6   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Graduate Study Early Admission to Master's Degree Programs in Mechanical

Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) provides At the end of the junior year, extraordinarily qualied students in the
opportunities for graduate work leading to the following degrees: Department of Mechanical Engineering will be invited to apply for
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science early admission to the graduate program. Students who are admitted
in Ocean Engineering, Master of Science in Naval Architecture will then be able to enroll in core graduate subjects during the senior
and Marine Engineering, Master of Science in Oceanographic year and to nd a faculty advisor who is willing to start and supervise
Engineering, Master of Engineering in Manufacturing, degree of research for the master's thesis while the student is still in the senior
Mechanical Engineer, degree of Naval Engineer, and the Doctor of year. With the consent of the faculty advisor, the student may also
Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (ScD), which dier in name use a portion of the work conducted towards the master's thesis
only. in the senior undergraduate year to satisfy the requirements of the
bachelor's thesis.
The Master of Engineering in Manufacturing degree is a 12-month
professional degree intended to prepare students for technical
Writing Ability Requirement
leadership in the manufacturing industries.
The Mechanical Engineering Department requires that all incoming
The Mechanical Engineer's and Naval Engineer's degrees oer graduate students demonstrate satisfactory English writing ability,
preparation for a career in advanced engineering practice through a or successfully complete appropriate training in writing. This
program of advanced coursework that goes well beyond the master's requirement reflects the faculty's conviction that writing is an
level. These degrees are not a stepping stone to the PhD. essential skill for all engineers. All incoming graduate students,
native as well as international, must take the departmental writing
The Doctor of Philosophy (or Science), the highest academic degree ability test, which is administered online in June. Depending on
oered, is awarded upon the completion of a program of advanced the results, a student will either pass or be required to take a
study and signicant original research, design, or development. short course during the Independent Activities Period (IAP) (http://
catalog.mit.edu/mit/undergraduate-education/academic-research-
Admission Requirements for Graduate Study options/independent-activities-period) in January.
Applications to the mechanical engineering graduate program are
accepted from persons who have completed, or will have completed Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
by the time they arrive, a bachelor's degree if they are applying To qualify for the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering,
for a master's degree, or a master's degree if they are applying a student must complete at least 72 credits of coursework, not
for a PhD. Most incoming students have a degree in mechanical including thesis. Of these, at least 48 must be graduate subjects
engineering or ocean engineering, or some related branch of (refer to the Guide to Graduate Study [PDF] (http://meche.mit.edu/
engineering. The department's admission criteria are not specic, documents/MechE_Grad_Guide.pdf) on the MechE website). The
however, and capable students with backgrounds in dierent remainder of the 72 units may include advanced undergraduate
branches of engineering or in science may gain entry. Nevertheless, subjects that are not requirements in the undergraduate mechanical
to qualify for a graduate degree, the candidate is expected to have engineering curriculum.
had at least an undergraduate-level exposure to the core subject
areas in mechanical engineering (applied mechanics, dynamics, At least three of the graduate subjects must be taken in mechanical
fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, control systems, engineering sciences (refer to the Guide to Graduate Study [PDF]
and design) and to be familiar with basic electrical circuits and (http://meche.mit.edu/documents/MechE_Grad_Guide.pdf) on
electromagnetic eld theory. the MechE website). Students must take at least one graduate
mathematics subject (12 units) oered by the MIT Mathematics
Applications for September entry are due on December 15 of the Department. For the Master of Science in Oceanographic
previous year and decisions are reported in March. International Engineering, see also the requirements listed in the Joint Program
students applying from abroad may be admitted, but they will be with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
allowed to register only if they have full nancial support for the rst
year. Finally, a thesis is required. The thesis is an original work of
research, development, or design, performed under the supervision
All applicants to the graduate program in mechanical engineering of a faculty or research sta member, and is a major part of any
must submit the GRE test results. International students whose graduate program in the Mechanical Engineering Department. A
native language is not English are required to take either the master's student usually spends as much time on thesis work as on
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam and coursework. A master's degree usually takes about one and one-half
receive a minimum score of 7 or the TOEFL exam with a minimum to two years to complete.
acceptable score of 577 (PBT), 233 (CBT) or 100 (iBT).

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   7

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

and social implications, and is quite distinct from the PhD, which
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering/Master of Science in emphasizes depth and originality of research.
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering/Master of Science in
Oceanographic Engineering The engineer's degree requires a broad program of advanced
The requirements for each of these three degrees are that the coursework in mechanical engineering totaling at least 162 credit
student takes 72 credit units of graduate subjects and complete a units (typically about 14 subjects), including those taken during the
thesis. master's degree program. The engineer's degree program is centered
around the application of engineering principles to advanced
At least three of the subjects must be chosen from a prescribed list engineering problems and includes a Mechanical Engineering
of ocean engineering subjects (refer to the Guide to Graduate Study examination and an applications-oriented thesis, which may be
[PDF] (http://meche.mit.edu/documents/MechE_Grad_Guide.pdf) on an extension of a suitable master's thesis. An engineer's degree
the MechE website). Students must also take at least one graduate typically requires at least one year of study beyond the master's
mathematics subject (12 units) oered by MIT's Mathematics degree.
Department. For the Master of Science in Oceanographic
Engineering, see also the requirements listed under the Joint Naval Engineer's Degree—Program in Naval Construction and
Program with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Engineering
The Naval Construction and Engineering (NVE) program provides US
The required thesis is an original work of research, development, Navy and US Coast Guard ocers, foreign naval ocers, and civilian
or design, conducted under the supervision of a faculty or senior students interested in ships and ship design a broad graduate-level
research sta member. The thesis usually takes between one and education for a career as a naval engineer.
two years to complete.
The program leads to the Naval Engineer's degree, which requires
Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing and Design a higher level of professional competence and broader range of
The Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing and knowledge than is required for the degree of Master of Science in
Design (http://web.mit.edu/meng-manufacturing) is a 12-month Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering or Ocean Engineering.
professional degree in mechanical engineering that is intended Subjects in the areas of economics, industrial management, and
to prepare the student to assume a role of technical leadership in public policy and law, and at least 12 units of comprehensive design
the manufacturing industries. The degree is aimed at practitioners are required, in addition to an in-depth curriculum that includes
who will use this knowledge to become leaders in existing, as well naval architecture, hydrodynamics, ship structures, materials
emerging, manufacturing companies. To qualify for this degree, science, and power and propulsion. The program is appropriate for
a student must complete a highly integrated set of subjects and naval ocers and civilians who plan to participate in the design
projects that cover the process, product, system, and business and construction of naval ships, as well as those interested in
aspects of manufacturing, totaling 90 units, plus complete a group- commercial ship design.
based thesis project with a manufacturing industry. While centered
in engineering and rmly grounded in the engineering sciences, this For students working toward a simultaneous Naval Engineer's degree
degree program considers the entire enterprise of manufacturing. and a master's degree, a single thesis is generally acceptable,
Students will gain both a broad understanding of the many facets of provided it is appropriate to the specications of both degrees,
manufacturing and a knowledge of manufacturing fundamentals from demonstrating an educational maturity expected of the Naval
which to build new technologies and businesses. The admission Engineer's degree.
process is identical to that of the Master of Science degree, with the
exception that two additional essay questions are required. Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science
The highest academic degree is the Doctor of Science, or Doctor
Learners who earn an MITx Principles of Manufacturing MicroMasters of Philosophy (the two dier only in name). This degree is
Credential (https://www.edx.org/micromasters/principles- awarded upon the completion of a program of advanced study,
manufacturing) may apply to the Advanced Manufacturing and and the performance of signicant original research, design, or
Design program and, upon acceptance, would be credited 48 units of development. Doctoral degrees are oered in all areas represented
advanced standing credit (equivalent to approximately one-third of by the department's faculty.
the full degree program and one semester on campus).
Students become candidates for the doctorate by passing the
Mechanical Engineer's Degree doctoral qualifying examinations. The doctoral program includes a
The Mechanical Engineer's degree provides an opportunity for major program of advanced study in the student's principal area of
further study beyond the master's level for those who wish to enter interest, and a minor program of study in a dierent eld. The MechE
engineering practice rather than research. This degree emphasizes Graduate Oce should be consulted about the deadline for passing
breadth of knowledge in mechanical engineering and its economic the qualifying exam.

8   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The principal component of the program is the thesis. The thesis is a joint-program-woods-hole-oceanographic-institution) under
major, original work that makes a signicant research, development, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.
or design contribution in its eld. The thesis and the program of
study are done under a faculty supervisor and a doctoral committee Leaders for Global Operations
selected by the student and his or her supervisor, and perhaps The 24-month Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) (http://
other interested faculty members. The committee makes an lgo.mit.edu) program combines graduate degrees in engineering and
annual examination of the candidate's progress and makes a nal management for those with previous postgraduate work experience
recommendation for a public defense of the work. The doctoral and strong undergraduate degrees in a technical eld. During the
program typically requires three years of work beyond the master's two-year program, students complete a six-month internship at one
degree, although this time is strongly topic dependent. of LGO's partner companies, where they conduct research that forms
the basis of a dual-degree thesis. Students nish the program with
Interdisciplinary Programs two MIT degrees: an MBA (or SM in management) and an SM from
Graduate students registered in the Department of Mechanical one of eight engineering programs, some of which have optional
Engineering may elect to participate in interdisciplinary programs of or required LGO tracks. Aer graduation, alumni lead strategic
study. initiatives in high-tech, operations, and manufacturing companies.

Polymers and So Matter

Computational Science and Engineering The Program in Polymers and So Matter (PPSM) (http://
The Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering polymerscience.mit.edu) oers students from participating
(CSE SM) (https://cse.mit.edu/programs/sm) is an interdisciplinary departments an interdisciplinary core curriculum in polymer science
program for students interested in the development, analysis, and engineering, exposure to the broader polymer community
and application of computational approaches to science and through seminars, contact with visitors from industry and academia,
engineering. The curriculum is designed with a common core serving and interdepartmental collaboration while working towards a PhD or
all science and engineering disciplines and an elective component ScD degree.
focusing on specic disciplinary topics. Current MIT graduate
students may pursue the CSE SM as a standalone degree or as Research opportunities include functional polymers, controlled
leading to the CSE PhD program described below. drug delivery, nanostructured polymers, polymers at interfaces,
biomaterials, molecular modeling, polymer synthesis, biomimetic
The Doctoral program in Computational Science and Engineering materials, polymer mechanics and rheology, self-assembly, and
(CSE PhD) (https://cse.mit.edu/programs/phd) allows students to polymers in energy. The program is described in more detail (http://
specialize at the doctoral level in a computation-related eld of catalog.mit.edu/interdisciplinary/graduate-programs/polymers-so-
their choice through focused coursework and a thesis through a matter) under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.
number of participating host departments. The CSE PhD program
is administered jointly by the Center for Computational Science Technology and Policy
and Engineering (CCSE) and the host departments; the emphasis of The Master of Science in Technology and Policy is an engineering
thesis research activities is the development of new computational research degree with a strong focus on the role of technology in
methods and/or the innovative application of computational policy analysis and formulation. The Technology and Policy Program
techniques to important problems in engineering and science. (TPP) (http://tpp.mit.edu) curriculum provides a solid grounding
in technology and policy by combining advanced subjects in the
For more information, see the program descriptions under student's chosen technical eld with courses in economics, politics,
Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs. quantitative methods, and social science. Many students combine
TPP's curriculum with complementary subjects to obtain dual
Joint Program with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution degrees in TPP and either a specialized branch of engineering or
The Joint Program with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution an applied social science such as political science or urban studies
(WHOI) (http://mit.whoi.edu) is intended for students whose primary and planning. See the program description (http://catalog.mit.edu/
career objective is oceanography or oceanographic engineering. schools/mit-schwarzman-college-computing/data-systems-society)
Students divide their academic and research eorts between the under the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society.
campuses of MIT and WHOI. Joint Program students are assigned
an MIT faculty member as academic advisor; thesis research may Financial Support
be supervised by MIT or WHOI faculty. While in residence at MIT, The Department of Mechanical Engineering oers three types of
students follow a program similar to that of other students in nancial assistance to graduate students: research assistantships,
their home department. The program is described in more detail teaching assistantships, and fellowships.
(http://catalog.mit.edu/interdisciplinary/graduate-programs/

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   9

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The majority of students in the department are supported by

research assistantships (RAs), which are appointments to work Inquiries
on particular research projects with particular faculty members. For additional information on mechanical engineering graduate
Faculty members procure research grants for various projects and admissions, contact Una Sheehan. For general inquiries on
hire graduate students to carry out the research. The research is the mechanical engineering graduate program, contact Leslie
almost invariably structured so that it becomes the student's thesis. Regan. All can be reached in the MechE Graduate Oce (me-
An RA appointment provides a full-tuition scholarship (i.e., covers gradoce@mit.edu), Room 1-112, 617-253-2291.
all tuition) plus a salary that is adequate for a single person. The
nancial details are outlined in a separate handout available from
the MechE Graduate Oce. An RA may register for a maximum of 24 Research Laboratories and Programs
units (about two subjects) of classroom subjects per regular term
The Mechanical Engineering Department is organized into seven
and 12 units in the summer term, and must do at least the equivalent
areas that collectively capture the broad range of interests and
of 24 units of thesis (i.e., research on the project) per term. (Please
activities within it. These areas are:
note that Master of Engineering in Manufacturing students are not
eligible for RA or TA positions since their subject credits exceed • Mechanics: Modeling, Experimentation, and Computation
these limits.) (MMEC)

Teaching assistants (TAs) are appointed to work on specic subjects • Design, Manufacturing, and Product Development
of instruction. As the name implies, they usually assist a faculty • Controls, Instrumentation, and Robotics
member in teaching, oen grading homework problems and tutoring • Energy Science and Engineering
students. In the Mechanical Engineering Department, TAs are very • Ocean Science and Engineering
seldom used for regular full-time classroom teaching. Full-time TAs
• Bioengineering
are limited to 24 units of credit per regular term, including both
• Nano/Micro Science and Technology
classroom subjects and thesis. The TA appointment does not usually
extend through the summer. The educational opportunities oered to students in mechanical
engineering are enhanced by the availability of a wide variety of
A fellowship provides the student with a direct grant, and leaves
research laboratories and programs, and well-equipped shops and
the student open to select his or her own research project and
computer facilities.
supervisor. A limited number of awards and scholarships are
available to graduate students directly through the department. A The department provides many opportunities for undergraduates
number of students are also supported by fellowships from outside to establish a close relationship with faculty members and their
agencies, such as the National Science Foundation, Oce of Naval research groups. Students interested in project work are encouraged
Research, and Department of Defense. Scholarships are awarded to consult their faculty advisor or approach other members of the
each year by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. faculty.
These awards are normally granted to applicants whose interest is
focused on naval architecture and marine engineering or on ocean Many members of the Department of Mechanical Engineering
engineering. Applications are made directly to the granting agency, participate in interdepartmental or school-wide research activities.
and inquiries for the fall term should be made in the preceding fall These include the Center for Biomedical Engineering, Center for
term. Computational Science and Engineering, Computational and Systems
Biology Program, Computer Science and Articial Intelligence
Prospective students are invited to communicate with the Laboratory, Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Laboratory for
Department regarding any of these educational and nancial Manufacturing and Productivity, Materials Research Science and
opportunities. Engineering Center, MIT Energy Initiative, Operations Research
Center, Program in Polymers and So Matter, and Sea Grant College
Experience has shown that the optimum graduate program consists
Program. Detailed information about many of these can be found
of about equal measures of coursework and research, consistent
under Research and Study and Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.
with an RA appointment. The main advantage of a fellowship is a
The department also hosts a number of industrial consortia, which
greater freedom in choosing a research project and supervisor. A
support some laboratories and research projects. Research in the
teaching assistantship gives the student teaching experience and
department is supported, in addition, by a broad range of federal
can also be extremely valuable for reviewing basic subject material—
agencies and foundations.
for example, in preparation for the doctoral qualifying exams. It does
not, however, leave much time for thesis research and may extend A partial list of departmental laboratories, listed according to the
the time that the student needs to complete his or her degree. seven core areas of research, follows.

10   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mechanics: Modeling, Experimentation, and Computation Martin Center for Engineering Design
Design methodology, design of integrated electrical-mechanical
AMP Mechanical Behavior of Materials Laboratory systems, prototype development, advanced computer-aided design
Mechanisms of deformation and fracture processes in engineering techniques.
materials.
Park Center for Complex Systems
Center for Nonlinear Science Research to understand complexity, educating students and
Interdisciplinary research into nonlinear phenomena. Incorporates scholars on complexity, designing complex systems for the benet
the Nonlinear Dynamical Systems Lab (modeling, simulation, of humankind, and disseminating knowledge on complexity to the
analysis), Nonlinear Dynamics Lab (experiments), and Nonlinear world at large.
Systems Lab.
Precision Engineering Laboratory
Composite Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation Laboratory Fundamental and applied research on all aspects of the design,
Development of quantitative nondestructive evaluation manufacture, and control of high precision machines ranging from
characterizations which are directly correlatable with the mechanical manufacturing machines to precision consumer products.
properties of materials and structures.
Precision Systems Design and Manufacturing Laboratory
Finite Element Research Group Modeling, design, and manufacturing methods for nanopositioning
Computational procedures for the solution of problems in structural, equipment, carbon nanotube-based mechanisms and machines, and
solid, and fluid mechanics. compliant mechanisms.

Hatsopoulos Microfluids Laboratory Controls, Instrumentation, and Robotics

Fundamental research on the behavior of complex fluid systems at
microscopic scales, and associated engineering applications. d'Arbelo Laboratory for Information Systems and Technology
Research on mechatronics, home and health automation, interface
Design, Manufacturing, and Product Development between hardware and soware, and development of sensing
technologies.
Auto-ID Laboratory
Creation of the "Internet of Things" using radio frequency Field and Space Robotics Laboratory
identication and wireless sensor networks, and of a global system Fundamental physics of robotic systems for unstructured
for tracking goods using a single numbering system called the environments. Development, design, and prototyping of control
Electronic Product Code. and planning algorithms for robotic applications, including space
exploration, rough terrains, sea systems, and medical devices and
Computer-Aided Design Laboratory systems.
Advancing the state of the art in design methodology and computer-
aided design methods. Nonlinear Systems Laboratory
Analysis and control of nonlinear physical systems with emphasis on
Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity adaptation and learning in robots.
An interdepartmental laboratory in the School of Engineering.
Polymer microfabrication for microfluidic devices, chemical Energy Science and Engineering
mechanical planarization for the semiconductor industry, precision
macro- and micro-scale devices, and novel metrology methods for Center for Energy and Propulsion Research
micro-scale devices. Small-scale fuel cells design, photovoltaic Innovative science and technology for a sustainable energy future
material and process research, and manufacture of photovoltaic in a carbon-constrained world. Fundamental and applied research
panels. Identication technologies such as RFID, wireless sensors, in energy conversion and transportation, with applications to low-
and complex systems. Methods to integrate data and models across carbon ecient energy and propulsion systems. Includes several
global networks. Factory-level manufacturing systems design and research groups:
control, and supply chain design and management. Environmentally
benign manufacturing. • Electrochemical Energy Laboratory. Engineering of advanced
materials for lithium batteries, proton exchange membrane and
solid oxide fuel cells, and air battery and fuel cell hybrids.
• Reacting Gas Dynamics Laboratory. Fluid flow, chemical reaction,
and combustion phenomena associated with energy conversion

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   11

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

in propulsion systems, power generation, industrial processes, of their resistance and seakeeping in deep and shallow waters.
and res. Analytical and computational techniques.
• Sloan Automotive Laboratory. Processes and technology that • Laboratory for Undersea Remote Sensing. Ocean exploration,
control the performance, eciency, and environmental impact undersea remote sensing of marine life and geophysical
of internal combustion engines, their lubrication, and fuel phenomena, wave propagation and scattering theory in remote
requirements. sensing, statistical estimation and information theory, acoustics
and seismics, Europa exploration.
Cryogenic Engineering Laboratory • Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory (Propeller Tunnel). A variable-
Application of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical pressure recirculating water tunnel capable of speeds up to
design to cryogenic processes and instrumentation and the 10 m/s. Experiments are performed using state-of-the-art
operation of a liquid helium facility. measurement techniques and instrumentation.
• Multidisciplinary Ocean Dynamics and Engineering Laboratory.
Rohsenow Kendall Heat Transfer Laboratory Complex physical and interdisciplinary oceanic dynamics and
Fundamental research in microscale/nanoscale transport, processes. Mathematical model and computation methods
convection, laser/material interaction, and high heat fluxes; applied for ocean predictions, dynamical diagnostics, and for data
research in water purication, thermoelectric devices, energy- assimilation and data-model comparisons.
ecient buildings, and thermal management of electronics. • Ocean Engineering Testing Tank. The tank is 108 feet long, 8.5
feet wide, with an average depth of 4.5 feet. The wave generator
Ocean Science and Engineering can generate harmonic or random waves. The tank also houses
several laser flow visualization systems.
Center for Ocean Engineering
• Vortical Flow Research Laboratory. Advanced capabilities
Provides an enduring ocean engineering identity, giving visibility
for simulation of complex vertical flows. Powerful computer
to the outside world of MIT's commitment to the oceans, and
workstations and LINUX clusters, computer-video image
serves as the focus point of ocean-related research at the Institute.
conversion, and state-of-the-art flow simulation animation
Supports the research activities of the MIT-WHOI Joint Program
technologies.
in Oceanographic Engineering and the Naval Construction and
Engineering Program. Encompasses the activities of the following • MIT Sea Grant AUV Lab. Dedicated to autonomous underwater
research groups and laboratories: vehicles (AUVs), the lab is a leading developer of advanced
unmanned marine robots, with applications in oceanography,
• Autonomous Marine Sensing Lab. Distributed ocean sensing environmental monitoring, and underwater resource studies.
concepts for oceanographic science, national defense, and It engages in instrumentation and algorithm development for
coastal management and protection. Oceanographic sensing and underwater vehicles performing navigation- and information-
modeling, sonar system technology, computational underwater intensive tasks. Various vehicle platforms, and fabrication tools
acoustics, and marine robotics and communication networking. and materials are available.
• Design Lab. Ship design, oshore structure design,
marine robotics, geometric and solid modeling, advanced Bioengineering
manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Includes the Center for
Environmental Sensing and Modeling. Bioinstrumentation Laboratory
• Experimental Hydrodynamics Lab. Advanced surface ship, Utilization of biology, optics, mechanics, mathematics, electronics,
oshore platform, and underwater vehicle design. Development and chemistry to develop innovative instruments for the analysis
of non-invasive flow measurement and visualization methods. of biological processes and new devices for the treatment and
• Impact and Crashworthiness Laboratory. Industry-oriented diagnosis of disease.
fracture testing and prediction technology of advanced
high-strength steel sheets for automotive and shipbuilding Human and Machine Haptics
applications. Includes both quasi-static and high strain rate Interdisciplinary studies aimed at understanding human haptics,
response and eect of loading history on fracture. developing machine haptics, and enhancing human-machine
interactions in virtual reality and teleoperator systems.
• Experimental and Nonlinear Dynamics Lab. Laboratory
experiments to obtain insight into all manner of dynamical
Laboratory for Biomechanics of Cells and Biomolecules
phenomena, from micro-scale diusive processes to global-scale
Development of new instruments for the measurement of mechanical
oceanic wave elds. Field studies for ocean-related problems.
properties on the scale of a single cell or single molecule to better
• Laboratory for Ship and Platform Flows. Modeling of free surface understand the interactions between biology and mechanics.
flows past conventional and high-speed vessels and estimation

