92 courses with the subject MEAM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
MEAM 0099Independent Study
An opportunity for the student to become closely associated with a professor in (1) a research effort to develop research skills and technique and/or (2) to develop a program of independent in-depth study in a subject area in which the professor and student have a common interest. The challenge of the task undertaken must be consistent with the student's academic level. To register for this course, the student and professor jointly submit a detailed proposal. Subject to the approval of the MEAM Undergraduate Curriculum Chair.
This hands-on, project-based course covers the fundamentals of the modern mechanical design process, from needfinding and brainstorming to the basics of computerized manufacturing and rapid prototyping. Topics include: product definition (needfinding, observation, sketching, and brainstorming); computer-aided design (part creation, assemblies, and animation using SolidWorks); fundamental engineering design practices (material selection, dimensioning, tolerances, etc.); basic computer simulation and analysis; and rapid prototyping (laser cutter, 3- D fused-deposition modeling, and an introduction to computer-controlled machining).
& MEAM 1470 and Introduction to Mechanics Lab or PHYS 0150 Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion or PHYS 0170 Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion Select from the following list: 1
This half-credit laboratory class is a companion to the Introduction to Mechanics lecture course (MEAM 110). It investigates the concepts of Newtonian (classical) mechanics through weekly hands-on experiments, emphasizing connections between theoretical principles and practical applications in engineering. In addition to furthering their understanding about the workings of the physical world, students will improve their skills at conducting experiments, obtaining reliable data, presenting numerical results, and extracting meaningful information from such numbers.
Building upon the fundamentals of mechanical design taught in MEAM 101, this hands-on, project-based course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, analyze, manufacture. and test fully-functional mechanical systems. Topics covered include an introduction to machine elements, analysis of the mechanics of machining, manufacturing technology, precision fabrication (milling, turning, and computer-controlled machining), metrology, tolerances, cutting-tool fundamentals and engineering materials. Enrollment is limited.
Thermodynamics studies the fundamental concepts related to energy conversion in such mechanical systems as internal and external combustion engines (including automobile and aircraft engines), compressors, pumps, refrigerators, and turbines. This course is intended for students in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, physics and other fields. The topics include properties of pure substances, firs-law analysis of closed systems and control volumes, reversibility and irreversibility, entropy, second-law analysis, exergy, power and refrigeration cycles, and their engineering applications.
This course is primarily intended for students in mechanical engineering, but may also be of interest to students in materials science and other fields. It continues the treatment of statics of rigid bodies begun in MEAM 1100/PHYS 0150 and progresses to the treatment of deformable bodies and their response to loads. The concepts of stress, strain, and linearly elastic response are introduced and applied to the behavior of rods, shafts, beams and other mechanical components. The failure and design of mechanical components are discussed. Students should have either taken MATH 2400 in a previous semester or be taking it concurrently with this course.
MEAM 2200Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering
The course is an introduction to the most important concepts in materials science and engineering. You will learn how the control of chemical bonding, synthesis, processing, structure and defects can be used to tailor the properties and performance of materials for applications that range from sustainable sources of energy, to construction, to consumer electronics. Case studies are also included to highlight environmental issues associated with materials degradation. This course includes lab demonstrations of key materials properties and a final project where students research an area of materials technology of their own interest.
Humans modify and control our environment, but are also subject to the whims of geologic forces. Earthquakes, landslides, floods and dust storms are natural hazards that, while unpredictable, may be understood from basic mechanical principles; and this understanding may be used to better prepare and adapt to a changing world. Human-induced climate change is triggering not only warming, but also "global weirding" as the climate system becomes increasingly unstable and unpredictable. This course will lead with applications related to the environment and climate change, and use simple scaling and dimensional analysis to develop physical intuition. Students will be introduced to topics such as mechanics (e.g., failure) and flow of soil and rock, river erosion, and transport and dispersion of contaminants in water and air, as well as basic phenomena of weather and climate. I will present an integrated approach to understanding these problems by applying elementary concepts of thermo-fluids and mechanics. Gravity currents make up the vast proportion of environmental flows; I will emphasize common principles, such as buoyancy and mixing. The primary objective for this course is that students discover how to apply basic engineering insight to non-engineered (i.e., natural), unconstrained systems. A secondary objective is to entice mechanical engineers to become interested in the environment. Spring, even numbered years only 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26
This interdisciplinary course combines bicycle design, engineering, and service learning to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, evolution, and impact of bicycles on society and the environment. Through hands-on projects, community engagement, and class discussions, students will develop bicycle design and engineering skills, gain practical experience and exposure to bicycle repair and maintenance, explore the impact of bicycles and related technologies on society and the environment, and understand the role of bicycles in sustainable urban mobility and planning.