12   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

John G. Brisson II, PhD

Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehabilitation Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Research on bioinstrumentation, neuromuscular control, and
technology for diagnosis and remediation of disabilities. Tonio Buonassisi, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing
Nano/Micro Science and Technology Gang Chen, PhD
Carl Richard Soderberg Professor in Power Engineering
Pappalardo Laboratory for Micro/Nano Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Creation of new engineering knowledge and products on the nano
and micro scale through multidomain, multidisciplinary, and Wai K. Cheng, PhD
multiscale research. Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Chryssostomos Chryssostomidis, PhD

Henry L. Doherty Professor in Ocean Science and Engineering
Faculty and Teaching Sta
Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
Evelyn N. Wang, PhD
Ford Professor of Engineering Jung-Hoon Chun, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Martin L. Culpepper, PhD
Rohit N. Karnik, PhD Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Domitilla Del Vecchio, PhD
Associate Department Head for Education
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Pierre F. J. Lermusiaux, PhD
Nicholas Xuanlai Fang, PhD
Nam Pyo Suh Professor
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
Associate Department Head for Operations Daniel Frey, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professors
Rohan Abeyaratne, PhD Ahmed F. Ghoniem, PhD
Quentin Berg (1937) Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ronald C. Crane (1972) Professor
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering
(On leave, spring)
Lorna Gibson, PhD
Triantaphyllos R. Akylas, PhD Matoula S. Salapatas Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Lallit Anand, PhD Leon R. Glicksman, PhD

Warren and Townley Rohsenow Professor Professor Post-Tenure of Building Technology
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering

H. Harry Asada, PhD Stephen C. Graves, PhD

Ford Foundation Professor of Engineering Abraham J. Siegel Professor of Management
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Operations Management and Leaders for Global
Operations
George Barbastathis, PhD Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
(On leave, fall)
Linda G. Grith, PhD
Klaus-Jürgen Bathe, ScD, PhD School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation
Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Biological Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Mark Bathe, PhD
Professor of Biological Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   13

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Alan J. Grodzinsky, ScD John J. Leonard, PhD

Professor Post-Tenure of Biological Engineering Samuel C. Collins Professor
Professor Post-Tenure of Electrical Engineering Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering (On leave)

Timothy G. Gutowski, PhD John H. Lienhard, PhD

Professor of Mechanical Engineering Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Water and Food
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Nicolas Hadjiconstantinou, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Seth Lloyd, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
David E. Hardt, PhD
Ralph E. and Eloise F. Cross Professor in Manufacturing Nicholas Makris, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering William I. Koch Professor
Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
A. John Hart, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Scott R. Manalis, PhD
(On leave) David H. Koch Professor in Engineering
Professor of Biological Engineering
Douglas Hart, PhD Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Associate Head, Department of Biological Engineering
Neville Hogan, PhD Gareth H. McKinley, PhD
Sun Jae Professor in Mechanical Engineering School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation
Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Anette E. Hosoi, PhD (On leave)
Neil and Jane Pappalardo Professor David M. Parks, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mathematics
Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society Anthony T. Patera, PhD
Ford Foundation Professor of Engineering
Ian Hunter, PhD Professor of Mechanical Engineering
George N. Hatsopoulos Professor in Thermodynamics (On leave, spring)
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Nicholas M. Patrikalakis, PhD
Roger Dale Kamm, PhD Kawasaki Professor of Engineering
Cecil H. Green Distinguished Professor Post-Tenure Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering
Professor Post-Tenure of Biological Engineering Thomas Peacock, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Sang-Gook Kim, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Emanuel Michael Sachs, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Sangbae Kim, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Sanjay E. Sarma, PhD
Fred Fort Flowers (1941) and Daniel Fort Flowers (1941) Professor
Robert Langer, ScD Professor of Mechanical Engineering
David H. Koch (1962) Institute Professor Vice President for Open Learning
Professor of Chemical Engineering (On leave, fall)
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Biological Engineering Henrik Schmidt, PhD
Aliate Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering

Steven B. Leeb, PhD Paul D. Sclavounos, PhD

Professor of Electrical Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture
Professor of Mechanical Engineering

14   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Warren Seering, PhD Ioannis V. Yannas, PhD

Weber-Shaughness Professor Professor of Polymer Science and Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Member, Health Sciences and Technology Faculty

Yang Shao-Horn, PhD Kamal Youcef-Toumi, ScD

JR East Professor of Engineering Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Dick K. P. Yue, PhD
Philip J. Solondz (1948) Professor of Engineering
Alexander H. Slocum, PhD Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Walter M. May and A. Hazel May Professor of Mechanical Engineering
(On leave) Xuanhe Zhao, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Jean-Jacques E. Slotine, PhD Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Information Sciences Associate Professors
(On leave) Cullen R. Buie, PhD
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Peter T. C. So, PhD
Professor of Biological Engineering Tal Cohen, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Alexandra H. Techet, PhD
Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering Betar Gallant, PhD
American Bureau of Shipping Career Development Professor
Russell L. Tedrake, PhD Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Toyota Professor (On leave, spring)
Professor of Computer Science and Engineering
Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Ming Guo, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Brit (1961) and Alex (1949) d'Arbelo Career Development Professor
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Michael S. Triantafyllou, ScD
Henry L. Doherty Professor in Ocean Science and Engineering Asegun Henry, PhD
Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering Robert N. Noyce Career Development Professor
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
David L. Trumper, PhD
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Kenneth N. Kamrin, PhD
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
J. Kim Vandiver, PhD
Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering Jeehwan Kim, PhD
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Kripa K. Varanasi, PhD Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Mathias Kolle, PhD
David Robert Wallace, PhD Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Stefanie Mueller, PhD
Tomasz Wierzbicki, PhD Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor Post-Tenure of Applied Mechanics
Ellen Roche, PhD
James H. Williams Jr, PhD W.M. Keck Career Development Professor
Professor Post-Tenure of Teaching Excellence Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering Core Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science
Maria Yang, PhD
Gail E. Kendall Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   15

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Alberto Rodriguez, PhD

Class of 1957 Career Development Professor Senior Lecturers
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Daniel Braunstein, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Themistoklis Sapsis, PhD
Associate Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering Ronald B. Campbell, PhD
Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

Amos Winter, PhD Stephen Fantone, PhD

Tata Career Development Professor Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Stanley B. Gershwin, PhD
Assistant Professors Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Faez Ahmed, PhD Franz Hover, PhD
Brit (1961) and Alex (1949) d’Arbelo Career Development Professor Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Barbara Hughey, PhD
Navid Azizan, PhD Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society Raymond S. McCord, MS, Eng
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Irmgard Bischoerger, PhD
Class of 1942 Career Development Chair Alice Nasto, PhD
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

Sili Deng, PhD William Plummer, PhD

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

Ashwin Gopinath, PhD Amy Smith, MS, MEng

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

Carlos Portela, PhD Abbott Weiss, PhD

Brit (1961) and Alex (1949) d’Arbelo Career Development Professor Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Dawn Wendell, PhD
Vivishek Sudhir, PhD Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Lecturers
Giovanni Traverso, PhD Kevin Cedrone, PhD
Karl R. Van Tassel (1925) Career Development Chair Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Christina Chase, BA
Wim van Rees, PhD Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Julio Guerrero, PhD
Professors of the Practice Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Richard M. Wiesman, PhD
Professor of the Practice of Mechanical Engineering Rajiv Gupta, PhD
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professors of the Practice James Douglass Penn, PhD
Douglas Jonart, PhD Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor of the Practice of Naval Construction and
Engineering Joshua Ramos, PhD
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

16   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

H. Igo Krebs, PhD

Instructors Principal Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Harrison Chin, PhD
Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Research Associates
Chris Mirabito, PhD
Victor Hung, BS Research Associate of Mechanical Engineering
Instructor of Mechanical Engineering
Research Engineers
Technical Instructors Kelli Hendrickson, ScD
Stephen G. Banzaert, MS Research Engineer of Mechanical Engineering
Technical Instructor of Mechanical Engineering

Paul Carson, BS Research Scientists

Technical Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Moises Alencastre Miranda, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Benita Comeau, PhD
Technical Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Susan Elizabeth Amrose, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Daniel Gilbert, BA
Technical Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Rahul Bhattacharyya, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Pierce Hayward, MS
Technical Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Yu Chen, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Tasker Smith, BA
Technical Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Micha Feigin-Almon, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Joseph Wight, BFA
Technical Instructor of Mechanical Engineering Richard Fletcher, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering

Research Sta Patrick Haley, PhD

Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Senior Research Scientists
Anuradha M. Annaswamy, PhD Nevan Clancy Hanumara, PhD
Senior Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering

Lynette A. Jones, PhD Stephen Ho, PhD

Senior Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering

Yuming Liu, PhD Nora C. Hogan, PhD

Senior Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering

Hsin-Ho Huang, PhD

Principal Research Engineers Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Tian Tian, PhD
Principal Research Engineer of Mechanical Engineering Ali Jahanian, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Principal Research Scientists
Brian Anthony, PhD Miguel Jimenez , PhD
Principal Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering

Michael Richard Benjamin, PhD George E. Karniadakis, PhD

Principal Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering

Svetlana V. Boriskina, PhD Emmanuel Kasseris, MS

Principal Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   17

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Min-Cheol Kim, PhD Steven Dubowsky, PhD

Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Professor Emeritus of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Sang Hoon Nam, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering David C. Gossard, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Michael Novitzky, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Peter Grith, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Aaron H. Persad, PhD
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering John B. Heywood, ScD, PhD
Sun Jae Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Mehdi Pishahang, PhD Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Henry S. Marcus, DBA
Ali Ramazani, PhD Professor Emeritus of Marine Systems
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering
Chiang C. Mei, PhD
Themistocles L. Resvanis, PhD Ford Professor Emeritus of Engineering
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Aaron Schmidt, PhD Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Borivoje Mikić, ScD
Santosh Shanbhogue, PhD Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Jerome H. Milgram, PhD
Brian Subirana, PhD William I. Koch Professor Emeritus of Marine Technology
Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering

Grgur Tokic, PhD John Nicholas Newman, ScD

Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture

Xiaolin Wang, PhD Carl R. Peterson, ScD

Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering

Qingzi Zhu, PhD Ronald F. Probstein, PhD

Research Scientist of Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering

Derek Rowell, PhD

Research Specialists Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering
Edward Burnell, PhD
Research Specialist of Mechanical Engineering Thomas B. Sheridan, ScD
Professor Emeritus of Engineering and Applied Psychology
Professor Emeritus of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Professors Emeriti
Arthur B. Baggeroer, ScD Nam P. Suh, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering Ralph E. and Eloise F. Cross Professor Emeritus
Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering

Mary C. Boyce, PhD Neil E. Todreas, PhD

Ford Foundation Professor Emerita of Engineering Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Professor Emerita of Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering

C. Forbes Dewey Jr, PhD Gerald L. Wilson, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering Vannevar Bush Professor Emeritus
Professor Emeritus of Biological Engineering Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering
Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering

18   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

First-Year Introductory Subjects 2.00C[J] Design for Complex Environmental Issues: Building
Solutions and Communicating Ideas
2.00A Fundamentals of Engineering Design: Explore Space, Sea Same subject as 1.016[J], EC.746[J]
and Earth Prereq: None
Prereq: Calculus I (GIR) and Physics I (GIR) U (Spring)
U (Spring) 3-1-5 units
3-3-3 units Students work in small groups, under the guidance of researchers
Student teams formulate and complete space/earth/ocean from MIT, to pursue specic aspects of the year's Terrascope
exploration-based design projects with weekly milestones. problem. Teams design and build prototypes, graphic displays and
Introduces core engineering themes, principles, and modes of other tools to communicate their ndings and display them in a
thinking. Specialized learning modules enable teams to focus Bazaar of Ideas open to the MIT community. Some teams develop
on the knowledge required to complete their projects, such as particular solutions, others work to provide deeper understanding
machine elements, electronics, design process, visualization of the issues, and others focus on ways to communicate these ideas
and communication. Includes exercises in written and oral with the general public. Students' work is evaluated by independent
communication and team building. Examples of projects include experts. Oers students an opportunity to develop ideas from the
surveying a lake for millfoil, from a remote controlled aircra, and fall semester and to work in labs across MIT. Limited to rst-year
then sending out robotic harvesters to clear the invasive growth; and students.
exploration to search for the evidence of life on a moon of Jupiter, A. W. Epstein, J. Grimm, S. L. Hsu
with scientists participating through teleoperation and supervisory
control of robots. Enrollment limited; preference to freshmen. Core Undergraduate Subjects
D. Frey
2.00 Introduction to Design
2.00B Toy Product Design Prereq: None
Prereq: None U (Fall; second half of term)
U (Spring) 2-2-2 units
3-5-1 units
Project-based introduction to product development and engineering
Provides students with an overview of design for entertainment design. Emphasizes key elements of the design process, including
and play, as well as opportunities in creative product design and dening design problems, generating ideas, and building solutions.
community service. Students develop ideas for new toys that serve Presents a range of design techniques to help students think about,
clients in the community, and work in teams with local sponsors evaluate, and communicate designs, from sketching to physical
and with experienced mentors on a themed toy design project. prototyping, as well as other types of modeling. Students work both
Students enhance creativity and experience fundamental aspects of individually and in teams. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 2-
the product development process, including determining customer A sophomores.
needs, brainstorming, estimation, sketching, sketch modeling, M. Yang
concept development, design aesthetics, detailed design, and
prototyping. Includes written, visual, and oral communication. 2.000 Explorations in Mechanical Engineering
Enrollment limited; preference to freshmen. Prereq: None
D. R. Wallace U (Spring)
2-0-0 units

Broad introduction to the various aspects of mechanical engineering

at MIT, including mechanics, design, controls, energy, ocean
engineering, bioengineering, and micro/nano engineering through
a variety of experiences, including discussions led by faculty,
students, and industry experts. Reviews research opportunities
and undergraduate major options in Course 2 as well as a variety of
career paths pursued by alumni. Subject can count toward the 6-unit
discovery-focused credit limit for rst year students.
A. Nasto

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   19

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.001 Mechanics and Materials I 2.004 Dynamics and Control II

Prereq: Physics I (GIR); Coreq: 2.087 or 18.03 Prereq: Physics II (GIR) and 2.003[J]
U (Fall, Spring) U (Fall, Spring)
4-1-7 units. REST 4-2-6 units

Introduction to statics and the mechanics of deformable solids. Modeling, analysis, and control of dynamic systems. System
Emphasis on the three basic principles of equilibrium, geometric modeling: lumped parameter models of mechanical, electrical, and
compatibility, and material behavior. Stress and its relation to force electromechanical systems; interconnection laws; actuators and
and moment; strain and its relation to displacement; linear elasticity sensors. Linear systems theory: linear algebra; Laplace transform;
with thermal expansion. Failure modes. Application to simple transfer functions, time response and frequency response, poles
engineering structures such as rods, shas, beams, and trusses. and zeros; block diagrams; solutions via analytical and numerical
Application to biomechanics of natural materials and structures. techniques; stability. Introduction to feedback control: closed-
S. Socrate, M. Culpepper, D. Parks, K. Kamrin loop response; PID compensation; steady-state characteristics,
root-locus design concepts, frequency-domain design concepts.
2.002 Mechanics and Materials II Laboratory experiments and control design projects. Enrollment may
Prereq: Chemistry (GIR) and 2.001 be limited due to laboratory capacity; preference to Course 2 majors
U (Spring) and minors.
3-3-6 units D. Del Vecchio, D. Trumper

Introduces mechanical behavior of engineering materials, and the 2.005 Thermal-Fluids Engineering I
use of materials in mechanical design. Emphasizes the fundamentals Prereq: (Calculus II (GIR), Physics II (GIR), and (2.086, 6.0002, or
of mechanical behavior of materials, as well as design with 18.06)) or permission of instructor
materials. Major topics: elasticity, plasticity, limit analysis, fatigue, U (Fall, Spring)
fracture, and creep. Materials selection. Laboratory experiments 5-0-7 units
involving projects related to materials in mechanical design.
Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity; preference to Integrated development of the fundamental principles
Course 2 majors and minors. of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer,
L. Anand, K. Kamrin, P. Reis with applications. Focuses on the rst and second laws of
thermodynamics, mass conservation, and momentum conservation,
2.003[J] Dynamics and Control I for both closed and open systems. Entropy generation and its
Same subject as 1.053[J] influence on the performance of engineering systems. Introduction
Prereq: Physics II (GIR); Coreq: 2.087 or 18.03 to dimensionless numbers. Introduction to heat transfer: conduction,
U (Fall, Spring) convection, and radiation. Steady-state and transient conduction.
4-1-7 units. REST Finned surfaces. The heat equation and the lumped capacitance
model. Coupled and uncoupled fluid models. Hydrostatics. Inviscid
Introduction to the dynamics and vibrations of lumped-parameter flow analysis and Bernoulli equation. Navier-Stokes equation and
models of mechanical systems. Kinematics. Force-momentum its solutions. Viscous internal flows, head losses, and turbulence.
formulation for systems of particles and rigid bodies in planar Introduction to pipe flows and Moody chart.
motion. Work-energy concepts. Virtual displacements and virtual  J. Buongiorno, P. F. J. Lermusiaux,
work. Lagrange's equations for systems of particles and rigid bodies
in planar motion. Linearization of equations of motion. Linear
stability analysis of mechanical systems. Free and forced vibration
of linear multi-degree of freedom models of mechanical systems;
matrix eigenvalue problems.
J. K. Vandiver, N. C. Makris, N. M. Patrikalakis, T. Peacock, D.
Gossard, K. Turitsyn

20   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.006 Thermal-Fluids Engineering II 2.008 Design and Manufacturing II

Prereq: 2.005 or (2.051 and 2.06) Prereq: 2.007; or Coreq: 2.017[J] and (2.005 or 2.051)
U (Fall, Spring) U (Fall, Spring)
5-0-7 units 3-3-6 units. Partial Lab

Focuses on the application of the principles of thermodynamics, Integration of design, engineering, and management disciplines
heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to the design and analysis and practices for analysis and design of manufacturing enterprises.
of engineering systems. Dimensional analysis, similarity, and Emphasis is on the physics and stochastic nature of manufacturing
modeling. Pipe systems: major and minor losses. Laminar and processes and systems, and their eects on quality, rate, cost,
turbulent boundary layers. Boundary layer separation, li and drag and flexibility. Topics include process physics and control, design
on objects. Heat transfer associated with laminar and turbulent flow for manufacturing, and manufacturing systems. Group project
of fluids in free and forced convection in channels and over surfaces. requires design and fabrication of parts using mass-production and
Pure substance model. Heat transfer in boiling and condensation. assembly methods to produce a product in quantity. Six units may
Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics of steady flow components be applied to the General Institute Lab Requirement. Satises 6
of thermodynamic plants. Heat exchanger design. Power cycles and units of Institute Laboratory credit. Enrollment may be limited due to
refrigeration plants. Design of thermodynamic plants. Analyses for laboratory capacity; preference to Course 2 majors and minors.
alternative energy systems. Multi-mode heat transfer and fluid flow J.-H. Chun, J. Hart, S.G. Kim, J. Liu, W. Seering, D. Wendell
in thermodynamic plants.
 R. Karnik, B. Gallant, C. Buie 2.009 The Product Engineering Process
Prereq: 2.001, 2.003[J], (2.005 or 2.051), and (2.00B, 2.670, or 2.678)
2.007 Design and Manufacturing I U (Fall)
Prereq: 2.001 and 2.670; Coreq: 2.086 3-3-9 units
U (Spring)
3-4-5 units Students develop an understanding of product development phases
and experience working in teams to design and construct high-
Develops students' competence and self-condence as design quality product prototypes. Design process learned is placed into a
engineers. Emphasis on the creative design process bolstered by broader development context. Primary goals are to improve ability
application of physical laws. Instruction on how to complete projects to reason about design alternatives and apply modeling techniques
on schedule and within budget. Robustness and manufacturability appropriate for dierent development phases; understand how
are emphasized. Subject relies on active learning via a major design- to gather and process customer information and transform it
and-build project. Lecture topics include idea generation, estimation, into engineering specications; and use teamwork to resolve
concept selection, visual thinking, computer-aided design (CAD), the challenges in designing and building a substantive product
mechanism design, machine elements, basic electronics, technical prototype. Instruction and practice in oral communication provided.
communication, and ethics. Lab fee. Limited enrollment. Pre- Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity; preference to
registration required for lab assignment; special sections by lottery Course 2 seniors.
only. D. R. Wallace
S. Kim, A. Winter