This is the first of a two semester sophomore level laboratory sequence that students complete over the fall and spring semesters. The course teaches the principles of experimentation and measurement as well as analysis and application to design. This fall semester course follows closely with MEAM 2020 and MEAM 2100, involving experiments to explore the principles of statics and strength of materials and thermo- fluids and energy. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing in engineering
This is the second of a two-semester sophomore level laboratory sequence that students complete over the fall and spring semesters. The course teaches the principles of experimentation and measurement as well as analysis and application to design. The spring semester course follows closely with MEAM 2030 and MEAM 2110, expanding upon the principles of experimentation, measurement, analysis, and design of systems through hands-on laboratories and projects in thermodynamics and dynamics. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing in engineering
Physical properties; fluid statics; Bernoulli equation; fluid kinematics; conservation laws and finite control-volume analysis; conservation laws and differential analysis; inviscid flow; The Navier-Stokes equation and some exact solutions; similitude, dimensional analysis, and modeling; flow in pipes and channels; boundary layer theory; lift and drag.
This is the first of a two-semester junior level laboratory sequence that students complete over the fall and spring semesters. The course is project-based, with problems whose solution requires experimental data and quantitative analysis, as well as creative mechanical design. The technical content is connected to MEAM 3020, MEAM 3200, and MEAM 3540, including aerodynamics, applied fluid systems, and structural analysis. The course also includes electromechanical systems and applications of finite element analysis. Prerequisite: Junior standing in engineering
This is the second of a two-semester junior level laboratory sequence that students complete over the fall and spring semesters. The course is project-based, with open-ended design problems that challenge students to develop original experiments and choose appropriate analyses, with an increasing emphasis on teamwork and project planning. The technical content is connected to MEAM 321 and MEAM 333, including multimodal transient heat transfer and dynamic systems modeling. Prerequisite: Junior standing in engineering
MEAM 4050Mechanical Properties of Macro/Nanoscale Materials
This course will discuss the mechanical properties of a wide range of materials from both macroscopic and microscopic viewpoints. Beginning with a review of elasticity and tensors, the course will describe the deformation, fracture and fatigue behavior of metals, ceramics and polymers. Dislocation theory, strengthening mechanisms and rate- dependent deformation will also be discussed. The following topics will be discussed: 1. Introduction and review of linear elasticity and tensors. Stress and strain tensors, transformations, principal stresses, invariants. Mechanical testing methods at the macro and micro scale. 2. Crystal symmetry and its effect on second and fourth rank tensors. Linear thermal expansion and thermal stresses. Anisotropic linear elasticity. Anisotropic elastic moduli of crystals. 3. Plasticity and yield in continuum elasticity. Notion of yield surfaces. 4. Elements of dislocation theory. Stress and strain fields of dislocations, forces and interactions. 5. Slip and twinning in crystalline solids. 6. Strengthening and deformation properties of crystalline materials. 7. Rate-dependent and high temperature deformation of materials. 8. Fracture of materials.
MEAM 4110How to Make Things: Production Prototyping Studio
The course centers around a sequence of three projects that each culminate in the design and fabrication of functional objects. A 2D Design, 3D Design, and final "Micro-Manufacturing" project will introduce students to a wide variety of design, engineering, and fabrication skills made possible by the new Studios @ Tangen Hall. The micro- manufacturing final project will task interdisciplinary student teams to create a "micro-business" where they will design and utilize 3D printed molding and casting techniques to create a small-scale run of functional products. These products will then be showcased in an end of semester exposition, where the teams will merchandise and market their products to the Penn community. This exposition will also be a wonderful inaugural use of the student and alumni retail space on the 1st floor of Tangen Hall and serve as a great university-wide event to show case the work of SEAS students. Requires proficiency in solid modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Maya, Rhino), practice with design process, and hands-on fabrication experience. Also Offered As: OIDD 4110 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26
This course introduces the hardware, software and control technology used in autonomous ground vehicles, commonly called "self-driving cars." The weekly laboratory sessions focus on development of a small- scale autonomous car, incrementally enhancing the sensors, software, and control algorithms to culminate in a demonstration in a realistic outdoor operating environment. Students will learn basic physics and modeling; controls design and analysis in Matlab and Simulink; software implementation in C and Python; sensor systems and filtering methods for IMUs, GPS, and computer vision systems; and path planning from fixed map data. Prerequisite: If course requirement not met, permission of instructor required.