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   21

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.013 Engineering Systems Design 2.016 Hydrodynamics

Subject meets with 2.733 Prereq: 2.005
Prereq: (2.001, 2.003[J], (2.005 or 2.051), and (2.00B, 2.670, or U (Fall)
2.678)) or permission of instructor 3-0-9 units
U (Fall)
0-6-6 units Covers fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and applications
to practical ocean engineering problems. Basic geophysical fluid
Focuses on the design of engineering systems to satisfy stated mechanics, including the eects of salinity, temperature, and
performance, stability, and/or control requirements. Emphasizes density; heat balance in the ocean; large scale flows. Hydrostatics.
individual initiative, application of fundamental principles, and Linear free surface waves, wave forces on floating and submerged
the compromises inherent in the engineering design process. structures. Added mass, li and drag forces on submerged
Culminates in the design of an engineering system, typically a bodies. Includes nal project on current research topics in marine
vehicle or other complex system. Includes instruction and practice in hydrodynamics.
written and oral communication through team presentations, design A. H. Techet
reviews, and written reports. Students taking graduate version
complete additional assignments. Enrollment may be limited due to 2.017[J] Design of Electromechanical Robotic Systems
laboratory capacity; preference to Course 2 majors and minors. Same subject as 1.015[J]
D. Hart Prereq: 2.003[J], 2.016, and 2.678; Coreq: 2.671
U (Spring)
2.014 Engineering Systems Development 3-3-6 units. Partial Lab
Subject meets with 2.734
Prereq: (2.001, 2.003[J], (2.005 or 2.051), and (2.00B, 2.670, or Design, construction, and testing of eld robotic systems,
2.678)) or permission of instructor through team projects with each student responsible for a specic
U (Spring) subsystem. Projects focus on electronics, instrumentation, and
0-6-6 units machine elements. Design for operation in uncertain conditions is
Can be repeated for credit. a focus point, with ocean waves and marine structures as a central
theme. Basic statistics, linear systems, Fourier transforms, random
Focuses on implementation and operation of engineering systems. processes, spectra and extreme events with applications in design.
Emphasizes system integration and performance verication Lectures on ethics in engineering practice included. Instruction and
using methods of experimental inquiry. Students rene their practice in oral and written communication provided. Satises 6
subsystem designs and the fabrication of working prototypes. units of Institute Laboratory credit. Enrollment may be limited due to
Includes experimental analysis of subsystem performance and laboratory capacity.
comparison with physical models of performance and with design M. Triantafyllou, M. Sacarny
goals. Component integration into the full system, with detailed
analysis and operation of the complete vehicle in the laboratory and 2.019 Design of Ocean Systems
in the eld. Includes written and oral reports. Students carry out Prereq: 2.001, 2.003[J], and (2.005 or 2.016)
formal reviews of the overall system design. Instruction and practice U (Spring)
in oral and written communication provided. Students taking 3-3-6 units
graduate version complete additional assignments. Enrollment may
be limited due to laboratory capacity; preference to Course 2 majors Complete cycle of designing an ocean system using computational
and minors. design tools for the conceptual and preliminary design stages.
D. Hart Team projects assigned, with each student responsible for a specic
subsystem. Lectures cover hydrodynamics; structures; power and
thermal aspects of ocean vehicles, environment, materials, and
construction for ocean use; generation and evaluation of design
alternatives. Focus on innovative design concepts chosen from high-
speed ships, submersibles, autonomous vehicles, and floating and
submerged deep-water oshore platforms. Lectures on ethics in
engineering practice included. Instruction and practice in oral and
written communication provided. Enrollment may be limited due to
laboratory capacity; preference to Course 2 seniors.
C. Chryssostomidis, M. S. Triantafyllou

22   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.05 Thermodynamics 2.086 Numerical Computation for Mechanical Engineers

Prereq: 2.001 Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and Physics I (GIR); Coreq: 2.087 or 18.03
U (Fall; rst half of term) U (Fall, Spring)
Not oered regularly; consult department 2-2-8 units. REST
3-0-3 units
Covers elementary programming concepts, including variable types,
Provides an introduction to thermodynamics, including rst law data structures, and flow control. Provides an introduction to linear
(coupled and uncoupled systems, incompressible liquid, ideal algebra and probability. Numerical methods relevant to MechE,
gas) and second law (equilibrium, reversibility and irreversibility). including approximation (interpolation, least squares, and statistical
Explores systems in communication with heat reservoirs; quasi-static regression), integration, solution of linear and nonlinear equations,
processes; and heat engines and refrigeration. Properties of open and ordinary dierential equations. Presents deterministic and
systems, including mass, energy and entropy transfer. probabilistic approaches. Uses examples from MechE, particularly
C. Buie from robotics, dynamics, and structural analysis. Assignments
require MATLAB programming. Enrollment may be limited due to
2.051 Introduction to Heat Transfer laboratory capacity; preference to Course 2 majors and minors.
Prereq: 2.05 D. Frey, F. Hover, N. Hadjiconstantinou,
U (Fall; second half of term)
Not oered regularly; consult department 2.087 Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra and ODEs
2-0-4 units Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and Physics I (GIR)
U (Fall; rst half of term)
Introduces fundamental processes of heat transfer. Fourier's law. Not oered regularly; consult department
Heat conduction processes including thermal resistance, lumped 2-0-4 units
capacitance, ns, and the heat equation. Elementary convection,
including laminar and turbulent boundary layers, internal flow, and Introduction to linear algebra and ordinary dierential equations
natural convection. Thermal radiation, including Stefan-Boltzmann (ODEs), including general numerical approaches to solving
law, small object in large enclosure, and parallel plates. Basic systems of equations. Linear systems of equations, existence
concepts of heat exchangers. and uniqueness of solutions, Gaussian elimination. Initial value
J. H. Lienhard, E. N. Wang, A. Hosoi problems, 1st and 2nd order systems, forward and backward Euler,
RK4. Eigenproblems, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, including
2.06 Fluid Dynamics complex numbers, functions, vectors and matrices.
Prereq: 2.001 A. Hosoi, T. Peacock
U (Spring; rst half of term)
Not oered regularly; consult department
Dynamics and Acoustics
2-0-4 units

Introduction to principal concepts and methods of fluid mechanics. 2.032 Dynamics

Pressure, hydrostatics, and buoyancy. Control volume analysis. Mass Prereq: 2.003[J]
conservation and momentum conservation for moving fluids. Viscous G (Fall)
fluid flows, flow through pipes. Dimensional analysis. Boundary 4-0-8 units
layers, and li and drag on objects. Review of momentum principles. Hamilton's principle and Lagrange's
G. H. McKinley equations. Three-dimensional kinematics and dynamics of rigid
bodies. Study of steady motions and small deviations therefrom,
gyroscopic eects, causes of instability. Free and forced vibrations of
lumped-parameter and continuous systems. Nonlinear oscillations
and the phase plane. Nonholonomic systems. Introduction to wave
propagation in continuous systems.
T. R. Akylas, T. Peacock, N. Hadjiconstantinou

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   23

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.033[J] Nonlinear Dynamics and Turbulence 2.060[J] Structural Dynamics

Same subject as 1.686[J], 18.358[J] Same subject as 1.581[J], 16.221[J]
Subject meets with 1.068 Subject meets with 1.058
Prereq: 1.060A Prereq: 18.03 or permission of instructor
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring) 3-1-8 units
3-2-7 units
See description under subject 1.581[J].
See description under subject 1.686[J]. T. Cohen
L. Bourouiba
2.062[J] Wave Propagation
2.034[J] Nonlinear Dynamics and Waves Same subject as 1.138[J], 18.376[J]
Same subject as 1.685[J], 18.377[J] Prereq: 2.003[J] and 18.075
Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Spring) Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units
Theoretical concepts and analysis of wave problems in science
A unied treatment of nonlinear oscillations and wave phenomena and engineering with examples chosen from elasticity, acoustics,
with applications to mechanical, optical, geophysical, fluid, geophysics, hydrodynamics, blood flow, nondestructive evaluation,
electrical and flow-structure interaction problems. Nonlinear free and and other applications. Progressive waves, group velocity and
forced vibrations; nonlinear resonances; self-excited oscillations; dispersion, energy density and transport. Reflection, refraction
lock-in phenomena. Nonlinear dispersive and nondispersive waves; and transmission of plane waves by an interface. Mode conversion
resonant wave interactions; propagation of wave pulses and in elastic waves. Rayleigh waves. Waves due to a moving load.
nonlinear Schrodinger equation. Nonlinear long waves and breaking; Scattering by a two-dimensional obstacle. Reciprocity theorems.
theory of characteristics; the Korteweg-de Vries equation; solitons Parabolic approximation. Waves on the sea surface. Capillary-gravity
and solitary wave interactions. Stability of shear flows. Some topics waves. Wave resistance. Radiation of surface waves. Internal waves
and applications may vary from year to year. in stratied fluids. Waves in rotating media. Waves in random media.
R. R. Rosales T. R. Akylas, R. R. Rosales

2.036[J] Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos 2.065 Acoustics and Sensing

Same subject as 18.385[J] Subject meets with 2.066
Prereq: 18.03 or 18.032 Prereq: 2.003[J], 6.003, 8.03, or 16.003
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered U (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units
Introduces the fundamental concepts of acoustics and sensing
See description under subject 18.385[J]. with waves. Provides a unied theoretical approach to the physics
R. R. Rosales of image formation through scattering and wave propagation in
sensing. The linear and nonlinear acoustic wave equation, sources
2.050[J] Nonlinear Dynamics: Chaos of sound, including musical instruments. Reflection, refraction,
Same subject as 12.006[J], 18.353[J] transmission and absorption. Bearing and range estimation by
Prereq: Physics II (GIR) and (18.03 or 18.032) sensor array processing, beamforming, matched ltering, and
U (Fall) focusing. Diraction, bandwidth, ambient noise and reverberation
3-0-9 units limitations. Scattering from objects, surfaces and volumes by
Green's Theorem. Forward scatter, shadows, Babinet's principle,
See description under subject 12.006[J]. extinction and attenuation. Ray tracing and waveguides in remote
R. R. Rosales sensing. Applications to acoustic, radar, seismic, thermal and optical
sensing and exploration. Students taking the graduate version
complete additional assignments.
N. C. Makris

24   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.066 Acoustics and Sensing 2.072 Mechanics of Continuous Media

Subject meets with 2.065 Prereq: 2.071
Prereq: 2.003[J], 6.003, 8.03, 16.003, or permission of instructor Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
G (Spring) Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
3-0-9 units 3-0-9 units

Introduces the fundamental concepts of acoustics and sensing Principles and applications of continuum mechanics. Kinematics
with waves. Provides a unied theoretical approach to the physics of deformation. Thermomechanical conservation laws. Stress and
of image formation through scattering and wave propagation in strain measures. Constitutive equations including some examples of
sensing. The linear and nonlinear acoustic wave equation, sources their microscopic basis. Solution of some basic problems for various
of sound, including musical instruments. Reflection, refraction, materials as relevant in materials science, fluid dynamics, and
transmission and absorption. Bearing and range estimation by structural analysis. Inherently nonlinear phenomena in continuum
sensor array processing, beamforming, matched ltering, and mechanics. Variational principles.
focusing. Diraction, bandwidth, ambient noise and reverberation L. Anand
limitations. Scattering from objects, surfaces and volumes by
Green's Theorem. Forward scatter, shadows, Babinet's principle, 2.073 Solid Mechanics: Plasticity and Inelastic Deformation
extinction and attenuation. Ray tracing and waveguides in remote Prereq: 2.071
sensing. Applications to acoustic, radar, seismic, thermal and optical Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
sensing and exploration. Students taking the graduate version of the Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
subject complete additional assignments. 3-0-9 units
N. C. Makris
Physical basis of plastic/inelastic deformation of solids; metals,
polymers, granular/rock-like materials. Continuum constitutive
Solid Mechanics and Materials models for small and large deformation of elastic-(visco)plastic
solids. Analytical and numerical solution of selected boundary value
2.071 Mechanics of Solid Materials problems. Applications to deformation processing of metals.
Prereq: 2.002 L. Anand, D. M. Parks
G (Spring)
4-0-8 units 2.074 Solid Mechanics: Elasticity
Fundamentals of solid mechanics applied to the mechanical Prereq: 2.002 and 18.03
behavior of engineering materials. Kinematics of deformation, G (Fall)
stress, and balance principles. Isotropic linear elasticity and 3-0-9 units
isotropic linear thermal elasticity. Variational and energy methods. Introduction to the theory and applications of nonlinear and linear
Linear viscoelasticity. Small-strain elastic-plastic deformation. elasticity. Strain, stress, and stress-strain relations. Several of the
Mechanics of large deformation; nonlinear hyperelastic material following topics: Spherically and cylindrically symmetric problems.
behavior. Foundations and methods of deformable-solid mechanics, Anisotropic material behavior. Piezoelectric materials. Eective
including relevant applications. Provides base for further study properties of composites. Structural mechanics of beams and
and specialization within solid mechanics, including continuum plates. Energy methods for structures. Two-dimensional problems.
mechanics, computational mechanics (e.g., nite-element methods), Stress concentration at cavities, concentrated loads, cracks,
plasticity, fracture mechanics, structural mechanics, and nonlinear and dislocations. Variational methods and their applications;
behavior of materials. introduction to the nite element method. Introduction to wave
L. Anand, D. M. Parks propagation.
R. Abeyaratne

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   25

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.075 Mechanics of So Materials 2.081[J] Plates and Shells: Static and Dynamic Analysis
Prereq: None Same subject as 16.230[J]
G (Fall) Prereq: 2.071, 2.080[J], or permission of instructor
3-0-9 units G (Spring)
3-1-8 units
Covers a number of fundamental topics in the emerging eld of so
and active materials, including polymer mechanics and physics, Stress-strain relations for plate and shell elements. Dierential
poroelasticity, viscoelasticity, and mechanics of electro-magneto- equations of equilibrium. Energy methods and approximate
active and other responsive polymers. Lectures, recitations, and solutions. Bending and buckling of rectangular plates. Post-buckling
experiments elucidate the basic mechanical and thermodynamic and ultimate strength of cold formed sections and typical stiened
principles underlying so and active materials. Develops an panels used in aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering;
understanding of the fundamental mechanisms for designing so oshore technology; and ship building. Geometry of curved surfaces.
materials that possess extraordinary properties, such as stretchable, General theory of elastic, axisymmetric shells and their equilibrium
tough, strong, resilient, adhesive and responsive to external stimuli, equations. Buckling, crushing and bending strength of cylindrical
from molecular to bulk scales. shells with applications. Propagation of 1-D elastic waves in rods,
X. Zhao geometrical and material dispersion. Plane, Rayleigh surface, and 3-
D waves. 1-D plastic waves. Response of plates and shells to high-
2.076[J] Mechanics of Heterogeneous Materials intensity loads. Dynamic plasticity and fracture. Application to
Same subject as 16.223[J] crashworthiness and impact loading of structures.
Prereq: 2.002, 3.032, 16.20, or permission of instructor T. Sapsis
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 2.082 Ship Structural Analysis and Design
3-0-9 units Prereq: 2.081[J] and 2.701
G (Spring; second half of term)
See description under subject 16.223[J]. 3-0-3 units
B. L. Wardle, S-G. Kim
Design application of analysis developed in 2.081[J]. Ship
2.080[J] Structural Mechanics longitudinal strength and hull primary stresses. Ship structural
Same subject as 1.573[J] design concepts. Design limit states including plate bending,
Prereq: 2.002 column and panel buckling, panel ultimate strength, and plastic
G (Fall) analysis. Matrix stiness, and introduction to nite element analysis.
4-0-8 units Computer projects on the structural design of a midship module.
R. S. McCord, T. Wierzbicki
Applies solid mechanics fundamentals to the analysis of marine,
civil, and mechanical structures.  Continuum concepts of stress,
deformation, constitutive response and boundary conditions are
reviewed in selected examples. The principle of virtual work guides
mechanics modeling of slender structural components (e.g., beams;
shas; cables, frames; plates; shells), leading to appropriate
simplifying assumptions. Introduction to elastic stability.  Material
limits to stress in design. Variational methods for computational
structural mechanics analysis.
T. Wierzbicki, D. Parks

26   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Computational Engineering 2.097[J] Numerical Methods for Partial Dierential Equations

Same subject as 6.339[J], 16.920[J]
2.089[J] Computational Geometry Prereq: 18.03 or 18.06
Same subject as 1.128[J] G (Fall)
Prereq: Permission of instructor 3-0-9 units
G (Spring) See description under subject 16.920[J].
Not oered regularly; consult department Q. Wang, S. Groth
3-0-9 units

Topics in surface modeling: b-splines, non-uniform rational b- 2.098 Introduction to Finite Element Methods for Partial
splines, physically based deformable surfaces, sweeps and Dierential Equations
generalized cylinders, osets, blending and lleting surfaces. Prereq: 2.086 and 18.06
Non-linear solvers and intersection problems. Solid modeling: G (Spring)
constructive solid geometry, boundary representation, non-manifold Not oered regularly; consult department
and mixed-dimension boundary representation models, octrees. 3-0-9 units
Robustness of geometric computations. Interval methods. Finite and Variational framework: strong form, weak form, energy. Variational
boundary element discretization methods for continuum mechanics approximation: Rayleigh-Ritz, Galerkin. Finite element method:
problems. Scientic visualization. Variational geometry. Tolerances. approximation spaces; discrete equations; solution techniques;
Inspection methods. Feature representation and recognition. Shape implementation; a priori and a posteriori error estimates; SPD
interrogation for design, analysis, and manufacturing. Involves eigenproblems. Components and direct stiness assembly. Method
analytical and programming assignments. of lines: heat equation, second-order wave equation. Advanced
N. M. Patrikalakis, D. C. Gossard topics: constrained problems, nonlinear problems, reduced
basis methods. Applications: elasticity, heat transfer, acoustics,
2.095 Finite Element Methods for Mechanical Engineers incompressible flow. Implementation in MATLAB or Python.
Prereq: 2.001 and 2.005 A. Patera
U (Spring)
3-0-9 units 2.099[J] Computational Mechanics of Materials
Ordinary dierential equation boundary value problems: 2nd-order Same subject as 16.225[J]
and 4th-order spatial operators, eigenproblems. Partial dierential Prereq: Permission of instructor
equations: elliptic, parabolic, hyperbolic. Strong statement, weak Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
form, minimization principle (as appropriate). Rayleigh-Ritz and Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
Galerkin approximation. Numerical interpolation, integration, and 3-0-9 units
dierentiation. Finite element method for spatial discretization: See description under subject 16.225[J].
formulation, bases and discrete equations, a priori and a posteriori R. Radovitzky
error estimates, sparse solvers, implementation and testing. Finite
dierence methods for temporal discretization of mixed initial-
boundary value problems. Projects focus on applications in heat
transfer and structural analysis. Modest MATLAB programming:
modication of open-source nite element soware.
A. Patera

2.096[J] Introduction to Modeling and Simulation

Same subject as 6.336[J], 16.910[J]
Prereq: 18.03 or 18.06
G (Fall)
3-6-3 units

See description under subject 6.336[J].