This capstone design project course is required of all mechanical engineering students. Student teams will design and test complex mechanical systems that address a societal or consumer need. Projects are devised by the team, sponsored by industry, or formulated by Penn professors. Each project is approved by the instructor and a faculty advisor. Topics treated in the course include project planning, prototyping, patent and library searches, intellectual property, ethics, an technical writing and presentations. The work is spread over MEAM 4450 and MEAM 4460. Prerequisite: Junior standing
MEAM 5030Direct Energy Conversion: from Macro to Nano
The course focuses on devices that convert thermal, solar, or chemical energy directly to electricity, i.e., without intermediate mechanical machinery such as a turbine or a reciprocating piston engine. A variety of converters with sizes ranging from macro to nano scale will be discussed, with the advantages offered by nanoscale components specifically highlighted. Topics will include thermoelectric energy converters and radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), thermionic energy converters (TEC), photovoltaic (PV) and thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells, as well as piezoelectric harvesters. Additional topics may include magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators, alkali metal thermal-to-electric converters (AMTEC), and fuel cells.
The course will compreshensively cover both theoretical and practical tribology, the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion. The various modes of lubrication, hydrodynamic, elastohydrodynamic, hydrostatic, mixed, solid and dry, will be studied in detail. The contact between solid surfaces will be covered, leading to an understanding of friction and various modes of wear. At each stage, it will be shown how the tribological principles learned can be applied in practice to improve the efficiency and durability of mechanical equipment and thereby enhance sustainability through energy and materials conservation. Prerequisite: Senior standing in Mechanical Engineering or Material Science or permission of the instructorFall1 Course Unit
MEAM 5050Mechanical Properties of Macro/Nanoscale Materials
The application of continuum and microstructural concepts to elasticity and plasticity and the mechanisms of plastic flow and fracture in metals, polymers and ceramics. Topics covered include elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, crystal defects, strengthening, crystallographic effects, twinning, creep and fatigue. Emphasis will be on mathematical and physical understanding rather than problem solving.
MEAM 5060Failure Analysis of Engineering Materials
This course will introduce students to the broad field of failure through hands-on real-life examples of specific failures. All engineering materials classes will be considered, including metals, polymers, elastomers, ceramics, and glasses. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how to actually analyze a failed component and understand the cause of failure. Several classes will be conducted by outside experts from places like the NTSB, FBI and OSHA.
This course will provide a graduate level introduction to the science and engineering of materials. It is designed specifically to meet the needs of students who will be doing research that involves materials but who do not have an extensive background in the field. The focus is on fundamental aspects of materials science and will emphasize phenomena and how to describe them. The course assumes an undergraduate background in any area of physical/chemical science and undergraduate mathematics appropriate to this. The course will also be accessible to students of applied mathematics.
MEAM 5080Materials and Manufacturing for Mechanical Design
The selection of materials and manufacturing processes are critical in the design of mechanical systems. Material properties and manufacturing processes are often tightly linked, thus this course covers both topics in an integrated manner. The properties and manufacturing processes for a wide range of materials (i.e., metals, ceramics, polymers, composites ) are examined from both a fundamental and practical perspective. From a materials standpoint, the course focuses on mechanical properties, including modulus, strength, fracture, fatigue, wear, and creep. Established and emerging manufacturing processes will be discussed. Design-based case studies are used to illustrate the selection of materials and processes.
Basic methods for analysis and design of feedback control in systems. Applications to practical systems. Methods presented include time response analysis, frequency response analysis, root locus, Nyquist and Bode plots, and the state-space approach.