L. Daniel

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   27

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

System Dynamics and Control 2.120 Introduction to Robotics

Subject meets with 2.12
2.110[J] Information, Entropy, and Computation Prereq: 2.004 or permission of instructor
Same subject as 6.050[J] G (Spring)
Prereq: Physics I (GIR) 3-2-7 units
U (Spring) Cross-disciplinary studies in robot mechanics and intelligence.
3-0-6 units Emphasizes physical understanding of robot kinematics and
Explores the ultimate limits to communication and computation, with dynamics, dierential motion and energy method, design and
an emphasis on the physical nature of information and information control of robotic arms and mobile robots, and actuators, drives,
processing. Topics include information and computation, digital and transmission. Second half of course focuses on algorithmic
signals, codes, and compression. Biological representations of thinking and computation, computer vision and perception, planning
information. Logic circuits, computer architectures, and algorithmic and control for manipulation, localization and navigation, machine
information. Noise, probability, and error correction. The concept learning for robotics, and human-robot systems. Weekly laboratories
of entropy applied to channel capacity and to the second law of include brushless DC motor control, design and fabrication of robotic
thermodynamics. Reversible and irreversible operations and the arms and vehicles, robot vision and navigation, and programming
physics of computation. Quantum computation. and system integration using Robot Operating System (ROS). Group
P. Peneld, Jr. term project builds intelligent robots for specic applications of
interest. Students taking graduate version complete additional
2.111[J] Quantum Computation assignments. Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity.
Same subject as 8.370[J], 18.435[J] H. Asada
Prereq: 8.05, 18.06, 18.061, 18.700, or 18.701
G (Fall) 2.121 Stochastic Systems
3-0-9 units Subject meets with 2.122, 2.22
Prereq: None. Coreq: 2.004
See description under subject 18.435[J]. U (Spring)
I. Chuang, A. Harrow, S. Lloyd, P. Shor 3-0-9 units

2.12 Introduction to Robotics Response of systems to stochastic excitation with design

Subject meets with 2.120 applications. Linear time-invariant systems, convolution, Fourier
Prereq: 2.004 and Laplace transforms. Probability and statistics. Discrete and
U (Spring) continuous random variables, derived distributions. Stochastic
3-2-7 units processes, auto-correlation. Stationarity and ergodicity, power
spectral density. Systems driven by random functions, Wiener-
Cross-disciplinary studies in robot mechanics and intelligence. Khinchine theorem.  Sampling and ltering. Short- and long-
Emphasizes physical understanding of robot kinematics and term statistics, statistics of extremes. Problems from mechanical
dynamics, dierential motion and energy method, design and vibrations and statistical linearization, statistical mechanics, and
control of robotic arms and mobile robots, and actuators, drives, system prediction/identication. Students taking graduate version
and transmission. Second half of course focuses on algorithmic complete additional assignments and a short-term project.
thinking and computation, computer vision and perception, planning N. M. Patrikalakis, T. P. Sapsis, M. S. Triantafyllou
and control for manipulation, localization and navigation, machine
learning for robotics, and human-robot systems. Weekly laboratories
include brushless DC motor control, design and fabrication of robotic
arms and vehicles, robot vision and navigation, and programming
and system integration using Robot Operating System (ROS). Group
term project builds intelligent robots for specic applications of
interest. Students taking graduate version complete additional
assignments. Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity;
preference to Course 2 majors and minors.
H. Asada

28   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.122 Stochastic Systems 2.14 Analysis and Design of Feedback Control Systems
Subject meets with 2.121, 2.22 Subject meets with 2.140
Prereq: 2.004 and 2.087 Prereq: 2.004
G (Spring) U (Spring)
4-0-8 units 3-3-6 units

Response of systems to stochastic excitation with design Develops the fundamentals of feedback control using linear transfer
applications. Linear time-invariant systems, convolution, Fourier function system models. Analysis in time and frequency domains.
and Laplace transforms. Probability and statistics. Discrete and Design in the s-plane (root locus) and in the frequency domain (loop
continuous random variables, derived distributions. Stochastic shaping). Describing functions for stability of certain non-linear
processes, auto-correlation. Stationarity and ergodicity, power systems. Extension to state variable systems and multivariable
spectral density. Systems driven by random functions, Wiener- control with observers. Discrete and digital hybrid systems and use
Khinchine theorem.  Sampling and ltering. Short- and long- of z-plane design. Extended design case studies and capstone group
term statistics, statistics of extremes. Problems from mechanical projects. Students taking graduate version complete additional
vibrations and statistical linearization, statistical mechanics, and assignments. Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity;
system prediction/identication. Students taking graduate version preference to Course 2 majors and minors.
complete additional assignments and a short-term project. D. L. Trumper, K. Youcef-Toumi
N. M. Patrikalakis, T. P. Sapsis, M. S. Triantafyllou
2.140 Analysis and Design of Feedback Control Systems
2.131 Advanced Instrumentation and Measurement Subject meets with 2.14
Prereq: Permission of instructor Prereq: 2.004 or permission of instructor
G (Spring) G (Spring)
3-6-3 units 3-3-6 units

Provides training in advanced instrumentation and measurement Develops the fundamentals of feedback control using linear transfer
techniques. Topics include system level design, fabrication and function system models. Analysis in time and frequency domains.
evaluation with emphasis on systems involving concepts and Design in the s-plane (root locus) and in the frequency domain (loop
technology from mechanics, optics, electronics, chemistry and shaping). Describing functions for stability of certain non-linear
biology. Simulation, modeling and design soware. Use of a systems. Extension to state variable systems and multivariable
wide range of instruments/techniques (e.g., scanning electron control with observers. Discrete and digital hybrid systems and
microscope, dynamic signal/system analyzer, impedance analyzer, use of z-plane design. Extended design case studies and capstone
laser interferometer) and fabrication/machining methods (e.g., laser group projects. Student taking graduate version complete additional
micro-machining, stereo lithography, computer controlled turning assignments. Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity.
and machining centers). Theory and practice of both linear and D. Rowell, D. L. Trumper, K. Youcef-Toumi
nonlinear system identication techniques. Lab sessions include
instruction and group project work. No nal exam. 2.141 Modeling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems
I. W. Hunter Prereq: Permission of instructor
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Modeling multidomain engineering systems at a level of detail

suitable for design and control system implementation. Network
representation, state-space models; multiport energy storage
and dissipation, Legendre transforms; nonlinear mechanics,
transformation theory, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian forms; Control-
relevant properties. Application examples may include electro-
mechanical transducers, mechanisms, electronics, fluid and thermal
systems, compressible flow, chemical processes, diusion, and wave
transmission.
N. Hogan

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   29

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.151 Advanced System Dynamics and Control 2.153 Adaptive Control and Connections to Machine Learning
Prereq: 2.004 and (2.087 or 18.06) Prereq: 2.151
G (Fall) Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
4-0-8 units Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
3-0-9 units
Analytical descriptions of state-determined dynamic physical
systems; time and frequency domain representations; system Lays the foundation of adaptive control, and investigates its
characteristics - controllability, observability, stability; linear and interconnections with machine learning. Explores fundamental
nonlinear system responses. Modication of system characteristics principles of adaptive control, including parameter estimation,
using feedback. State observers, Kalman lters. Modeling/ recursive algorithms, stability properties, and conditions for
performance trade-os in control system design. Basic optimization convergence. Studies their relationship with machine learning,
tools. Positive systems. Emphasizes applications to physical including the minimization of a performance error and fast
systems. convergence. Discusses robustness and regularization in both
J.-J. E. Slotine, K. Youcef-Toumi, N. Hogan elds. Derives conditions of learning and implications of imperfect
learning. Examines the trade-o between stability and learning.
2.152[J] Nonlinear Control Focuses throughout the term on dynamic systems and on problems
Same subject as 9.110[J] where real-time control is needed. Uses examples from aerospace,
Prereq: 2.151, 6.241[J], 16.31, or permission of instructor propulsion, automotive, and energy systems to elucidate the
G (Spring) underlying concepts.
3-0-9 units A. Annaswamy

Introduction to nonlinear control and estimation in physical 2.154 Maneuvering and Control of Surface and Underwater
and biological systems. Nonlinear stability theory, Lyapunov Vehicles
analysis, Barbalat's lemma. Feedback linearization, dierential Prereq: 2.22
flatness, internal dynamics. Sliding surfaces. Adaptive nonlinear G (Fall)
control and estimation. Multiresolution bases, nonlinear system 3-0-9 units
identication. Contraction analysis, dierential stability theory.
Nonlinear observers. Asynchronous distributed computation and Maneuvering motions of surface and underwater vehicles. Derivation
learning. Concurrent synchronization, polyrhythms. Monotone of equations of motion, hydrodynamic coecients. Memory eects.
nonlinear systems. Emphasizes application to physical systems Linear and nonlinear forms of the equations of motion. Control
(robots, aircra, spacecra, underwater vehicles, reaction-diusion surfaces modeling and design. Engine, propulsor, and transmission
processes, machine vision, oscillators, internet), machine learning, systems modeling and simulation during maneuvering. Stability
computational neuroscience, and systems biology. Includes term of motion. Principles of multivariable automatic control. Optimal
projects. control, Kalman ltering, loop transfer recovery. Term project:
J.-J. E. Slotine applications chosen from autopilots for surface vehicles; towing in
open seas; remotely operated vehicles.
M. S. Triantafyllou

30   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.16 Learning Machines 2.161 Physical Systems Modeling and Design Using Machine
Subject meets with 2.168 Learning
Prereq: 2.086, 18.075, and (18.05 or 6.041) Subject meets with 2.169
U (Spring) Prereq: 2.086; Coreq: 6.402
Not oered regularly; consult department U (Spring)
4-0-8 units 1-3-2 units
Credit cannot also be received for 1.024, 1.224, 2.169, 3.100[J],
Introduces fundamental concepts and encourages open-ended 3.322[J], 10.402[J], 10.602[J], 20.301[J], 20.401[J], 22.042, 22.42
exploration of the increasingly topical intersection between articial
intelligence and the physical sciences. Energy and information, Building on core material in 6.402, encourages open-ended
and their respective optimality conditions are used to dene exploration of the increasingly topical intersection between articial
supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms; as well as intelligence and the physical sciences. Uses energy and information,
ordinary and partial dierential equations. Subsequently, physical and their respective optimality conditions, to dene supervised and
systems with complex constitutive relationships are drawn from unsupervised learning algorithms as well as ordinary and partial
elasticity, biophysics, fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics, acoustics, dierential equations. Subsequently, physical systems with complex
and electromagnetics to illustrate how machine learning-inspired constitutive relationships are drawn from elasticity, biophysics,
optimization can approximate solutions to forward and inverse fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics, acoustics, and electromagnetics
problems in these domains. to illustrate how machine learning-inspired optimization can
G. Barbastathis approximate solutions to forward and inverse problems in these
domains. Students taking graduate version complete additional
2.160 Identication, Estimation, and Learning assignments. Students cannot receive credit without simultaneous
Prereq: 2.151 completion of 6.402.
G (Fall) G. Barbastathis
3-0-9 units
2.165[J] Robotics
Provides a broad theoretical basis for system identication, Same subject as 9.175[J]
estimation, and learning. Least squares estimation and its Prereq: 2.151 or permission of instructor
convergence properties, Kalman lter and extended Kalman lter, Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
noise dynamics and system representation, function approximation Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
theory, neural nets, radial basis functions, wavelets, Volterra 3-0-9 units
expansions, informative data sets, persistent excitation, asymptotic
variance, central limit theorems, model structure selection, system Introduction to robotics and learning in machines. Kinematics
order estimate, maximum likelihood, unbiased estimates, Cramer- and dynamics of rigid body systems. Adaptive control, system
Rao lower bound, Kullback-Leibler information distance, Akaike's identication, sparse representations. Force control, adaptive
information criterion, experiment design, and model validation. visual servoing. Task planning, teleoperation, imitation learning.
H. Asada Navigation. Underactuated systems, approximate optimization
and control. Dynamics of learning and optimization in networks.
Elements of biological planning and control. Motor primitives,
entrainment, active sensing, binding models. Term projects.
J.-J. E. Slotine, H. Asada

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   31

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.166 Autonomous Vehicles 2.169 Physical Systems Modeling and Design Using Machine
Prereq: 6.041B or permission of instructor Learning
G (Spring) Subject meets with 2.161
Not oered regularly; consult department Prereq: 18.0751 or 18.0851; Coreq: 6.482
3-1-8 units G (Spring)
1-3-2 units
Theory and application of probabilistic techniques for autonomous Credit cannot also be received for 1.024, 1.224, 2.161, 3.100[J],
mobile robotics. Topics include probabilistic state estimation and 3.322[J], 10.402[J], 10.602[J], 20.301[J], 20.401[J], 22.042, 22.42
decision making for mobile robots; stochastic representations of the
environment; dynamic models and sensor models for mobile robots; Building on core material in 6.482, encourages open-ended
algorithms for mapping and localization; planning and control in the exploration of the increasingly topical intersection between articial
presence of uncertainty; cooperative operation of multiple mobile intelligence and the physical sciences. Uses energy and information,
robots; mobile sensor networks; application to autonomous marine and their respective optimality conditions, to dene supervised and
(underwater and floating), ground, and air vehicles. unsupervised learning algorithms as well as ordinary and partial
J. J. Leonard dierential equations. Subsequently, physical systems with complex
constitutive relationships are drawn from elasticity, biophysics,
2.168 Learning Machines fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics, acoustics, and electromagnetics
Subject meets with 2.16 to illustrate how machine learning-inspired optimization can
Prereq: None approximate solutions to forward and inverse problems in these
G (Spring) domains. Students taking graduate version complete additional
Not oered regularly; consult department assignments. Students cannot receive credit without simultaneous
3-0-9 units completion of 6.482.
G. Barbastathis
Introduces fundamental concepts and encourages open-ended
exploration of the increasingly topical intersection between articial 2.171 Analysis and Design of Digital Control Systems
intelligence and the physical sciences. Energy and information, Prereq: 2.14, 2.151, or permission of instructor
and their respective optimality conditions are used to dene G (Fall)
supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms; as well as Not oered regularly; consult department
ordinary and partial dierential equations. Subsequently, physical 3-3-6 units
systems with complex constitutive relationships are drawn from
elasticity, biophysics, fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics, acoustics, A comprehensive introduction to digital control system design,
and electromagnetics to illustrate how machine learning-inspired reinforced with hands-on laboratory experiences. Major topics
optimization can approximate solutions to forward and inverse include discrete-time system theory and analytical tools; design
problems in these domains. of digital control systems via approximation from continuous time;
G. Barbastathis direct discrete-time design; loop-shaping design for performance
and robustness; state-space design; observers and state-feedback;
quantization and other nonlinear eects; implementation issues.
Laboratory experiences and design projects connect theory with
practice.
D. L. Trumper

32   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.18[J] Biomolecular Feedback Systems 2.184 Biomechanics and Neural Control of Movement
Same subject as 6.557[J] Subject meets with 2.183[J], 9.34[J]
Subject meets with 2.180[J], 6.027[J] Prereq: 2.004 or permission of instructor
Prereq: Biology (GIR), 18.03, or permission of instructor U (Spring)
G (Spring) 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units
<!--class="Mso"--><!--class="Mso"--><p class="MsoNormal">Presents
Comprehensive introduction to dynamics and control of biomolecular a quantitative description of how biomechanical and neural factors
systems with emphasis on design/analysis techniques from interact in human sensory-motor behavior. Students survey recent
control theory. Provides a review of biology concepts, regulation literature on how motor behavior is controlled, comparing biological
mechanisms, and models. Covers basic enabling technologies, and robotic approaches to similar tasks. Topics may include a
engineering principles for designing biological functions, modular review of relevant neural, muscular and skeletal physiology,
design techniques, and design limitations. Students taking graduate neural feedback and "equilibrium-point" theories, co-contraction
version complete additional assignments. strategies, impedance control, kinematic redundancy, optimization,
D. Del Vecchio, R. Weiss intermittency, contact tasks and tool use. Students taking graduate
version complete additional assignments.
2.180[J] Biomolecular Feedback Systems N. Hogan
Same subject as 6.027[J]
Subject meets with 2.18[J], 6.557[J]
Fluid Mechanics and Combustion
Prereq: Biology (GIR), 18.03, or permission of instructor
U (Spring) 2.20 Marine Hydrodynamics
3-0-9 units Prereq: 1.060, 2.006, 2.016, or 2.06
Comprehensive introduction to dynamics and control of biomolecular G (Fall)
systems with emphasis on design/analysis techniques from 4-1-7 units
control theory. Provides a review of biology concepts, regulation The fundamentals of fluid mechanics are developed in the
mechanisms, and models. Covers basic enabling technologies, context of naval architecture and ocean science and engineering.
engineering principles for designing biological functions, modular Transport theorem and conservation principles. Navier-Stokes'
design techniques, and design limitations. Students taking graduate equation. Dimensional analysis. Ideal and potential flows. Vorticity
version complete additional assignments. and Kelvin's theorem. Hydrodynamic forces in potential flow,
D. Del Vecchio D'Alembert's paradox, added-mass, slender-body theory. Viscous-
fluid flow, laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Model testing,
2.183[J] Biomechanics and Neural Control of Movement scaling laws. Application of potential theory to surface waves, energy
Same subject as 9.34[J] transport, wave/body forces. Linearized theory of liing surfaces.
Subject meets with 2.184 Experimental project in the towing tank or propeller tunnel.
Prereq: 2.004 or permission of instructor D. K. P. Yue
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

Presents a quantitative description of how biomechanical and

neural factors interact in human sensory-motor behavior. Students
survey recent literature on how motor behavior is controlled,
comparing biological and robotic approaches to similar tasks. Topics
may include a review of relevant neural, muscular and skeletal
physiology, neural feedback and "equilibrium-point" theories, co-
contraction strategies, impedance control, kinematic redundancy,
optimization, intermittency, contact tasks and tool use. Students
taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
N. Hogan

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   33

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.22 Design Principles for Ocean Vehicles 2.24[J] Seakeeping of Ships and Oshore Energy Systems
Subject meets with 2.121, 2.122 Same subject as 1.692[J]
Prereq: 2.20 Prereq: 2.20 and 18.085
G (Spring) G (Spring)
3-1-8 units 4-0-8 units

Design tools for analysis of linear systems and random processes Surface wave theory, conservation laws and boundary conditions,
related to ocean vehicles; description of ocean environment properties of regular surface waves and random ocean waves.
including random waves, ocean wave spectra and their selection; Linearized theory of floating body dynamics, kinematic and dynamic
short-term and long-term wave statistics; and ocean currents. free surface conditions, body boundary conditions. Simple harmonic
Advanced hydrodynamics for design of ocean vehicles and oshore motions. Diraction and radiation problems, added mass and
structures, including wave forces on towed and moored structures; damping matrices. General reciprocity identities on diraction and
inertia vs. drag-dominated flows; vortex induced vibrations (VIV) of radiation. Ship wave resistance theory, Kelvin wake physics, ship
oshore structures; ship seakeeping and sensitivity of seakeeping seakeeping in regular and random waves. Discusses point wave
performance. Design exercises in application of principles. energy absorbers, beam sea and head-sea devises, oscillating water
Laboratory exercises in seakeeping and VIV at model scale. column device and Well's turbine. Discusses oshore floating energy
N. M. Patrikalakis, T. P. Sapsis, M. S. Triantafyllou systems and their interaction with ambient waves, current and
wind, including oil and gas platforms, liqueed natural gas (LNG)
2.23 Hydrofoils and Propellers vessels and floating wind turbines. Homework drawn from real-world
Prereq: 2.20 and 18.085 applications.
G (Spring) P. D. Sclavounos
3-0-9 units
2.25 Fluid Mechanics
Reviews the theory and design of hydrofoil sections; liing and Prereq: 2.006 or 2.06; Coreq: 18.075 or 18.085
thickness problems for sub-cavitating sections and unsteady G (Fall)
flow problems. Covers liing line and liing surface theory with 4-0-8 units
applications to hydrofoil cra, rudder, control surface, propeller and
wind turbine rotor design. Topics include propeller liing line and Survey of principal concepts and methods of fluid dynamics. Mass
liing surface theory; wake adapted propellers, steady and unsteady conservation, momentum, and energy equations for continua.
propeller thrust and torque; waterjets; performance analysis and Navier-Stokes equation for viscous flows. Similarity and dimensional
design of wind turbine rotors. Presents numerical principles of vortex analysis. Lubrication theory. Boundary layers and separation.
lattice and liing surface panel methods. Projects illustrate the Circulation and vorticity theorems. Potential flow. Introduction to
development of theoretical and computational methods for liing, turbulence. Li and drag. Surface tension and surface tension driven
propulsion and wind turbine applications. flows.
P. D. Sclavounos A. F. Ghoniem, A. E. Hosoi, G. H. McKinley, A. T. Patera

2.250[J] Fluids and Diseases

Same subject as 1.631[J], HST.537[J]
Subject meets with 1.063
Prereq: None
G (Spring)
3-3-6 units

See description under subject 1.631[J].

L. Bourouiba

34   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.26[J] Advanced Fluid Dynamics 2.29 Numerical Fluid Mechanics

Same subject as 1.63[J] Subject meets with 2.290
Prereq: 18.085 and (2.25 or permission of instructor) Prereq: 18.075 and (2.006, 2.016, 2.06, 2.20, or 2.25)
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Spring) G (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 4-0-8 units
4-0-8 units
Introduction to numerical methods and MATLAB: errors, condition
Fundamentals of fluid dynamics intrinsic to natural physical numbers and roots of equations. Navier-Stokes. Direct and iterative
phenomena and/or engineering processes. Discusses a range methods for linear systems. Finite dierences for elliptic, parabolic
of topics and advanced problem-solving techniques. Sample and hyperbolic equations. Fourier decomposition, error analysis and
topics include brief review of basic laws of fluid motion, scaling stability. High-order and compact nite-dierences. Finite volume
and approximations, creeping flows, boundary layers in high- methods. Time marching methods. Navier-Stokes solvers. Grid
speed flows, steady and transient, similarity method of solution, generation. Finite volumes on complex geometries. Finite element
buoyancy-driven convection in porous media, dispersion in steady or methods. Spectral methods. Boundary element and panel methods.
oscillatory flows, physics and mathematics of linearized instability, Turbulent flows. Boundary layers. Lagrangian Coherent Structures.
eects of shear and stratication. In alternate years, two of the Includes a nal research project.  Students taking graduate version
following modules will be oered: I: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics of complete additional assignments.
Coastal Waters, II: Capillary Phenomena, III: Non-Newtonian Fluids, P. F. J. Lermusiaux
IV: Flagellar Swimming.
T. R. Akylas, G. H. McKinley, R. Stocker 2.290 Numerical Fluid Mechanics
Subject meets with 2.29
2.28 Fundamentals and Applications of Combustion Prereq: 2.005
Prereq: 2.006 or (2.051 and 2.06) U (Spring)
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall) 4-0-8 units
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
3-0-9 units Introduction to numerical methods and MATLAB: errors, condition
numbers and roots of equations. Navier-Stokes. Direct and iterative
Fundamentals and modeling of reacting gas dynamics and methods for linear systems. Finite dierences for elliptic, parabolic
combustion using analytical and numerical methods. Conservation and hyperbolic equations. Fourier decomposition, error analysis and
equations of reacting flows. Multi-species transport, chemical stability. High-order and compact nite-dierences. Finite volume
thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Non-equilibrium flow. methods. Time marching methods. Navier-Stokes solvers. Grid
Detonation and reacting boundary layers. Ignition, flammability, and generation. Finite volumes on complex geometries. Finite element
extinction. Premixed and diusion flames. Combustion instabilities. methods. Spectral methods. Boundary element and panel methods.
Supersonic combustion. Turbulent combustion. Liquid and solid Turbulent flows. Boundary layers. Lagrangian Coherent Structures.
burning. Fire, safety, and environmental impact. Applications to Includes a nal research project.  Students taking graduate version
power and propulsion. complete additional assignments.
A. F. Ghoniem P. Lermusiaux

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   35

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.341[J] Macromolecular Hydrodynamics 2.370 Fundamentals of Nanoengineering

Same subject as 10.531[J] Subject meets with 2.37
Prereq: 2.25, 10.301, or permission of instructor Prereq: Chemistry (GIR) and 2.001
Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Spring) U (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered 3-0-9 units
3-0-6 units
Presents the fundamentals of molecular modeling in engineering
Physical phenomena in polymeric liquids undergoing deformation in the context of nanoscale mechanical engineering applications.
and flow. Kinematics and material functions for complex fluids; Statistical mechanics and its connection to engineering
techniques of viscometry, rheometry; and linear viscoelastic thermodynamics. Molecular origin and limitations of macroscopic
measurements for polymeric fluids. Generalized Newtonian fluids. descriptions and constitutive relations for equilibrium and non-
Continuum mechnanics, frame invariance, and convected derivatives equilibrium behavior. Introduction to molecular simulation, solid-
for nite strain viscoelasticity. Dierential and integral constitutive state physics and electrokinetic phenomena. Discusses molecular
equations for viscoelastic fluids. Analytical solutions to isothermal approaches to modern nanoscale engineering problems. Graduate
and non-isothermal flow problems; the roles of non-Newtonian students are required to complete additional assignments with
viscosity, linear viscoelasticity, normal stresses, elastic recoil, stronger analytical content.
stress relaxation in processing flows. Introduction to molecular N. G. Hadjiconstantinou
theories for dynamics of polymeric fluids. (Extensive class project
and presentation required instead of a nal exam). 2.372[J] Design and Fabrication of Microelectromechanical
R. C. Armstrong, G. H. McKinley Systems
Same subject as 6.777[J]
Subject meets with 2.374[J], 6.717[J]
MEMS and Nanotechnology
Prereq: (Physics II (GIR) and (2.003[J] or 6.003)) or permission of
2.37 Fundamentals of Nanoengineering instructor
Subject meets with 2.370 G (Spring)
Prereq: Permission of instructor Not oered regularly; consult department
G (Spring) 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units Provides an introduction to microsystem design. Covers material
Presents the fundamentals of molecular modeling in engineering properties, microfabrication technologies, structural behavior,
in the context of nanoscale mechanical engineering applications. sensing methods, electromechanical actuation, thermal actuation
Statistical mechanics and its connection to engineering and control, multi-domain modeling, noise, and microsystem
thermodynamics. Molecular origin and limitations of macroscopic packaging. Applies microsystem modeling, and manufacturing
descriptions and constitutive relations for equilibrium and non- principles to the design and analysis a variety of microscale
equilibrium behavior. Introduction to molecular simulation, solid- sensors and actuators (e.g., optical MEMS, bioMEMS, and inertial
state physics and electrokinetic phenomena. Discusses molecular sensors). Emphasizes modeling and simulation in the design
approaches to modern nanoscale engineering problems. Graduate process. Students taking the graduate version complete additional
students are required to complete additional assignments with assignments.
stronger analytical content. Sta
N. G. Hadjiconstantinou
2.374[J] Design and Fabrication of Microelectromechanical
Systems
Same subject as 6.717[J]
Subject meets with 2.372[J], 6.777[J]
Prereq: (Physics II (GIR) and (2.003[J] or 6.003)) or permission of
instructor
U (Spring)
Not oered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.717[J].

Sta

36   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.391[J] Nanostructure Fabrication 2.51 Intermediate Heat and Mass Transfer

Same subject as 6.781[J] Prereq: (2.005 and 18.03) or permission of instructor
Prereq: (2.710, 6.152[J], or 6.161) or permission of instructor U (Fall)
G (Spring) 3-0-9 units
4-0-8 units
Covers conduction (governing equations and boundary conditions,
See description under subject 6.781[J]. steady and unsteady heat transfer, resistance concept); laminar
K. K. Berggren and turbulent convection (forced-convection and natural-convection
boundary layers, external flows); radiation (blackbody and
graybody exchange, spectral and solar radiation); coupled
Thermodynamics
conduction, convection, radiation problems; synthesis of analytical,
2.42 General Thermodynamics computational, and experimental techniques; and mass transfer at
Prereq: Permission of instructor low rates, evaporation.
G (Fall) J. H. Lienhard, A. T. Patera, E. N. Wang
3-0-9 units
2.52[J] Modeling and Approximation of Thermal Processes
General foundations of thermodynamics from an entropy point Same subject as 4.424[J]
of view, entropy generation and transfer in complex systems. Prereq: 2.51
Denitions of work, energy, stable equilibrium, available energy, G (Fall)
entropy, thermodynamic potential, and interactions other than Not oered regularly; consult department
work (nonwork, heat, mass transfer). Applications to properties 3-0-9 units
of materials, bulk flow, energy conversion, chemical equilibrium,
combustion, and industrial manufacturing. Provides instruction on how to model thermal transport processes in
J. Brisson typical engineering systems such as those found in manufacturing,
machinery, and energy technologies. Successive modules cover
basic modeling tactics for particular modes of transport, including
Heat and Mass Transfer steady and unsteady heat conduction, convection, multiphase flow
processes, and thermal radiation. Includes a creative design project
2.500 Desalination and Water Purication executed by the students.
Prereq: 1.020, 2.006, 10.302, (2.051 and 2.06), or permission of L. R. Glicksman
instructor
G (Spring) 2.55 Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer
Not oered regularly; consult department Prereq: 2.51
3-0-9 units G (Spring)
Introduces the fundamental science and technology of desalinating 4-0-8 units
water to overcome water scarcity and ensure sustainable water Advanced treatment of fundamental aspects of heat and mass
supplies. Covers basic water chemistry, flash evaporation, reverse transport. Covers topics such as diusion kinetics, conservation
osmosis and membrane engineering, electrodialysis, nanoltration, laws, laminar and turbulent convection, mass transfer including
solar desalination, energy eciency of desalination systems, fouling phase change or heterogeneous reactions, and basic thermal
and scaling, environmental impacts, and economics of desalination radiation. Problems and examples include theory and applications
systems. Open to upper-class undergraduates. drawn from a spectrum of engineering design and manufacturing
J. H. Lienhard, M. Balaban problems.
J. H. Lienhard

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   37

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.57 Nano-to-Macro Transport Processes 2.59[J] Thermal Hydraulics in Power Technology

Subject meets with 2.570 Same subject as 10.536[J], 22.313[J]
Prereq: 2.005, 2.051, or permission of instructor Prereq: 2.006, 10.302, 22.312, or permission of instructor
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
3-0-9 units 3-2-7 units

Parallel treatments of photons, electrons, phonons, and molecules See description under subject 22.313[J].
as energy carriers; aiming at a fundamental understanding of E. Baglietto, M. Bucci
descriptive tools for energy and heat transport processes, from
nanoscale to macroscale. Topics include energy levels; statistical
Energy and Power Systems
behavior and internal energy; energy transport in the forms of
waves and particles; scattering and heat generation processes; 2.60[J] Fundamentals of Advanced Energy Conversion
Boltzmann equation and derivation of classical laws; and deviation Same subject as 10.390[J]
from classical laws at nanoscale and their appropriate descriptions. Subject meets with 2.62[J], 10.392[J], 22.40[J]
Applications in nanotechnology and microtechnology. Students Prereq: 2.006, (2.051 and 2.06), or permission of instructor
taking the graduate version complete additional assignments. U (Spring)
G. Chen 4-0-8 units

2.570 Nano-to-Macro Transport Processes Fundamentals of thermodynamics, chemistry, and transport applied
Subject meets with 2.57 to energy systems. Analysis of energy conversion and storage in
Prereq: 2.005, 2.051, or permission of instructor thermal, mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical processes in
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered power and transportation systems, with emphasis on eciency,
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall) performance, and environmental impact. Applications to fuel
3-0-9 units reforming and alternative fuels, hydrogen, fuel cells and batteries,
combustion, catalysis, combined and hybrid power cycles using
Parallel treatments of photons, electrons, phonons, and molecules fossil, nuclear and renewable resources. CO2 separation and
as energy carriers; aiming at a fundamental understanding of capture. Biomass energy. Students taking graduate version complete
descriptive tools for energy and heat transport processes, from additional assignments.
nanoscale to macroscale. Topics include energy levels; statistical A. F. Ghoniem, W. Green
behavior and internal energy; energy transport in the forms of
waves and particles; scattering and heat generation processes; 2.603 Fundamentals of Smart and Resilient Grids
Boltzmann equation and derivation of classical laws; and deviation Prereq: 2.003[J]
from classical laws at nanoscale and their appropriate descriptions. U (Fall)
Applications in nanotechnology and microtechnology. Students Not oered regularly; consult department
taking the graduate version complete additional assignments. 4-0-8 units
G. Chen
Introduces the fundamentals of power system structure, operation
2.58 Radiative Transfer and control. Emphasizes the challenges and opportunities for
Prereq: 2.51, 10.302, or permission of instructor integration of new technologies: photovoltaic, wind, electric storage,
G (Spring) demand response, synchrophasor measurements. Introduces the
3-0-9 units basics of power system modeling and analysis. Presents the basic
phenomena of voltage and frequency stability as well technological
Principles of thermal radiation and their application to engineering and regulatory constraints on system operation. Describes both
heat and photon transfer problems. Quantum and classical models the common and emerging automatic control systems and operator
of radiative properties of materials, electromagnetic wave theory decision-making policies. Relies on a combination of traditional
for thermal radiation, radiative transfer in absorbing, emitting, and lectures, homework assignments, and group projects. Students
scattering media, and coherent laser radiation. Applications cover taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
laser-material interactions, imaging, infrared instrumentation, global K. Turitsyn
warming, semiconductor manufacturing, combustion, furnaces, and
high temperature processing.
G. Chen

38   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.61 Internal Combustion Engines 2.62[J] Fundamentals of Advanced Energy Conversion

Prereq: 2.006 Same subject as 10.392[J], 22.40[J]
G (Spring) Subject meets with 2.60[J], 10.390[J]
Not oered regularly; consult department Prereq: 2.006, (2.051 and 2.06), or permission of instructor
3-1-8 units G (Spring)
4-0-8 units
Fundamentals of how the design and operation of internal
combustion engines aect their performance, eciency, fuel Fundamentals of thermodynamics, chemistry, and transport
requirements, and environmental impact. Study of fluid flow, applied to energy systems. Analysis of energy conversion and
thermodynamics, combustion, heat transfer and friction phenomena, storage in thermal, mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical
and fuel properties, relevant to engine power, eciency, and processes in power and transportation systems, with emphasis on
emissions. Examination of design features and operating eciency, performance and environmental impact. Applications
characteristics of dierent types of internal combustion engines: to fuel reforming and alternative fuels, hydrogen, fuel cells and
spark-ignition, diesel, stratied-charge, and mixed-cycle engines. batteries, combustion, catalysis, combined and hybrid power cycles
Engine Laboratory project. For graduate and senior undergraduate using fossil, nuclear and renewable resources. CO2 separation
students. and capture. Biomass energy. Meets with 2.60[J] when oered
W. K. Cheng concurrently; students taking the graduate version complete
additional assignments.
2.611 Marine Power and Propulsion A. F. Ghoniem, W. Green
Subject meets with 2.612
Prereq: 2.005 2.625[J] Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage:
G (Fall) Fundamentals, Materials and Applications
4-0-8 units Same subject as 10.625[J]
Prereq: 2.005, 3.046, 3.53, 10.40, (2.051 and 2.06), or permission of
Selection and evaluation of commercial and naval ship power instructor
and propulsion systems. Analysis of propulsors, prime mover G (Fall)
thermodynamic cycles, propeller-engine matching. Propeller 4-0-8 units
selection, waterjet analysis, review of alternative propulsors;
thermodynamic analyses of Rankine, Brayton, Diesel, and Combined Fundamental concepts, tools, and applications in electrochemical
cycles, reduction gears and integrated electric drive. Battery science and engineering. Introduces thermodynamics, kinetics and
operated vehicles, fuel cells. Term project requires analysis transport of electrochemical reactions. Describes how materials
of alternatives in propulsion plant design for given physical, structure and properties aect electrochemical behavior of particular
performance, and economic constraints. Graduate students complete applications, for instance in lithium rechargeable batteries,
dierent assignments and exams. electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, photo electrochemical cells,
J. Harbour, M. S. Triantafyllou, R. S. McCord and electrolytic cells. Discusses state-of-the-art electrochemical
energy technologies for portable electronic devices, hybrid and
2.612 Marine Power and Propulsion plug-in vehicles, electrical vehicles. Theoretical and experimental
Subject meets with 2.611 exploration of electrochemical measurement techniques in cell
Prereq: 2.005 testing, and in bulk and interfacial transport measurements
U (Fall) (electronic and ionic resistivity and charge transfer cross the
4-0-8 units electrode-electrolyte interface).
Y. Shao-Horn
Selection and evaluation of commercial and naval ship power
and propulsion systems. Analysis of propulsors, prime mover
thermodynamic cycles, propeller-engine matching. Propeller
selection, waterjet analysis, review of alternative propulsors;
thermodynamic analyses of Rankine, Brayton, Diesel, and Combined
cycles, reduction gears and integrated electric drive. Battery
operated vehicles, fuel cells. Term project requires analysis
of alternatives in propulsion plant design for given physical,
performance, and economic constraints. Graduate students complete
dierent assignments and exams.
J. Harbour, M. S. Triantafyllou, R. S. McCord

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   39

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.626 Fundamentals of Photovoltaics 2.650[J] Introduction to Sustainable Energy

Subject meets with 2.627 Same subject as 10.291[J], 22.081[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor Subject meets with 1.818[J], 2.65[J], 10.391[J], 11.371[J], 22.811[J]
G (Fall) Prereq: Permission of instructor
Not oered regularly; consult department U (Fall)
4-0-8 units 3-1-8 units

Fundamentals of photoelectric conversion: charge excitation, See description under subject 22.081[J]. Limited to juniors and
conduction, separation, and collection. Studies commercial and seniors.
emerging photovoltaic technologies. Cross-cutting themes include M. W. Golay
conversion eciencies, loss mechanisms, characterization,
manufacturing, systems, reliability, life-cycle analysis, and risk 2.651[J] Introduction to Energy in Global Development
analysis. Photovoltaic technology evolution in the context of Same subject as EC.711[J]
markets, policies, society, and environment. Graduate students Subject meets with EC.791
complete additional work. Prereq: None
T. Buonassisi U (Spring)
3-2-7 units
2.627 Fundamentals of Photovoltaics
Subject meets with 2.626 See description under subject EC.711[J]. Enrollment limited by
Prereq: Permission of instructor lottery; must attend rst class session.
U (Fall) E. Verploegen
Not oered regularly; consult department
4-0-8 units 2.652[J] Applications of Energy in Global Development
Same subject as EC.712[J]
Fundamentals of photoelectric conversion: charge excitation, Subject meets with EC.782
conduction, separation, and collection. Studies commercial and Prereq: None
emerging photovoltaic technologies. Cross-cutting themes include U (Fall)
conversion eciencies, loss mechanisms, characterization, 4-0-8 units
manufacturing, systems, reliability, life-cycle analysis, and risk
analysis. Photovoltaic technology evolution in the context of See description under subject EC.712[J]. Limited to 20; preference to
markets, policies, society, and environment. Graduate students students who have taken EC.711[J].
complete additional work. E. Verploegen
T. Buonassisi
Experimental Engineering
2.65[J] Sustainable Energy
Same subject as 1.818[J], 10.391[J], 11.371[J], 22.811[J] 2.670 Mechanical Engineering Tools
Subject meets with 2.650[J], 10.291[J], 22.081[J] Prereq: None
Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, IAP, Spring)
G (Fall) 0-1-2 units
3-1-8 units
Introduces the fundamentals of machine tools use and fabrication
See description under subject 22.811[J]. techniques. Students work with a variety of machine tools including
M. W. Golay the bandsaw, milling machine, and lathe. Mechanical Engineering
students are advised to take this subject in the rst IAP aer
declaring their major. Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory
capacity. Preference to Course 2 majors and minors.
M. Culpepper

40   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.671 Measurement and Instrumentation 2.675 Micro/Nano Engineering Laboratory

Prereq: Physics II (GIR), 2.001, 2.003[J], and 2.086 Subject meets with 2.676
U (Fall, Spring) Prereq: 2.25 and (6.777[J] or permission of instructor)
3-3-6 units. Institute LAB G (Fall)
2-3-7 units
Experimental techniques for observation and measurement Credit cannot also be received for 2.674
of physical variables such as force, strain, temperature, flow
rate, and acceleration. Emphasizes principles of transduction, Covers advanced nanoengineering via practical lab modules
measurement circuitry, MEMS sensors, Fourier transforms, linear and in connection with classical fluid dynamics, mechanics,
nonlinear function tting, uncertainty analysis, probability density thermodynamics, and material physics. Labs include microfluidic
functions and statistics, system identication, electrical impedance systems, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), emerging
analysis and transfer functions, computer-aided experimentation, nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and
and technical reporting. Typical laboratory experiments involve nanoimaging tools. Student teams lead an experimental term project
oscilloscopes, electronic circuits including operational ampliers, that uses the tools and knowledge acquired through the lab modules
thermocouples, strain gauges, digital recorders, lasers, etc. Basic and experimental work, and culminates in a report and presentation.
material and lab objectives are developed in lectures. Instruction Recitations cover idea development, experiment design, planning
and practice in oral and written communication provided. Enrollment and execution, and analysis of results pertinent to the project.
limited. Enrollment limited.
I. W. Hunter, M. Kolle, B. Hughey B. Comeau, J. Kim

2.673[J] Instrumentation and Measurement for Biological 2.676 Micro/Nano Engineering Laboratory
Systems Subject meets with 2.675
Same subject as 20.309[J] Prereq: 2.001, 2.003[J], 2.671, and Coreq: (2.005 or (2.051 and
Subject meets with 20.409 2.06)); or permission of instructor
Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Physics II (GIR), 6.0002, and 18.03) or U (Fall)
permission of instructor 2-3-7 units
U (Fall, Spring) Credit cannot also be received for 2.674
3-6-3 units
Studies advanced nanoengineering via experiental lab modules
See description under subject 20.309[J]. Enrollment limited; with classical fluid dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and
preference to Course 20 undergraduates. materials science. Lab modules include microfluidic systems;
P. Blainey, S. Manalis, E. Frank, S. Wasserman, J. Bagnall, E. Boyden, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); emerging nanomaterials,
P. So such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs); and nanoimaging
tools. Recitation develops in-depth knowledge and understanding
2.674 Introduction to Micro/Nano Engineering Laboratory of physical phenomena observed in the lab through quantitative
Prereq: Physics II (GIR) or permission of instructor analysis. Students have the option to engage in term projects led by
U (Spring) students taking 2.675. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 2
1-3-2 units and 2-OE majors and minors.
Credit cannot also be received for 2.675, 2.676 B. Comeau, J. Kim

Presents concepts, ideas, and enabling tools for nanoengineering

through experiential lab modules, which include microfluidics,
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and nanomaterials
and nanoimaging tools such as scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic-force
microscopy (AFM). Provides knowledge and experience via building,
observing and manipulating micro- and nanoscale structures.
Exposes students to fluid, thermal, and dynamic systems at small
scales. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 2 and 2-A majors
and minors.
S. G. Kim, R. Karnik, M. Kolle, J. Kim