This course combines performance art and advanced mechatronics concepts that include the design and implementation of large-scale actuation, advanced sensing, actuation and control. This course pairs design school and engineering students to form interdisciplinary teams that together design and build electro-mechanical reactive spaces and scenic/architectural elements in the context of the performing arts. The two disciplinary groups will be treated separately and receive credit for different courses (ARCH746 will be taught concurrently and in some cases co-located) as they will be learning different things. Engineering students gain design sensibilities and advanced mechatronics in the form of networked embedded processing and protocols for large scale actuation and sensing. Design students learn elementary mechatronics and design reactive architectures and work with engineering students to build them. The class will culminate in a some artistic performance (typically with professional artists) such as a Shakespeare play, robotic ballet, a mechatronic opera. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: IPD 5160 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26
Total Course Units 4 Biomedical Imaging and Radiation Physics Physics of medical and biological imaging modalities, the use and effects of radiation in imaging and therapy, methodologies for image acquisition and processing, development of computer-based imaging theory and analysis methods, and the development and use of contrast media and molecular imaging agents. Code Title Course
In this course, we present approaches for designing controllers for a varied class of robotic systems. We focus on mathematical concepts of linear and nonlinear control theory and how the theory translates to practical robotic applications with emphasis on manipulators, ground, and aerial robots. Topics include inverse kinematics based controllers, trajectory following controllers, non-holonomic robot controllers, artificial potential functions, and model predictive control. Coursework consists of problem sets, programming assignments, critical reading of research papers, and a final project. Prerequisite: If course requirement not met, permission of instructor required. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
The objective of this course is to equip students with the necessary background needed to carry out finite elements-based simulations of various engineering and science problems using finite elements packages. The first part of the course will outline the theory of finite element methods. The objective is to acquaint the students with the theory rather than to equip them with the programming skills needed to write multi-dimensional finite elements codes. The second part of the course will address the solution of the classical equations of mathematical physics such as the Laplace, Poisson, Helmholtz, wave, and heat equations. The general properties of the solutions will be described, and potential pitfalls will be addressed. This part of the course will also address issues such as code verification and convergence. The students will gain hands-on experience working with COMSOL Multiphysics (finite element analysis, solver and simulation software / FEA software package for various physics and engineering applications). This part of the course will also address relevant topics of numerical analysis such as the solution of initial value problems and their precision, the solution of algebraic equations, and the calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The third part of the course will consist of case studies taken from various areas of engineering and sciences. Presentation of each case study will start with a description of the pertinent physical and engineering background and how finite elements are being used to solve the problem. The case studies will also address the verification issue (how do we know that the solution is right) and the analysis and post- processing of the computed data. Prerequisites: Calculus, introductory level fluid & solid mechanics and heat transfer
This course serves as a basic introduction to the Mechanics of continuous media, and it will prepare the student for more advanced courses in solid and fluid mechanics. The topics to be covered include: Tensor algebra and calculus, Lagrangian and Eulerian kinematics, Cauchy and Piola-Kirchhoff stresses, General principles: conservation of mass, conservation of linear and angular momentum, energy and the first law of thermodynamics, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics; constitutive theory, ideal fluids, Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, finite elasticity, linear elasticity, materials with microstructure Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Partial Differential Equations.
Three-Dimensional Geometry: Introduction to Reference Frames, Geometry of Rotations of Reference Frames and of Vectors, Euler Angle, Axis-Angle Representations, Properties of Rotation Matrices. Kinematics: Kinematics of Rigid-Body Motion, Rotations, Angular Velocity and Acceleration, Linear Velocity and Acceleration, Applications to Planar Linkage Analysis. Constraints: Configuration Space, Holonomic and Non-holonomic Constraints, Degrees of Freedom, Tests for Holonomic versus Non-holonomic Constraints, Generalized Coordinates, Generalized Speeds, Partial Speeds, Partial Velocities, Principle of Virtual Work for Holonomic and Non-holonomic systems. Constraint Forces: Virtual Work, D'Alembert Equations, Lagrange's Equations for Non-holonomic systems. Distribution of Mass: Center-of-Mass, Vector and Scalar Moments of Inertia. Vector Spaces: Operators, Dyads, Dyadic, Moment-of-Inertia Tensor, Rigid Bodies. Dynamics: Kinetic Energy and Angular Momentum, Lagrangian/Hamiltonian Mechanics and Conservation Laws, Poisson Brackets and Constants of the Motion, Kane-Lagrange Equations with Non-Holonomic Constraints, Kane-Lagrange Equations, Null Spaces and Computing Constraint Forces. Variational Calculus: The Principle of Least Action, A Study of Small Perturbations and Linear Stability Analysis. MEAM 2110 and some Linear Algebra. Senior or Master's Standing in Engineering or permission of the instructor.