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   41

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.677 Design and Experimentation for Ocean Engineering 2.679 Electronics for Mechanical Systems II
Prereq: 2.00A and 2.086; Coreq: 2.016 or permission of instructor Prereq: 2.086, 2.678, and 18.03
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered U (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall) 2-3-1 units
0-3-3 units
Extends the concepts and techniques developed in 2.678 to include
Design and experimental observation for ocean engineering systems complex systems and modeling of real-world elements with a strong
focusing on the fundamentals of ocean wave propagation, ocean emphasis on lab experimentation and independent project work.
wave spectra and wave dispersion, cavitation, added mass, acoustic Topics include sampling theory, energy storage, embedded mobile
sound propagation in water, sea loads on oshore structures, systems, autonomous navigation, printed circuit board design,
design of experiments for ship model testing, sh-like swimming system integration, and machine vision. Enrollment may be limited;
propulsion, propellers, and ocean energy harvesting. Emphasizes preference to Course 2 majors.
fundamentals of data analysis of signals from random environments S. Banzaert, J. Leonard
using Fourier transforms, noise ltering, statistics and error analysis
using MATLAB. Students carry out experiential laboratory exercises
Oceanographic Engineering and Acoustics
in various Ocean Engineering laboratories on campus, including
short labs and demos, longer exercises with written reports, and a 2.680 Unmanned Marine Vehicle Autonomy, Sensing, and
nal experimental design project. Enrollment may be limited due to Communication
laboratory capacity. Prereq: Permission of instructor
A. H. Techet G (Spring)
2-6-4 units
2.678 Electronics for Mechanical Systems
Prereq: Physics II (GIR) Focuses on soware and algorithms for autonomous decision
U (Fall, Spring) making (autonomy) by underwater vehicles operating in ocean
2-2-2 units environments. Discusses how autonomous marine vehicles (UMVs)
adapt to the environment for improved sensing performance. Covers
Practical introduction to the fundamentals of electronics in sensors for acoustic, biological and chemical sensing and their
the context of electro-mechanical systems, with emphasis on integration with the autonomy system for environmentally adaptive
experimentation and project work in basic electronics. Laboratory undersea mapping and observation. Introduces students to the
exercises include the design and construction of simple electronic underwater acoustic communication environment and various
devices, such as power supplies, ampliers, op-amp circuits, options for undersea navigation, highlighting their relevance to the
switched mode dc-dc converters, and dc motor drivers. Surveys operation of collaborative undersea networks for environmental
embedded microcontrollers as system elements. Laboratory sessions sensing. Labs involve the use of the MOOP-IvP autonomy soware
stress the understanding of electronic circuits at the component for the development of integrated sensing, modeling and control
level, but also point out the modern approach of system integration solutions. Solutions modeled in simulation environments and
using commercial modules and specialized integrated circuits. include eld tests with small autonomous surface and underwater
Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity; preference to vehicles operated on the Charles River. Limited enrollment.
Course 2 majors and minors. H. Schmidt, J. J. Leonard, M. Benjamin
<!--class="Mso"--><!--class="Mso"-->S. Banzaert, J. Leonard, M. Kolle,
D. Trumper

42   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.681 Environmental Ocean Acoustics 2.683 Marine Bioacoustics and Geoacoustics

Prereq: 2.066, 18.075, or permission of instructor Prereq: 2.681
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered G (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

Fundamentals of underwater sound, and its application to mapping Both active and passive acoustic methods of measuring marine
and surveillance in an ocean environment. Wave equations for fluid organisms, the seafloor, and their interactions are reviewed.
and elastic media. Reflection and transmission of sound at plane Acoustic methods of detecting, observing, and quantifying marine
interfaces. Wave theory representation of acoustic source radiation biological organisms are described, as are acoustic methods
and propagation in shallow and deep ocean waveguides. Interaction of measuring geological properties of the seafloor, including
of underwater sound with elastic waves in the seabed and an Arctic depth, and surcial and volumetric composition. Interactions
ice cover, including eects of porosity and anisotropy. Numerical are also described, including eects of biological scatterers on
modeling of the propagation of underwater sound, including spectral geological measurements, and eects of seafloor scattering on
methods, normal mode theory, and the parabolic equation method, measurements of biological scatterers on, in, or immediately above
for laterally homogeneous and inhomogeneous environments. the seafloor. Methods of determining small-scale material properties
Doppler eects. Eects of oceanographic variability and fluctuation of organisms and the seafloor are outlined. Operational methods are
- spatial and temporal coherence. Generation and propagation emphasized, and corresponding measurement theory is described.
of ocean ambient noise. Modeling and simulation of signals and Case studies are used in illustration. Principles of acoustic-system
noise in traditional sonar systems, as well as modern, distributed, calibration are elaborated.
autonomous acoustic surveillance systems. K. G. Foote, Woods Hole Sta
H. Schmidt
2.684 Wave Scattering by Rough Surfaces and Inhomogeneous
2.682 Acoustical Oceanography Media
Prereq: 2.681 Prereq: 2.066 or permission of instrctor
G (Spring) Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Not oered regularly; consult department Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
3-0-9 units 3-0-9 units
Can be repeated for credit. Can be repeated for credit.

Provides brief overview of what important current research topics An advanced-level subject designed to give students a working
are in oceanography (physical, geological, and biological) and knowledge of current techniques in this area. Material is presented
how acoustics can be used as a tool to address them. Three typical principally in the context of ocean acoustics, but can be used
examples are climate, bottom geology, and marine mammal in other acoustic and electromagnetic applications. Includes
behavior. Addresses the acoustic inverse problem, reviewing fundamentals of wave propagation through, and/or scattering by:
inverse methods (linear and nonlinear) and the combination of random media, extended coherent structures, rough surfaces, and
acoustical methods with other measurements as an integrated discrete scatterers.
system. Concentrates on specic case studies, taken from current T. K. Stanton, A. C. Lavery, Woods Hole Sta
research journals.
J. F. Lynch, Woods Hole Sta

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   43

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.687 Time Series Analysis and System Identication 2.690 Corrosion in Marine Engineering
Prereq: 6.011 and 18.06 Prereq: 3.012 and permission of instructor
G (Spring) G (Summer)
3-0-9 units 3-0-3 units
Can be repeated for credit.
Introduction to forms of corrosion encountered in marine systems
Covers matched ltering, power spectral (PSD) estimation, and material selection, coatings and protection systems. Case studies
adaptive signal processing / system identication algorithms. and causal analysis developed through student presentations.
Algorithm development is framed as an optimization problem, J. Page, T. Eagar
and optimal and approximate solutions are described. Reviews
time-varying systems, rst and second moment representations of
Naval Architecture
stochastic processes, and state-space models. Also covers algorithm
derivation, performance analysis, and robustness to modeling errors. 2.700 Principles of Naval Architecture
Algorithms for PSD estimation, the LMS and RLS algorithms, and the Subject meets with 2.701
Kalman Filter are treated in detail. Prereq: 2.002
J. C. Preisig, Woods Hole Sta U (Fall)
4-2-6 units
2.688 Principles of Oceanographic Instrument Systems --
Sensors and Measurements Presents principles of naval architecture, ship geometry,
Prereq: 2.671 and 18.075 hydrostatics, calculation and drawing of curves of form, intact
G (Spring) and damage stability, hull structure strength calculations and
3-3-6 units ship resistance. Introduces computer-aided naval ship design and
analysis tools. Projects include analysis of ship lines drawings,
Introduces theoretical and practical principles of design of calculation of ship hydrostatic characteristics, analysis of intact and
oceanographic sensor systems. Transducer characteristics for damaged stability, ship model testing, and hull structure strength
acoustic, current, temperature, pressure, electric, magnetic, gravity, calculations. Students taking graduate version complete additional
salinity, velocity, heat flow, and optical devices. Limitations on these assignments.
devices imposed by ocean environment. Signal conditioning and R. Bebermeyer, P. D. Sclavounos
recording; noise, sensitivity, and sampling limitations; standards.
Principles of state-of-the-art systems being used in physical 2.701 Principles of Naval Architecture
oceanography, geophysics, submersibles, acoustics discussed in Subject meets with 2.700
lectures by experts in these areas. Day cruises in local waters during Prereq: 2.002
which the students will prepare, deploy and analyze observations G (Fall)
from standard oceanographic instruments constitute the lab work for 4-2-6 units
this subject.
H. Singh, R. Geyer, A. Michel Presents principles of naval architecture, ship geometry,
hydrostatics, calculation and drawing of curves of form, intact
2.689[J] Projects in Oceanographic Engineering and damage stability, hull structure strength calculations and
Same subject as 1.699[J] ship resistance. Introduces computer-aided naval ship design and
Prereq: Permission of instructor analysis tools. Projects include analysis of ship lines drawings,
G (Fall, Spring, Summer) calculation of ship hydrostatic characteristics, analysis of intact and
Units arranged [P/D/F] damaged stability, ship model testing, and hull structure strength
Can be repeated for credit. calculations. Students taking graduate version complete additional
assignments.
Projects in oceanographic engineering, carried out under supervision R. Bebermeyer, P. Sclavounuos
of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution sta. Given at Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution.
J. Preisig, Woods Hole Sta

44   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.702 Systems Engineering and Naval Ship Design 2.705 Projects in New Concept Naval Ship Design
Prereq: 2.701 Prereq: 2.704
G (Spring) G (Fall, Spring)
3-3-6 units Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
Introduces principles of systems engineering and ship design
with an overview of naval ship design and acquisition processes, Focus on preliminary design of a new naval ship, fullling a given
requirements setting, formulation of a systematic plan, design set of mission requirements. Design plan formulation, system level
philosophy and constraints, formal decision making methods, trade-o studies, emphasizes achieving a balanced design and total
selection criteria, optimization, variant analysis, trade-os, analysis system integration. Formal written and oral reports. Team projects
of ship design trends, risk, and cost analysis. Emphasizes the extend over three terms.
application of principles through completion of a design exercise R. Bebermeyer, R. Jonart
and project.
R. Bebermeyer, A. Gillespy 2.707 Submarine Structural Acoustics
Prereq: 2.066
2.703 Principles of Naval Ship Design G (Spring; rst half of term)
Prereq: 2.082, 2.20, 2.611, and 2.702 Not oered regularly; consult department
G (Fall) 2-0-4 units
4-2-6 units
Introduction to the acoustic interaction of submerged structures
Covers the design of surface ship platforms for naval applications. with the surrounding fluid. Fluid and elastic wave equations. Elastic
Includes topics such as hull form selection and concept design waves in plates. Radiation and scattering from planar structures as
synthesis, topside and general arrangements, weight estimation, well as curved structures such as spheres and cylinders. Acoustic
and technical feasibility analyses (including strength, stability, imaging of structural vibrations. Students can take 2.085 in the
seakeeping, and survivability.). Practical exercises involve second half of term.
application of design principles and utilization of advanced H. Schmidt
computer-aided ship design tools.
J. Harbour, J. Page 2.708 Traditional Naval Architecture Design
Prereq: None
2.704 Projects in Naval Ship Conversion Design G (IAP)
Prereq: 2.703 2-0-1 units
G (IAP, Spring)
1-6-5 units Week-long intensive introduction to traditional design methods in
which students hand draw a lines plan of a N. G. Herresho (MIT
Focuses on conversion design of a naval ship. A new mission Class of 1870) design based on hull shape osets taken from his
requirement is dened, requiring signicant modication to an original design model. Aer completing the plan, students then
existing ship. Involves requirements setting, design plan formulation carve a wooden half-hull model of the boat design. Covers methods
and design philosophy, and employs formal decision-making used to develop hull shape analysis data from lines plans. Provides
methods. Technical aspects demonstrate feasibility and desirability. students with instruction in safe hand tool use and how to transfer
Includes formal written and verbal reports and team projects. their lines to 3D in the form of their model. Limited to 15.
J. Harbour, J. Page K. Hasselbalch, J. Harbour

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   45

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Optics 2.715[J] Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy for Biology and

Medicine
2.71 Optics Same subject as 20.487[J]
Subject meets with 2.710 Prereq: Permission of instructor
Prereq: (Physics II (GIR), 2.004, and 18.03) or permission of G (Spring)
instructor Not oered regularly; consult department
U (Fall) 3-0-9 units
3-0-9 units Introduces the theory and the design of optical microscopy and
Introduction to optical science with elementary engineering its applications in biology and medicine. The course starts from
applications. Geometrical optics: ray-tracing, aberrations, lens an overview of basic optical principles allowing an understanding
design, apertures and stops, radiometry and photometry. Wave of microscopic image formation and common contrast modalities
optics: basic electrodynamics, polarization, interference, wave- such as dark eld, phase, and DIC. Advanced microscopy imaging
guiding, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diraction, image formation, techniques such as total internal reflection, confocal, and
resolution, space-bandwidth product. Emphasis on analytical and multiphoton will also be discussed. Quantitative analysis of
numerical tools used in optical design. Graduate students are biochemical microenvironment using spectroscopic techniques
required to complete additional assignments with stronger analytical based on fluorescence, second harmonic, Raman signals will be
content, and an advanced design project. covered. We will also provide an overview of key image processing
G. Barbastathis, P. T. So techniques for microscopic data.
P. T. So, C. Sheppard
2.710 Optics
Subject meets with 2.71 2.717 Optical Engineering
Prereq: (Physics II (GIR), 2.004, and 18.03) or permission of Prereq: 2.710 or permission of instructor
instructor G (Spring)
G (Fall) Not oered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units 3-0-9 units

Introduction to optical science with elementary engineering Theory and practice of optical methods in engineering and system
applications. Geometrical optics: ray-tracing, aberrations, lens design. Emphasis on diraction, statistical optics, holography, and
design, apertures and stops, radiometry and photometry. Wave imaging. Provides engineering methodology skills necessary to
optics: basic electrodynamics, polarization, interference, wave- incorporate optical components in systems serving diverse areas
guiding, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diraction, image formation, such as precision engineering and metrology, bio-imaging, and
resolution, space-bandwidth product. Emphasis on analytical and computing (sensors, data storage, communication in multi-processor
numerical tools used in optical design. Graduate students are systems). Experimental demonstrations and a design project are
required to complete additional assignments with stronger analytical included.
content, and an advanced design project. P. T. So, G. Barbastathis
G. Barbastathis, P. T. So

46   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.718 Photonic Materials Design

Subject meets with 2.719
Prereq: 2.003[J], 6.161, 8.03, or permission of instructor 2.70 FUNdaMENTALS of Precision Product Design
U (Fall) Subject meets with 2.77
Not oered regularly; consult department Prereq: 2.008
3-0-9 units U (Fall)
Provides a review of Maxwell's equations and the Helmholtz wave 3-3-6 units
equation. Optical devices: waveguides and cavities, phase and group Examines design, selection, and combination of machine elements
velocity, causality, and scattering. Light-matter interaction in bulk, to produce a robust precision system. Introduces process,
surface, and subwavelength-structured matter. Eective media, philosophy and physics-based principles of design to improve/
dispersion relationships, wavefronts and rays, eikonal description enable renewable power generation, energy eciency, and
of light propagation, phase singularities. Transformation optics, manufacturing productivity. Topics include linkages, power
gradient eective media. Includes description of the experimental transmission, screws and gears, actuators, structures, joints,
tools for realization and measurement of photonic materials and bearings, error apportionment, and error budgeting. Considers
eects. Students taking graduate version complete additional each topic with respect to its physics of operation, mechanics
assignments. (strength, deformation, thermal eects) and accuracy, repeatability,
G. Barbastathis, N. Fang and resolution. Includes guest lectures from practicing industry
and academic leaders. Students design, build, and test a small
2.719 Photonic Materials benchtop precision machine, such as a heliostat for positioning
Subject meets with 2.718 solar PV panels or a two or three axis machine. Prior to each lecture,
Prereq: 2.003[J], 6.161, 8.03, or permission of instructor students review the pre-recorded detailed topic materials and then
G (Fall) converge on what parts of the topic they want covered in extra
Not oered regularly; consult department depth in lecture. Students are assessed on their preparation for and
3-0-9 units participation in class sessions. Students taking graduate version
Provides a review of Maxwell's equations and the Helmholtz wave complete additional assignments. Enrollment limited.
equation. Optical devices: waveguides and cavities, phase and group A. Slocum
velocity, causality, and scattering. Light-matter interaction in bulk,
surface, and subwavelength-structured matter. Eective media,
dispersion relationships, wavefronts and rays, eikonal description
of light propagation, phase singularities. Transformation optics,
gradient eective media. Includes description of the experimental
tools for realization and measurement of photonic materials and
eects. Students taking graduate version complete additional
assignments.
G. Barbastathis, N. Fang

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   47

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.77 FUNdaMENTALS of Precision Product Design 2.720 Elements of Mechanical Design

Subject meets with 2.70 Subject meets with 2.72
Prereq: 2.008 Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall) Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
3-3-6 units Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Spring)
3-3-6 units
Examines design, selection, and combination of machine elements
to produce a robust precision system. Introduces process, Advanced study of modeling, design, integration, and best practices
philosophy and physics-based principles of design to improve/ for use of machine elements, such as bearings, bolts, belts, flexures,
enable renewable power generation, energy eciency, and and gears. Modeling and analysis is based upon rigorous application
manufacturing productivity. Topics include linkages, power of physics, mathematics, and core mechanical engineering
transmission, screws and gears, actuators, structures, joints, principles, which are reinforced via laboratory experiences and
bearings, error apportionment, and error budgeting. Considers a design project in which students model, design, fabricate, and
each topic with respect to its physics of operation, mechanics characterize a mechanical system that is relevant to a real-world
(strength, deformation, thermal eects) and accuracy, repeatability, application. Activities and quizzes are directly related to, and
and resolution. Includes guest lectures from practicing industry coordinated with, the project deliverables. Develops the ability to
and academic leaders. Students design, build, and test a small synthesize, model and fabricate a design subject to engineering
benchtop precision machine, such as a heliostat for positioning constraints (e.g., cost, time, schedule). Students taking graduate
solar PV panels or a two or three axis machine. Prior to each lecture, version complete additional assignments.
students review the pre-recorded detailed topic materials and then M. L. Culpepper
converge on what parts of the topic they want covered in extra
depth in lecture. Students are assessed on their preparation for and 2.722[J] D-Lab: Design
participation in class sessions. Students taking graduate version Same subject as EC.720[J]
complete additional assignments. Enrollment limited. Prereq: 2.670 or permission of instructor
A. Slocum U (Spring)
3-0-9 units
2.72 Elements of Mechanical Design
Subject meets with 2.720 See description under subject EC.720[J]. Enrollment limited by
Prereq: 2.008 and (2.005 or 2.051); Coreq: 2.671 lottery; must attend rst class session.
U (Spring) S. Grama, E. Squibb
3-3-6 units
2.7231[J] Introduction to Design Thinking and Innovation in
Advanced study of modeling, design, integration, and best practices Engineering
for use of machine elements, such as bearings, bolts, belts, flexures, Same subject as 6.9021[J], 16.6621[J]
and gears. Modeling and analysis is based upon rigorous application Prereq: None
of physics, mathematics, and core mechanical engineering U (Fall, Spring; rst half of term)
principles, which are reinforced via laboratory experiences and 2-0-1 units
a design project in which students model, design, fabricate, and
characterize a mechanical system that is relevant to a real-world See description under subject 6.9021[J]. Enrollment limited to 25;
application. Activities and quizzes are directly related to, and priority to rst-year students.
coordinated with, the project deliverables. Develops the ability to B. Kotelly
synthesize, model and fabricate a design subject to engineering
constraints (e.g., cost, time, schedule). Students taking graduate 2.723A Design Thinking and Innovation Leadership for Engineers
version complete additional assignments. Enrollment limited. Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject.
M. L. Culpepper Oered under: 2.723A, 6.902A, 16.662A
Prereq: None
U (Fall, Spring; rst half of term)
2-0-1 units

See description under subject 6.902A.