MEAM 5360Viscous Fluid Flow and Modern Applications
This is an intermediate course that builds on the basic principles of Fluid Mechanics. The course provides a more in depth and unified framework to understand fluid flow at different time and length scales, in particular viscous flows. Topics include review of basic concepts, conservation laws (momentum, mass, and heat), fluid kinematics, tensor analysis, Stokes' approximations, non-Newtonian fluid mechanics, and turbulence. The course will explore important modern topics such as microfluidics, swimming of micro-organisms, wind turbines, rheology, biofluid mechanics, and boundary layers. This course is intended for juniors, seniors, and graduate students from the School og Engineering and/or Arts and Sciences that have a general interest in fluid dynamics and its modern applications. Students should have an understanding of basic concepts in fluid mechanics and a good grasp on differential equaions.
Engineering is progressing to ever smaller scales, enabling new technologies, materials, devices, and applications. This course will provide an introduction to nano-scale tribology and the critical role it plays in the developing areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology. We will discuss how contact, adhesion, friction, lubrication, and wear at interfaces originate, using an integrated approach that combines concepts of mechanics, materials science, chemistry, and physics. We will cover a range of concepts and applications, drawing connections . to both established and new approaches. We will discuss the limits of continuum mechanics and present newly developed theories and experiments tailored to describe micro- and nano-scale phenomena. We will emphasize specific applications throughout the course. Reading of scientific literature, critical peer discussion, individual and team problem assignments, and a peer-reviewed literature research project will be assigned as part of the course. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MEAM 3540 or MEAM 5190 or MSE/MEAM 5040 or equivalent required, or consent of instructor. Experience with mathematical analysis software (e.g. Matlab, Python) is required. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: MSE 5370 1 Course Unit
This course is an introductory course on turbulent flows. The course provides physical and mathematical framework for quantitative and qualitative descriptions of fundamental processes involved in turbulent flows. Topics include the Navier-Stokes equations, the statistical description of turbulence, equations for mean and fluctuations, energy cascade, turbulence spectra, Kolmogorov hypotheses, behavior of shear flows, and isotropic turbulence. The course will also explore modern topics such as computational modeling of turbulence. Instructor permission required for undergraduates. One graduate-level course in fluids or transport (e.g., MEAM 5360, MEAM 5700, or CBE 6400) required. Undergraduates may request a permit to be considered for enrollment in this course. Spring, odd numbered years only 1 Course Unit
MEAM 5430Performance, Stability and Control of UAVs
This course covers the application of classical aircraft performance and design concepts to fixed-wing and rotary-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). A survey of the latest developments in UAV technology will be used to motivate the development of quantitative mission requirements, such as payload, range, endurance, field length, and detectability. The implications of these requirements on vehicle configuration and sizing will be revealed through application of the fundamentals of aerodynamics and propulsion systems. The course will also cover basic flight dynamics and control, including typical inner-loop feedback applications.
MEAM 5460Hovering Vehicle Design and Analysis Techniques
This course aims at providing an overview of the fundamental concepts in the design and analysis of helicopters. The course will start with an overview of how helicopters of various types work (single main rotor, tandem rotor, tilt-rotor, quad-copter etc.). This will be followed by the introduction of how rotors work with a specific emphasis on the aerodynamic operating environment. The course will introduce topics pertaining to the rotor wake, inflow and will provide opportunities to exercise analysis techniques such as momentum and blade element theory. The latter portion of the course will cover the dynamic operation of larger scale rotors and will introduce concepts of blade articulation and associated analysis models/techniques. The content of the course will be laid to showcase the varying operating environments of rotor at different scales (e.g. small quadcopter, large multi-person carrier etc). The course will require students to code their analysis models using the language of their choice (C, C++, FORTRAN, MATLAB, Python etc.) and is intended to emphasize the importance of computational methods to engineering analysis. MEAM 2110 and MEAM 2020 or equivalent and required , MEAM 3020 and MEAM 3210 are recommended. Recommended textbook: Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics, 2nd Edition, J. Gordon Leishman, ISBN-13: 978-1107013353, ISBN-10: 1107013356
Where does wind come from, and how might it factor into some of the world's most pressing climate and energy challenges? We spend almost all of our lives within the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), which reaches from the ground up to about a kilometer in altitude. The motions of the ABL thus have far-reaching consequences for a wide range of engineering and environmental systems, such as wind turbines and wind farms, aircraft and drones, flying animals and insects, urban air pollution, local ecosystem health, and many more. This course will introduce students to the governing principles of the ABL and of the technologies that operate within it. We will first study the dynamics of the ABL itself, including the effects of turbulence, stratification, rotation, and surface topography. We will then explore the means by which wind turbines and wind farms harness these dynamics for the sustainable generation of renewable energy. Applications to other systems affected by the atmosphere, such as light aerial vehicles, solar farms, and buildings and cities, will be surveyed. We will also consider the broader societal and environmental implications of these topics. Overall, the course will prepare students to account for and leverage the complex motions of the atmosphere in real-world engineering applications.
Suggested General electives 3 Students may take any 3 graduate level CUs that contribute to their degree program. In addition to more MEAM courses, students in the Design and Manufacturing concentration are pre-approved to count any of the following courses as General Electives. Students should consult their faculty advisor for approval of courses outside of this list.
This course covers two major aspects of atomic level computer modeling in materials. 1. Methods: Molecular statics, Molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, Kinetic Monte Carlo as well as methods of analysis of the results such as radial distribution function, thermodynamics deduced from the molecular dynamics, fluctuations, correlations and autocorrelations. 2. Semi-empirical descriptions of atomic interactions: pair potentials, embedded atom method, covalent bonding, ionic bonding. Basics of the density functional theory. Mechanics, condensed matter physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics needed in interpretations are briefly explained. No prior coding experience is required. Students will be taught the basics of python in the first week of class.
Nano-science and engineering approaches to systems in biology are of growing importance. They extend from novel methods, especially microscopies that invite innovation to mathematical and/or computational modeling which incorporates the physics and chemistry of small scale biology. Proteins and DNA, for example, are highly specialized polymers that interact, catalyze, stretch and bend, move, and/or store information. Membranes are also used extensively by cells to isolate, adhere, deform, and regulate reactions. In this course, students will become familiar with cell & molecular biology and nano- biotechnology through an emphasis on nano-methods, membranes, molecular machines, and 'polymers' - from the quantitative perspectives of thermodynamics, statistical physics, and mechanics. We specifically elaborate ideas of energetics, fluctuations and noise, force, kinetics, diffusion, etc. on the nano- thru micro- scale, drawing from very recent examples in the literature. Laboratory experiments will provide hands- on exposure to microscopies in a biological context (eg. fluorescence down to nano-scale, AFM), physical methods (eg. micromanipulation, tracking virus-scale particles or quantum dots), and numerical problems in applied biophysics, chemistry, and engineering. A key goal of the course is to familiarize students with the concepts and technology (plus their limitations) as being employed in current research problems in nanoscale systems biology, extending to nanobiotechnology. with coursework in Thermodynamics or permission of the instructor.
To introduce students to advanced classical equilibrium thermodynamics based on Callen's postulatory approach, to exergy (Second-Law) analysis, and to fundamentals of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Applications to be treated include the thermodynamic foundations of energy processes and systems including advanced power generation and aerospace propulsion cycles, batteries and fuel cells, combustion, diffusion, transport in membranes, materials properties and elasticity, superconductivity, biological processes. Undergraduate thermodynamics.