B. Kotelly

48   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.723B Design Thinking and Innovation Project 2.734 Engineering Systems Development
Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject. Subject meets with 2.014
Oered under: 2.723B, 6.902B, 16.662B Prereq: (2.001, 2.003[J], (2.005 or 2.051), and (2.00B, 2.670, or
Prereq: 6.902A 2.678)) or permission of instructor
U (Fall, Spring; second half of term) G (Spring)
2-0-1 units 0-6-6 units

See description under subject 6.902B. Focuses on the implementation and operation of engineering
B. Kotelly systems. Emphasizes system integration and performance
verication using methods of experimental inquiry. Students rene
2.729[J] D-Lab: Design for Scale their subsystem designs and the fabrication of working prototypes.
Same subject as EC.729[J] Includes experimental analysis of subperformance and comparison
Subject meets with 2.789[J], EC.797[J] with physical models of performance and with design goals.
Prereq: None. Coreq: 2.008; or permission of instructor component integration into the full system, with detailed analysis
U (Fall) and operation of the complete vehicle in the laboratory and in the
3-2-7 units eld. Includes written and oral reports. Students carry out formal
reviews of the overall system design. Instruction and practice in
See description under subject EC.729[J]. oral and written communication provided. Students taking graduate
M. Yang version complete additional assignments. Enrollment may be limited
due to laboratory capacity.
2.733 Engineering Systems Design D. Hart
Subject meets with 2.013
Prereq: (2.001, 2.003[J], (2.005 or 2.051), and (2.00B, 2.670, or 2.737 Mechatronics
2.678)) or permission of instructor Prereq: 6.002 and (2.14, 6.302, or 16.30)
G (Fall) Acad Year 2021-2022: G (Fall)
0-6-6 units Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered
Focuses on the design of engineering systems to satisfy stated 3-5-4 units
performance, stability, and/or control requirements. Emphasizes Introduction to designing mechatronic systems, which require
individual initiative, application of fundamental principles, and integration of the mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines
the compromises inherent in the engineering design process. within a unied framework. Signicant laboratory-based design
Culminates in the design of an engineering system, typically a experiences form subject's core. Final project. Topics include:
vehicle or other complex system. Includes instruction and practice in low-level interfacing of soware with hardware; use of high-level
written and oral communication through team presentation, design graphical programming tools to implement real-time computation
reviews, and written reports. Students taking graduate version tasks; digital logic; analog interfacing and power ampliers;
complete additional assignments. Enrollment may be limited due to measurement and sensing; electromagnetic and optical transducers;
laboratory capacity. control of mechatronic systems. Limited to 20.
D. Hart D. L. Trumper, K. Youcef-Toumi

2.739[J] Product Design and Development

Same subject as 15.783[J]
Prereq: 2.009, 15.761, 15.778, 15.814, or permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-3-6 units

See description under subject 15.783[J]. Engineering students

accepted via lottery based on WebSIS pre-registration.
S. Eppinger, M. C. Yang

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   49

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.74 Bio-inspired Robotics 2.744 Product Design

Subject meets with 2.740 Prereq: 2.009
Prereq: 2.004 or permission of instructor G (Spring)
U (Fall) Not oered regularly; consult department
3-1-8 units 3-0-9 units

Interdisciplinary approach to bio-inspired design, with emphasis on Project-centered subject addressing transformation of ideas into
principle extraction applicable to various robotics research elds, successful products which are properly matched to the user and
such as robotics, prosthetics, and human assistive technologies. the market. Students are asked to take a more complete view of a
Focuses on three main components: biomechanics, numerical new product and to gain experience with designs judged on their
techniques that allow multi-body dynamics simulation with aesthetics, ease of use, and sensitivities to the realities of the
environmental interaction and optimization, and basic robotics marketplace. Lectures on modern design process, industrial design,
techniques and implementation skills. Students integrate the visual communication, form-giving, mass production, marketing, and
components into a nal robotic system project of their choosing environmentally conscious design.
through which they must demonstrate their understanding of D. R. Wallace
dynamics and control and test hypothesized design principles.
Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. 2.75[J] Medical Device Design
Enrollment may be limited due to laboratory capacity. Same subject as 6.525[J], HST.552[J]
S. Kim Subject meets with 2.750[J], 6.025[J]
Prereq: 2.008, 6.101, 6.111, 6.115, 22.071, or permission of instructor
2.740 Bio-inspired Robotics G (Spring)
Subject meets with 2.74 3-3-6 units
Prereq: 2.004 or permission of instructor
G (Fall) Provides an intense project-based learning experience around the
3-3-6 units design of medical devices with foci ranging from mechanical to
electro mechanical to electronics. Projects motivated by real-world
Interdisciplinary approach to bio-inspired design, with emphasis on clinical challenges provided by sponsors and clinicians who also
principle extraction applicable to various robotics research elds, help mentor teams. Covers the design process, project management,
such as robotics, prosthetics, and human assistive technologies. and fundamentals of mechanical and electrical circuit and sensor
Focuses on three main components: biomechanics, numerical design. Students work in small teams to execute a substantial term
techniques that allow multi-body dynamics simulation with project, with emphasis placed upon developing creative designs
environmental interaction and optimization, and basic robotics — via a deterministic design process — that are developed and
techniques and implementation skills. Students integrate the optimized using analytical techniques. Includes mandatory lab.
components into a nal robotic system project of their choosing Instruction and practice in written and oral communication provided.
through which they must demonstrate their understanding of Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
dynamics and control and test hypothesized design principles. Enrollment limited.
Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. A. H. Slocum, G. Hom, E. Roche, N. C. Hanumara
Enrollment may be limited due to lab capacity.
S. Kim

50   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.750[J] Medical Device Design 2.753 Development of Mechanical Products

Same subject as 6.025[J] Subject meets with 2.752
Subject meets with 2.75[J], 6.525[J], HST.552[J] Prereq: 2.009, 2.750[J], or permission of instructor
Prereq: 2.008, 6.101, 6.111, 6.115, 22.071, or permission of instructor G (Spring)
U (Spring) Not oered regularly; consult department
3-3-6 units 3-0-9 units

Provides an intense project-based learning experience around the Focuses on evolving a product from proof-of-concept to beta
design of medical devices with foci ranging from mechanical to prototype: Includes team building, project planning, budgeting,
electro mechanical to electronics. Projects motivated by real-world resource planning; models for scaling, tolerancing and reliability,
clinical challenges provided by sponsors and clinicians who also patents, business planning. Students/teams start with a proof-of-
help mentor teams. Covers the design process, project management, concept product they bring to class or select from projects provided
and fundamentals of mechanical and electrical circuit and sensor by instructor. In lieu of taking 12 units of 2.THU, Course 2 majors
design. Students work in small teams to execute a substantial term taking 2.752 may write a bachelor's thesis that documents their
project, with emphasis placed upon developing creative designs contributions to the product developed in the team project. Students
-- via a deterministic design process -- that are developed and taking the graduate version complete additional assignments.
optimized using analytical techniques. Includes mandatory lab. Enrollment limited.
Instruction and practice in written and oral communication provided. A. Slocum
Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
Enrollment limited. 2.76 Global Engineering
A. H. Slocum, G. Hom, E. Roche, N. C. Hanumara Subject meets with 2.760
Prereq: 2.008 or permission of instructor
2.752 Development of Mechanical Products Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Subject meets with 2.753 Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall)
Prereq: 2.009, 2.750[J], or permission of instructor 3-0-9 units
U (Spring)
Not oered regularly; consult department Combines rigorous engineering theory and user-centered product
3-0-9 units design to create technologies for developing and emerging
markets. Covers machine design theory to parametrically analyze
Focuses on evolving a product from proof-of-concept to beta technologies; bottom-up/top-down design processes; engagement
prototype: Includes team building, project planning, budgeting, of stakeholders in the design process; socioeconomic factors that
resource planning; models for scaling, tolerancing and reliability, aect adoption of products; and developing/emerging market
patents, business planning. Students/teams start with a proof-of- dynamics and their eect on business and technology. Includes
concept product they bring to class or select from projects provided guest lectures from subject matter experts in relevant elds and case
by instructor. In lieu of taking 12 units of 2.THU, Course 2 majors studies on successful and failed technologies. Student teams apply
taking 2.752 may write a bachelor's thesis that documents their course material to term-long projects to create new technologies,
contributions to the product developed in the team project. Students developed in collaboration with industrial partners and other
taking the graduate version complete additional assignments. stakeholders in developing/emerging markets. Students taking
Enrollment limited; preference to Course 2 majors and minors. graduate version complete additional assignments.
A. Slocum A. Winter

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   51

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.760 Global Engineering 2.777 Large and Complex Systems Design and Concept
Subject meets with 2.76 Development
Prereq: 2.008 or permission of instructor Subject meets with 2.778
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered Prereq: 2.00B, 2.007, or permission of instructor
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall) U (Fall)
3-0-9 units 3-0-9 units

Combines rigorous engineering theory and user-centered product Examines structured principles and processes to develop concepts
design to create technologies for developing and emerging for large and complex systems. Term projects introduce students
markets. Covers machine design theory to parametrically analyze to large-scale system development with several areas of emphasis,
technologies; bottom-up/top-down design processes; engagement including idea generation, concept development and renement,
of stakeholders in the design process; socioeconomic factors that system-level thinking, brieng development and presentation,
aect adoption of products; and developing/emerging market and proposal generation. Interactive lectures and presentations
dynamics and their eect on business and technology. Includes guide students throughout the course to develop and deliver team
guest lectures from subject matter experts in relevant elds and case presentations focused on solving large and complex problems.
studies on successful and failed technologies. Student teams apply Includes a semester-long project in which students apply design
course material to term-long projects to create new technologies, tools/processes to solve a specic problem. Students taking
developed in collaboration with industrial partners and other graduate version complete the project individually.
stakeholders in developing/emerging markets. Students taking S. Kim
graduate version complete additional assignments.
A. Winter 2.778 Large and Complex Systems Design and Concept
Development
2.771[J] D-Lab: Supply Chains Subject meets with 2.777
Same subject as 15.772[J], EC.733[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor
Subject meets with 2.871 G (Fall)
Prereq: None 3-0-9 units
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Spring) Examines structured principles and processes to develop concepts
3-3-6 units for large and complex systems. Term projects introduce students
to large-scale system development with several areas of emphasis,
See description under subject 15.772[J]. including idea generation, concept development and renement,
S. C. Graves system-level thinking, brieng development and presentation, and
proposal generation. Interactive lectures and presentations guide
2.772[J] Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems students throughout the course to develop and deliver individual
Same subject as 20.110[J] and team presentations focused on solving large and complex
Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Calculus II (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics problems. Includes a semester-long project in which students apply
I (GIR)) or permission of instructor design tools/processes to solve a specic problem. Students taking
U (Fall) graduate version complete project individually. Limited enrollment.
5-0-7 units. REST S. G. Kim

See description under subject 20.110[J].

M. Birnbaum, C. Voigt Bioengineering

2.772[J] Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems

Same subject as 20.110[J]
Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Calculus II (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics
I (GIR)) or permission of instructor
U (Fall)
5-0-7 units. REST

See description under subject 20.110[J].

M. Birnbaum, C. Voigt

52   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.78[J] Principles and Practice of Assistive Technology 2.787[J] Tissue Engineering and Organ Regeneration
Same subject as 6.811[J], HST.420[J] Same subject as HST.535[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics I (GIR)) or
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered permission of instructor
Acad Year 2022-2023: U (Fall) G (Fall)
2-4-6 units 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.811[J]. Enrollment may be limited. See description under subject HST.535[J].
R. C. Miller, J. E. Greenberg, J. J. Leonard M. Spector, I. V. Yannas

2.782[J] Design of Medical Devices and Implants 2.788 Mechanical Engineering and Design of Living Systems
Same subject as HST.524[J] Prereq: None
Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics I (GIR)) or G (Fall)
permission of instructor 4-2-6 units
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units For students interested in research at the interface of mechanical
engineering, biology, and materials science. Specic emphasis lies
Solution of clinical problems by use of implants and other medical on interfacing living systems with engineered materials and devices,
devices. Systematic use of cell-matrix control volumes. The role of and on engineering living system behavior.
stress analysis in the design process. Anatomic t: shape and size M. Kolle, M. Guo
of implants. Selection of biomaterials. Instrumentation for surgical
implantation procedures. Preclinical testing for safety and ecacy: 2.789[J] D-Lab: Design for Scale
risk/benet ratio assessment. Evaluation of clinical performance: Same subject as EC.797[J]
design of clinical trials. Project materials drawn from orthopedic Subject meets with 2.729[J], EC.729[J]
devices, so tissue implants, articial organs, and dental implants. Prereq: None. Coreq: 2.008; or permission of instructor
I. V. Yannas, M. Spector G (Fall)
3-2-7 units
2.785[J] Cell-Matrix Mechanics
Same subject as HST.523[J] See description under subject EC.797[J].
Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and 2.001) or permission of M. Yang, H. Quintus-Bosz, S. Grama, K. Bergeron
instructor
G (Fall)
Not oered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units

Mechanical forces play a decisive role during development of tissues

and organs, during remodeling following injury as well as in normal
function. A stress eld influences cell function primarily through
deformation of the extracellular matrix to which cells are attached.
Deformed cells express dierent biosynthetic activity relative to
undeformed cells. The unit cell process paradigm combined with
topics in connective tissue mechanics form the basis for discussions
of several topics from cell biology, physiology, and medicine.
I. V. Yannas, M. Spector

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   53

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.79[J] Biomaterials: Tissue Interactions 2.793[J] Fields, Forces and Flows in Biological Systems
Same subject as HST.522[J] Same subject as 6.023[J], 20.330[J]
Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics I (GIR)) or Prereq: Biology (GIR), Physics II (GIR), and 18.03
permission of instructor U (Spring)
G (Fall) 4-0-8 units
3-0-9 units
See description under subject 20.330[J].
Principles of materials science and cell biology underlying J. Han, S. Manalis
the development and implementation of biomaterials for the
fabrication of medical devices/implants, including articial 2.794[J] Cellular Neurophysiology and Computing
organs and matrices for tissue engineering and regenerative Same subject as 6.521[J], 9.021[J], 20.470[J], HST.541[J]
medicine. Employs a conceptual model, the "unit cell process for Subject meets with 2.791[J], 6.021[J], 9.21[J], 20.370[J]
analysis of the mechanisms underlying wound healing and tissue Prereq: (Physics II (GIR), 18.03, and (2.005, 6.002, 6.003, 10.301, or
remodeling following implantation of biomaterials/devices in various 20.110[J])) or permission of instructor
organs, including matrix synthesis, degradation, and contraction. G (Spring)
Methodology of tissue and organ regeneration. Discusses methods 5-2-5 units
for biomaterials surface characterization and analysis of protein
adsorption on biomaterials. Design of implants and prostheses See description under subject 6.521[J].
based on control of biomaterials-tissue interactions. Comparative J. Han, T. Heldt
analysis of intact, biodegradable, and bioreplaceable implants by
reference to case studies. Criteria for restoration of physiological 2.795[J] Fields, Forces, and Flows in Biological Systems
function for tissues and organs. Same subject as 6.561[J], 10.539[J], 20.430[J]
I. V. Yannas, M. Spector Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
2.791[J] Cellular Neurophysiology and Computing 3-0-9 units
Same subject as 6.021[J], 9.21[J], 20.370[J] See description under subject 20.430[J].
Subject meets with 2.794[J], 6.521[J], 9.021[J], 20.470[J], HST.541[J] M. Bathe, A. J. Grodzinsky
Prereq: (Physics II (GIR), 18.03, and (2.005, 6.002, 6.003, 10.301, or
20.110[J])) or permission of instructor 2.796[J] Quantitative Physiology: Organ Transport Systems
U (Spring) Same subject as 6.522[J]
5-2-5 units Subject meets with 2.792[J], 6.022[J], HST.542[J]
See description under subject 6.021[J]. Preference to juniors and Prereq: 6.021[J] and (2.006 or 6.013)
seniors. G (Spring)
J. Han, T. Heldt 4-2-6 units

See description under subject 6.522[J].

2.792[J] Quantitative and Clinical Physiology T. Heldt, R. G. Mark
Same subject as 6.022[J], HST.542[J]
Subject meets with 2.796[J], 6.522[J] 2.797[J] Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Biomechanics
Prereq: Physics II (GIR), 18.03, or permission of instructor Same subject as 3.053[J], 6.024[J], 20.310[J]
U (Spring) Prereq: Biology (GIR), (2.370 or 20.110[J]), and (3.016B or 18.03)
4-2-6 units U (Spring)
See description under subject 6.022[J]. 4-0-8 units
T. Heldt, R. G. Mark Develops and applies scaling laws and the methods of continuum
mechanics to biomechanical phenomena over a range of length
scales. Topics include structure of tissues and the molecular
basis for macroscopic properties; chemical and electrical eects
on mechanical behavior; cell mechanics, motility and adhesion;
biomembranes; biomolecular mechanics and molecular motors.
Experimental methods for probing structures at the tissue, cellular,
and molecular levels.
M. Bathe, A. Grodzinsky

54   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.798[J] Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Biomechanics 2.812 Solving for Carbon Neutrality at MIT
Same subject as 3.971[J], 6.524[J], 10.537[J], 20.410[J] Subject meets with 2.832
Prereq: Biology (GIR) and (2.002, 2.006, 6.013, 10.301, or 10.302) Prereq: None
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered U (Spring)
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall, Spring) 3-3-6 units
3-0-9 units
Working in teams, students address the problem of reducing MIT's
Develops and applies scaling laws and the methods of continuum greenhouse gas emissions in a manner consistent with the climate
mechanics to biomechanical phenomena over a range of length goals of maintaining our planet in a suitable regime to support
scales. Topics include structure of tissues and the molecular human society and the environment. Solution scenarios include
basis for macroscopic properties; chemical and electrical eects short-, middle- and long-term strategies. Experts from MIT's faculty
on mechanical behavior; cell mechanics, motility and adhesion; and operations sta, as well as outside experts who address the
biomembranes; biomolecular mechanics and molecular motors. multidisciplinary features of the problem guide solutions. These
Experimental methods for probing structures at the tissue, cellular, include climate science, ethics, carbon accounting, cost estimating,
and molecular levels. MIT's energy supply, energy demand, and infrastructure, new
R. D. Kamm, K. J. Van Vliet technologies, nancial instruments, electricity markets, policy,
human behavior, and regulation.Develops skills to address carbon
2.799 The Cell as a Machine neutrality at other universities, and at other scales, including cities
Prereq: 5.07[J], 7.05, or 18.03 and nations. Students taking graduate version complete additional
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered assignments.
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) T. Gutowski, J. Newman
3-3-6 units
2.813 Energy, Materials, and Manufacturing
Examines a variety of essential cellular functions from the Subject meets with 2.83
perspective of the cell as a machine. Includes phenomena such Prereq: 2.008 or permission of instructor
as nuclear organization, protein synthesis, cell and membrane U (Spring)
mechanics, cell migration, cell cycle control, cell transformation. Not oered regularly; consult department
Lectures are provided by video twice per week; live 3-hour recitation 3-0-9 units
one evening per week. Course is taken simultaneously by students at
multiple universities; homework and take-home exams common to Introduction to the major dilemma that faces manufacturing and
all students. Preference to students in Courses 2 and 20. society for the 21st century: how to support economic development
R. Kamm, M. Sheetz, H. Yu while protecting the environment. Subject addresses industrial
ecology, materials flows, life-cycle analysis, thermodynamic analysis
and exergy accounting, manufacturing process performance,
Manufacturing
product design analysis, design for the environment, recycling and
2.810 Manufacturing Processes and Systems ecological economics. Combines lectures and group discussions of
Prereq: 2.001, 2.006, and 2.008 journal articles and selected literature, oen with opposing views.
G (Fall) Graduate students complete term-long project with report required
3-3-6 units for graduate credit.
T. G. Gutowski
Introduction to manufacturing processes and manufacturing
systems including assembly, machining, injection molding, casting, 2.821[J] Structural Materials
thermoforming, and more. Emphasis on the physics and randomness Same subject as 3.371[J]
and how they influence quality, rate, cost, and flexibility. Attention Prereq: Permission of instructor
to the relationship between the process and the system, and G (Fall, Spring, Summer; partial term)
the process and part design. Project (in small groups) requires 2-0-10 units
fabrication (and some design) of a product using several dierent Can be repeated for credit. Credit cannot also be received for 3.171
processes (as listed above). Enrollment may be limited due to
laboratory constraints; preference given to MechE students and See description under subject 3.371[J].
students who need to satisfy degree requirements. T. Eagar, A. Slocum
J. Hart, D. Wendell, W. Seering, J. Liu

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   55

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.83 Energy, Materials and Manufacturing 2.832 Solving for Carbon Neutrality at MIT
Subject meets with 2.813 Subject meets with 2.812
Prereq: 2.008 or permission of instructor Prereq: None
G (Spring) G (Spring)
Not oered regularly; consult department 3-3-6 units
3-0-9 units
Working in teams, students address the problem of reducing MIT's
Introduction to the major dilemma that faces manufacturing and greenhouse gas emissions in a manner consistent with the climate
society for the 21st century: how to support economic development goals of maintaining our planet in a suitable regime to support
while protecting the environment. Subject addresses industrial human society and the environment. Solution scenarios include
ecology, materials flows, life-cycle analysis, thermodynamic analysis short-, middle- and long-term strategies. Experts from MIT's faculty
and exergy accounting, manufacturing process performance, and operations sta, as well as outside experts who address the
product design analysis, design for the environment, recycling and multidisciplinary features of the problem guide solutions. These
ecological economics. Combines lectures and group discussions of include climate science, ethics, carbon accounting, cost estimating,
journal articles and selected literature, oen with opposing views. MIT's energy supply, energy demand, and infrastructure, new
Graduate students complete term-long project with report required technologies, nancial instruments, electricity markets, policy,
for graduate credit. human behavior, and regulation.Develops skills to address carbon
T. G. Gutowski neutrality at other universities, and at other scales, including cities
and nations. Students taking graduate version complete additional
2.830[J] Control of Manufacturing Processes assignments.
Same subject as 6.780[J] T. Gutowski, J. Newman
Prereq: 2.008, 6.041, or 6.152[J]
G (Fall) 2.851[J] System Optimization and Analysis for Operations
3-0-9 units Same subject as 15.066[J]
Prereq: Calculus II (GIR)
Statistical modeling and control in manufacturing processes. G (Summer)
Use of experimental design and response surface modeling to 4-0-8 units
understand manufacturing process physics. Defect and parametric
yield modeling and optimization. Forms of process control, including See description under subject 15.066[J]. Restricted to Leaders for
statistical process control, run by run and adaptive control, and real- Global Operations students.
time feedback control. Application contexts include semiconductor Sta
manufacturing, conventional metal and polymer processing, and
emerging micro-nano manufacturing processes. 2.853 Introduction to Manufacturing Systems
D. E. Hardt, D. S. Boning Subject meets with 2.854
Prereq: 2.008
U (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Provides ways to analyze manufacturing systems in terms of

material flow and storage, information flow, capacities, and times
and durations of events. Fundamental topics include probability,
inventory and queuing models, forecasting, optimization, process
analysis, and linear and dynamic systems. Factory planning and
scheduling topics include flow planning, bottleneck characterization,
buer and batch-size tactics, seasonal planning, and dynamic
behavior of production systems. Graduate students are required to
complete additional assignments with stronger analytical content.
S. B. Gershwin

56   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.854 Introduction to Manufacturing Systems 2.884[J] Process Data Analytics

Subject meets with 2.853 Same subject as 10.554[J]
Prereq: Undergraduate mathematics Subject meets with 2.874[J], 10.354[J]
G (Fall) Prereq: None
3-0-9 units G (Fall)
4-0-8 units
Provides ways to analyze manufacturing systems in terms of
material flow and storage, information flow, capacities, and times See description under subject 10.554[J].
and durations of events. Fundamental topics include probability, R. D. Braatz, B. Anthony
inventory and queuing models, forecasting, optimization, process
analysis, and linear and dynamic systems. Factory planning and 2.888 Professional Seminar in Global Manufacturing Innovation
scheduling topics include flow planning, bottleneck characterization, and Entrepreneurship
buer and batch-size tactics, seasonal planning, and dynamic Prereq: None
behavior of production systems. Graduate students are required to G (Spring)
complete additional assignments. 2-0-1 units
S. B. Gershwin
Covers a broad range of topics in modern manufacturing, from
2.871 D-Lab: Supply Chains models and structures for 21st-century operations, to case studies in
Subject meets with 2.771[J], 15.772[J], EC.733[J] leadership from the shop floor to the executive oce. Also includes
Prereq: None global perspectives from Asia, Europe and North America, with
G (Spring) guest speakers from all three regions. Explores opportunities for
3-3-6 units new ventures in manufacturing. Intended primarily for Master of
Engineering in Manufacturing students.
Introduces concepts of supply chain design and planning with a D. E. Hardt, S. B. Gershwin
focus on supply chains for products destined to improve quality
of life in developing countries. Topics include demand estimation, 2.890[J] Global Operations Leadership Seminar
process analysis and improvement, facility location and capacity Same subject as 10.792[J], 15.792[J], 16.985[J]
planning, inventory management, and supply chain coordination. Prereq: None
Also covers issues specic to emerging markets, such as sustainable G (Fall, Spring)
supply chains, choice of distribution channels, and how to account 2-0-0 units
for the value-adding role of a supply chain. Students conduct D-Lab- Can be repeated for credit.
based projects on supply chain design or improvement. Students
taking graduate version will complete additional assignments. See description under subject 15.792[J]. Preference to LGO students.
S. C. Graves T. Roemer

2.874[J] Process Data Analytics Engineering Management

Same subject as 10.354[J]
Subject meets with 2.884[J], 10.554[J] 2.351[J] Introduction to Making
Prereq: 18.03 or permission of instructor Same subject as 15.351[J]
U (Fall) Prereq: Permission of instructor
4-0-8 units G (Fall, Spring)
3-0-3 units
See description under subject 10.354[J].
R. D. Braatz, B. Anthony See description under subject 15.351[J]. Enrollment limited;
application required.
M. Cameron, A. Jay, J. Hunt

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   57

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.900 Ethics for Engineers 2.96 Management in Engineering

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject. Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject.
Oered under: 1.082, 2.900, 6.904, 10.01, 16.676, 22.014 Oered under: 2.96, 6.930, 10.806, 16.653
Subject meets with 6.9041, 20.005 Prereq: None
Prereq: None U (Fall)
U (Fall, Spring) 3-1-8 units
2-0-4 units
Introduction and overview of engineering management. Financial
See description under subject 10.01. principles, management of innovation, technical strategy and
D. A. Lauenberger, B. L. Trout best management practices. Case study method of instruction
emphasizes participation in class discussion. Focus is on the
2.907[J] Innovation Teams (New) development of individual skills and management tools. Restricted to
Same subject as 10.807[J], 15.371[J] juniors and seniors.
Prereq: None H. S. Marcus, J.-H. Chun
G (Fall)
4-4-4 units 2.961 Management in Engineering
Prereq: None
See description under subject 10.807[J]. G (Fall)
L. Perez-Breva, D. Hart 3-1-8 units

2.912[J] Venture Engineering Introduction and overview of engineering management. Financial

Same subject as 3.085[J], 15.373[J] principles, management of innovation, technical strategy and
Prereq: None best management practices. Case study method of instruction
U (Spring) emphasizes participation in class discussion. Focus is on the
3-0-9 units development of individual skills and management tools.
J.-H. Chun, H. S. Marcus
Provides an integrated approach to the development and growth of
new innovative ventures. Intended for students who seek to leverage
their engineering and science background through innovation- Advanced Topics and Special Subjects
driven entrepreneurship. Emphasizes the concept that innovation-
driven entrepreneurs must make a set of interdependent choices 2.98 Sports Technology: Engineering & Innovation
under conditions of high uncertainty, and demonstrates that venture Subject meets with 2.980
engineering involves reducing uncertainty through a structured Prereq: None
process of experimental learning and staged commitments. Provides G (Fall, Spring)
deep understanding of the core technical, customer, and strategic 2-2-2 units
choices and challenges facing start-up innovators, and a synthetic Examines the future of sports technology across technical
framework for the development and implementation of ventures in disciplines, including mechanical design, biomechanics, quantied
dynamic environments. self, sports analytics, and business strategies. Includes visits by
S. Stern, E. Fitzgerald leaders in the eld to discuss various industries, career pathways,
and opportunities for innovation in the eld. Projects explore and
2.916[J] Money for Startups potentially kicko larger research and/or entrepreneurial initiatives.
Same subject as 10.407[J] A. Hosoi, C. Chase
Prereq: None
G (Spring; second half of term)
2-0-4 units

See description under subject 10.407[J].

S. Loessberg, D. P. Hart

58   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.980 Sports Technology: Engineering & Innovation 2.989 Experiential Learning in Mechanical Engineering
Subject meets with 2.98 Prereq: Permission of instructor
Prereq: None G (Summer)
U (Fall, Spring) Units arranged
2-2-8 units
Provides students the opportunity to learn and gain professional
Examines the future of sports technology across technical experience by participating in industrial projects related to
disciplines, including mechanical design, biomechanics, quantied Mechanical Engineering. Minimum project length is 10 weeks.
self, sports analytics, and business strategies. Includes visits by Requires a written report upon completion. Before enrolling,
leaders in the eld to discuss various industries, career pathways, students must contact MechE Graduate Oce for procedures and
and opportunities for innovation in the eld. Projects explore and restrictions; they must also have a rm internship oer and an
potentially kicko larger research and/or entrepreneurial initiatives. identied MechE faculty member who will act as supervisor. Limited
A. Hosoi, C. Chase to Mechanical Engineering graduate students.
N. Hadjiconstantinou
2.981 New England Coastal Ecology
Prereq: None 2.990 Practical Experience
U (IAP) Prereq: None
2-0-1 units U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
0-1-0 units
Provides exposure to marine communities found along the coast Can be repeated for credit.
of New England and how they t into global patterns. Focuses on
the ecology of salt marshes and rocky shores, and the biology of For Mechanical Engineering undergraduates participating
plants and animals that live in these complex habitats. Prepares in curriculum-related o-campus experiences in mechanical
students to recognize common inhabitants of these two communities engineering. Before enrolling, students must have an employment
and develops understanding of the major environmental factors oer from a company or organization and must nd a Mech E
aecting them, the types of ecological services they provide, and supervisor. Upon completion of the coursework the student
likely impacts of current and future climate change. Includes visits to must submit a detailed design notebook, approved by the MIT
eld and research centers. Limited to 20. supervisor. Subject to departmental approval. Consult Department
Consult C. Bastidas Undergraduate Oce for details on procedures and restrictions.
Consult R. Karnik
2.982 Ecology and Sustainability of Coastal Ecosystems
Prereq: None 2.991 Introduction to Graduate Study in Mechanical Engineering
U (Fall) Prereq: None
Not oered regularly; consult department G (Fall)
3-2-4 units 1-2-0 units

Prepares students to recognize coastal ecosystems, their major Familiarizes students with the requirements for their desired degree
environmental and biological drivers, and common impacts that and the resources, both at MIT and beyond, to help them reach
human population growth and climate change have on them.  their educational and professional goals. Series of interactive
Students engage in a semester-long project to address and seek lectures and seminars guides students through various aspects
solutions to current challenges in sustainability of human activities of life critical to navigating graduate school successfully. Topics
on the coast, and to promote resilience of natural communities and include course requirements, PhD qualifying examinations, advisor/
ecosystem services. advisee relationships, funding and fellowships, mental health and
J. Simpson, C. Bastidas wellbeing, housing options in the Boston area, and career options
aer graduation. Limited to rst-year graduate students.
C. Buie

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   59

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.992 Professional Industry Immersion Project 2.995 Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: Permission of instructor Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Summer) G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
Provides students a unique opportunity to participate in industry-
based projects. Students gain professional industry experience in Assigned reading and problems or research in distinct areas, either
mechanical engineering projects that complement their academic theoretical or experimental, or design. Arranged on individual basis
experiences. Each project has a company supervisor, a specic with instructor in the following areas: mechanics and materials,
advisor, and a course instructor. Course sta help students connect thermal and fluid sciences, systems and design, biomedical
with specic companies and collaboratively design a project of engineering, and ocean engineering. Can be repeated for credit only
mutual interest and benet. Requires a written report and project for completely dierent subject matter.
presentation upon completion of a minimum of 10 weeks of o- Consult R. Abeyaratne
campus activities. Limited to Mechanical Engineering graduate
students. 2.996 Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
B. Anthony Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
2.993 Independent Study Units arranged
Prereq: None Can be repeated for credit.
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged Assigned reading and problems or research in distinct areas, either
Can be repeated for credit. theoretical or experimental, or design. Arranged on individual basis
with instructor in the following areas: mechanics and materials,
Designed for undergraduates wanting to continue substantial thermal and fluid sciences, systems and design, biomedical
projects of own choice, under faculty supervision, in mechanical engineering, and ocean engineering. Can be repeated for credit only
engineering. Work may be of experimental, theoretical, or design for completely dierent subject matter.
nature. Projects may be arranged individually in most elds of Consult R. Abeyaratne
department interest, i.e., in mechanics, design and manufacturing,
controls and robotics, thermal science and energy engineering, 2.997 Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
bioengineering, ocean engineering and nanotechnology. 2.993 is Prereq: Permission of instructor
letter-graded; 2.994 is P/D/F. G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Consult R. Karnik Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
2.994 Independent Study
Prereq: None Assigned reading and problems or research in distinct areas, either
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) theoretical or experimental, or design. Arranged on individual basis
Units arranged [P/D/F] with instructor in the following areas: mechanics and materials,
Can be repeated for credit. thermal and fluid sciences, systems and design, biomedical
engineering, and ocean engineering. Can be repeated for credit only
Designed for undergraduates wanting to continue substantial for completely dierent subject matter.
projects of own choice, under faculty supervision, in mechanical Consult R. Abeyaratne
engineering. Work may be of experimental, theoretical, or design
nature. Projects may be arranged individually in most elds of
department interest, i.e., in mechanics, design and manufacturing,
controls and robotics, thermal science and energy engineering,
bioengineering, ocean engineering and nanotechnology. 2.993 is
letter-graded; 2.994 is P/D/F.
Consult R. Karnik

60   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.998 Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering 2.S670 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
Prereq: Permission of instructor Engineering
G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Prereq: None
Units arranged U (Spring)
Can be repeated for credit. Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
Assigned reading and problems or research in distinct areas, either
theoretical or experimental, or design. Arranged on individual basis Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
with instructor in the following areas: mechanics and materials, oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
thermal and fluid sciences, systems and design, biomedical only for completely dierent subject matter.
engineering, and ocean engineering. Can be repeated for credit only Sta
for completely dierent subject matter.
Consult R. Abeyaratne 2.S679 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
Engineering
2.S007 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering Prereq: None
Prereq: None U (Spring)
U (Spring) Units arranged
Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter. only for completely dierent subject matter.
Sta Sta

2.S009 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering 2.S790-2.S792 Graduate Special Subject in Bioengineering
Prereq: None Prereq: Permission of instructor
U (Fall) G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Not oered regularly; consult department Not oered regularly; consult department
Units arranged Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit Advanced lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of
only for completely dierent subject matter. material in the broadly-dened eld of bioengineering not oered
D. Wallace in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for
completely dierent subject matter.
2.S19 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering Consult R. Kamm
Prereq: None
U (Fall) 2.S793 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Units arranged Prereq: None
G (Spring)
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not Not oered regularly; consult department
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit Units arranged
only for completely dierent subject matter.
B. Aulet, A. Hosoi, M. Jester, S. Johnson, C. Lawson Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
2.S372 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering (New) only for completely dierent subject matter.
Prereq: None Sta
G (Fall)
Units arranged

Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not oered

in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for
completely dierent subject matter.
S. Lloyd

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   61

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.S794 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering 2.S97 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: None Prereq: None
G (Spring) U (Fall)
Not oered regularly; consult department Not oered regularly; consult department
Units arranged Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
only for completely dierent subject matter. oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
Sta only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S972-2.S974 are
graded P/D/F.
2.S795 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering Consult R. Karnik
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall) 2.S971 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
Not oered regularly; consult department Engineering
Units arranged Prereq: None
Can be repeated for credit. U (Spring)
Not oered regularly; consult department
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not Units arranged
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit Can be repeated for credit.
only for completely dierent subject matter.
P. Purohit Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
2.S796 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S972-2.S974 are
Prereq: None graded P/D/F.
G (Fall) Consult R. Karnik
Not oered regularly; consult department
Units arranged [P/D/F] 2.S972 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
Can be repeated for credit. Engineering
Prereq: None
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not U (Fall)
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit Units arranged [P/D/F]
only for completely dierent subject matter. Can be repeated for credit.
Sta
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
2.S885 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
Prereq: None only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S972-2.S974 are
U (Fall) graded P/D/F.
Units arranged Consult R. Karnik

Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not oered 2.S973 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for Engineering
completely dierent subject matter. Prereq: None
T. Gutowski U (Spring)
Not oered regularly; consult department
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not

oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S972-2.S974 are
graded P/D/F.
Consult R. Karnik

62   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.S974 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical 2.S979 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Prereq: None
Prereq: None G (Fall)
U (Spring) Not oered regularly; consult department
Units arranged Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.
Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not oered
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit completely dierent subject matter.
only for completely dierent subject matter. L. Perez-Breva, D. Hart
Consult R. Karnik
2.S980 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
2.S975 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical Prereq: Permission of instructor
Engineering G (IAP)
Prereq: None Not oered regularly; consult department
U (IAP) Units arranged [P/D/F]
Not oered regularly; consult department Can be repeated for credit.
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit. Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit graded P/D/F.
only for completely dierent subject matter. See sta for scheduling R. Abeyaratne
information. Limited to 16.
Consult T. Consi 2.S981 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: Permission of instructor
2.S976 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering G (Spring)
Prereq: None Units arranged
U (Spring) Can be repeated for credit.
Not oered regularly; consult department
Units arranged Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
Can be repeated for credit. oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not graded P/D/F.
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit Consult R. Abeyaratne
only for completely dierent subject matter.
A. Patera 2.S982 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: Permission of instructor
2.S977 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering G (Spring)
Prereq: None Units arranged
U (IAP) Can be repeated for credit.
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Advanced lecture, seminar or laboratory consisting of material not
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are
only for completely dierent subject matter. graded P/D/F.
Sta Consult R. Abeyaratne

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   63

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.S983 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering 2.S988 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: Permission of instructor Prereq: None
G (Fall) G (Spring)
Units arranged Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit. Can be repeated for credit.

Advanced lecture, seminar or laboratory consisting of material not Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are only for completely dierent subject matter.
graded P/D/F. G. Traverso
A. Hosoi, C. Chase
2.S989 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
2.S984 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering Engineering
Prereq: None Prereq: None
G (Fall) U (IAP)
Units arranged Not oered regularly; consult department
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not Can be repeated for credit.
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter. Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
K. Varanasi oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter.
2.S985 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering D. Frey, A. Talebinejad
Prereq: None
G (Fall) 2.S990 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Units arranged Prereq: None
G (Spring)
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not Units arranged
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit Can be repeated for credit.
only for completely dierent subject matter.
T. Gutowski Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
2.S986 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering only for completely dierent subject matter. Enrollment limited.
Prereq: None Sta
Acad Year 2021-2022: Not oered
Acad Year 2022-2023: G (Fall) 2.S991 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
Units arranged Engineering
Prereq: None
Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not oered U (Spring)
in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for Units arranged
completely dierent subject matter.
T. Buonassisi Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
2.S987 Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering only for completely dierent subject matter.
Prereq: None Consult Sta
G (Spring)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not

oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter.
S. Boriskina

64   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.S992 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering 2.S996 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: None Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall) G (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit. Can be repeated for credit.

Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
only for completely dierent subject matter. only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are
A. Gopinath graded P/D/F.
Consult R. Abeyaratne
2.S993 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical
Engineering 2.S997 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: None Prereq: Permission of instructor
Acad Year 2021-2022: U (Fall) G (Fall)
Acad Year 2022-2023: Not oered Units arranged
Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.
Can be repeated for credit.
Advanced lecture, seminar or laboratory consisting of material not
Lecture, seminar or laboratory course consisting of material not oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are
only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S972-2.S974, 2.S992 graded P/D/F.
are graded P/D/F. Consult R. Abeyaratne
R. Karnik
2.S998 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
2.S994 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical Prereq: Permission of instructor
Engineering G (Fall)
Prereq: None Units arranged
U (Spring) Can be repeated for credit.
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit. Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not oered only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are
in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for graded P/D/F.
completely dierent subject matter. 2.S972-2.S974 and 2.S992 are Consult R. Abeyaratne, J. Hart
graded P/D/F.
Consult R. Karnik 2.S999 Graduate Special Subject in Mechanical Engineering
Prereq: Permission of instructor
2.S995 Undergraduate Special Subject in Mechanical G (Fall, Spring)
Engineering Not oered regularly; consult department
Prereq: None Units arranged
U (Fall) Can be repeated for credit.
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit. Advanced lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not
oered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit
Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not oered only for completely dierent subject matter. 2.S980 and 2.S996 are
in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for graded P/D/F.
completely dierent subject matter. 2.S972-2.S974 and 2.S992 are Consult R. Abeyaratne, T. Gutowski
graded P/D/F.
Consult R. Karnik

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   65

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Thesis, Research and Practice 2.EPE UPOP Engineering Practice Experience

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject.
2.978 Instruction in Teaching Engineering Oered under: 1.EPE, 2.EPE, 3.EPE, 6.EPE, 8.EPE, 10.EPE, 15.EPE,
Subject meets with 1.95[J], 5.95[J], 7.59[J], 8.395[J], 18.094[J] 16.EPE, 20.EPE, 22.EPE
Prereq: Permission of instructor Prereq: 2.EPW or permission of instructor
G (Fall) U (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged [P/D/F] 0-0-1 units

Participatory seminar focuses on the knowledge and skills Provides sophomores with guided practice in nding opportunities
necessary for teaching engineering in higher education. Topics and excelling in the world of practice. Building on the skills and
include research on learning; course development; promoting relationships acquired in the Engineering Practice Workshop,
active learning, problemsolving, and critical thinking in students; students receive coaching to articulate goals, invoke the
communicating with a diverse student body; using educational UPOP network of mentors and employers, identify and pursue
technology to further learning; lecturing; creating eective tests and opportunities and negotiate terms of their summer assignment.
assignments; and assessment and evaluation. Field-work teaching Students complete a 10-12 week internship, which includes ling
various subjects in the Mechanical Engineering department will three progress reports, conducting one informational interview,
complement classroom discussions. and possibly hosting a site visit by MIT sta. Returning to campus
J. Rankin as juniors, UPOP students take part in reflective exercises that aid
assimilation of learning objectives and reinforce the cognitive link
2.979 Undergraduate Teaching between all aspects of the UPOP experience and disciplinary elds of
Prereq: None study. Sequence begins in the spring of sophomore year and ends in
U (Fall, IAP, Spring) the fall of junior year.
Units arranged [P/D/F] Sta
Can be repeated for credit.
2.EPW UPOP Engineering Practice Workshop
For students participating in departmentally approved Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject.
undergraduate teaching programs. Students assist faculty in the Oered under: 1.EPW, 2.EPW, 3.EPW, 6.EPW, 10.EPW, 16.EPW,
design and execution of the curriculum and actively participate in 20.EPW, 22.EPW
the instruction and monitoring of the class participants. Students Prereq: None
prepare subject materials, lead discussion groups, and review U (Fall, IAP)
progress. Credit is arranged on a subject-by-subject basis and is 1-0-0 units
reviewed by the department.
A. E. Hosoi Develops foundational skills for the world of practice in science,
technology, and engineering. Sophomores receive classroom
2.999 Engineer's Degree Thesis Proposal Preparation instruction, and one-on-one and small-group coaching in basics
Prereq: Permission of instructor of professional identity building. They attend eld trips to local
G (Fall, Spring, Summer) employers and receive job interview practice, coached by industry
Units arranged volunteers. Over IAP, students attend a weeklong Team Training
Can be repeated for credit. Camp of experiential learning modules - led by MIT faculty
with the help of MIT alums and other senior professionals in
For students who must do additional work to convert an SM thesis business, engineering, and science where students participate in
to a Mechanical Engineer's (ME) or Naval Engineer's (NE) thesis, or creative simulations, team problem-solving challenges, and oral
for students who write an ME/NE thesis aer having received an SM presentations, and practice networking with employers. Enrollment
degree. limited.
R. Abeyaratne, M. S. Triantafyllou Sta

66   |   Department of Mechanical Engineering

 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2.THG Graduate Thesis

Prereq: Permission of advisor
G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Program of research leading to the writing of an SM, PhD, or ScD

thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty
member.
Consult R. Abeyaratne

2.THU Undergraduate Thesis

Prereq: None
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Individual self-motivated study, research, or design project under

faculty supervision. Departmental program requirement: minimum of
6 units. Instruction and practice in written communication provided.
Consult R. Karnik

2.UR Undergraduate Research in Mechanical Engineering

Prereq: None
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

Individual study, research, or laboratory investigations under

faculty supervision, including individual participation in an ongoing
research project. See projects listing in Undergraduate Oce, 1-110,
for guidance.
Consult D. Rowell

2.URG Undergraduate Research in Mechanical Engineering

Prereq: None
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Individual study, research, or laboratory investigations under

faculty supervision, including individual participation in an ongoing
research project. See projects listing in Undergraduate Oce, 1-110,
for guidance.
Consult N. Fang, K. Kamrin

Department of Mechanical Engineering   |   67