The course deals with advanced topics in transport phenomena and is suitable for graduate students in mechanical, chemical and bioengineering who plan to pursue research in areas related to transport phenomena or work in an industrial setting that deals with transport issues. Topics include: Transport processes with drops, Bubbles and particles; Phase change Phenomena: -condensation, evaporation, and combustion; Radiation heat transfer: non-participating media, participating media, equation of radiative transfer, optically thin and thick limits; Introduction to Hydrodynamic and Thermal Instability; Microscale energy transport; Nano-particle motion in fluids and transport. required. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
If course requirements not met, permission of instructor MEAM 5700 OR MEAM 6420 OR CBE 6400
MEAM 5750Micro and Nano Fluidics
The course focuses on topics relevant for micro-fluidics, lab on chip technology, point of care diagnostics, nano-technology, biosensing, and interfacial phenomena. Although we will discuss briefly the fabrication of micro and nano fluidic devices, the course will mostly focus on physical phenomena from the continuum point of view. The mathematical complexity will be kept to a minimum. The course will be reasonably self-contained, and any necessary background material will be provided, consistent with the students' background and level of preparation. Specifically, we will examine fluid and nanoparticle transport under the action of pressure, electric, magnetic, and capillary forces; the structure and role of superhydrophobic surfaces; how the solid/liquid interface acquires electric charge; ion transport in electrolytes (Poisson-Nernst- Planck equations); colloid stability; electroosmosis, electrophoresis, and particle polarization; electrowetting and digital microfluidics; particle and cell sorting; immunoassays; and enzymatic amplification of nucleic acids. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
MEAM 5800Electrochemistry for Energy, Nanofabrication and Sensing
Principles and mathematical models of electrochemical processes in energy conversion and storage, water desalination, nanofabrication, electroplating, and sensing for engineering and science graduate students and advanced undergraduates, lacking prior background in electrochemistry. The course covers equivalent circuits, electrode kinetics, electrokinetic and transport phenomena, and electrostatics. The course will introduce and use the finite element program COMSOLTM. We will discuss, among other things, applications to stationary and flow batteries, supercapacitors, integrated electric circuit fabrication, electrokinetics, and biosensing. In contrast to CBE 545 Electrochemical Energy Conversion that focuses on solid state electrochemistry, this course emphasizes liquid-based electrochemistry.
The course provides a basic understanding of nonlinear systems phenomena and studies analysis and control design problems of nonlinear systems. The main analysis tools that will be presented are Lyapunov theory for stability, including the well known LaSalle's invariance principle, and barrier function theory for safety of both autonomous and non-autonomous systems. Further topics include input-output stability, passivity, and the center manifold theorem. The main control tools that will be presented are feedback linearization, backstepping, as well as recent results on learning control Lyapunov and control barrier functions from data. Examples will be taken from mechanical and robotic systems. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: ESE 6170 1 Course Unit
MEAM 6230Learning and Control for Adaptive and Reactive Robots
For decades, we've envisioned a future where robots seamlessly coexist, collaborate, and cooperate with humans in our everyday lives. Yet, the reality of robots fluidly interacting with humans and other robots in our dynamic, human-centric environments remains elusive. This challenge stems from traditionalist views of how robot motions, tasks and behaviors should be specified, controlled and learned. To overcome this bottleneck, we must change the way we control robots, starting with changing the way we train roboticists. This graduate-level course introduces the fundamental principles of the modern Dynamical Systems (DS) paradigm for motion planning, learning, and control; designed to create adaptive, reactive, easy-to-teach, provably safe and stable robot behaviors in dynamic, ever-changing environments. We will cover a range of topics through the DS lens including, reactive control and motion planning, impedance, admittance and force control, safety-critical control, stability and convergence guarantees for physical human-robot and robot-robot interaction, human-guided learning and efficient learning for interactive robots. Students will learn to formally model and analyze controllers and learning algorithms for efficient, safe and adaptive robots interacting with humans and the physical world through homework, literature reviews and a final project. Spring, odd numbered years only 1 Course Unit
This course covers challenges and approaches for planning, coordinating, and controlling multi-robot systems. Main topics of the course include: consensus, distributed search, multi-agent planning, coverage, swarming and flocking, with applications for distributed control in networked sensors/actuators in soft robots or in multirobot systems common in aerial, underwater, and autonomous driving applications. Students will learn to formally model and analyze multi-robot systems through paper readings on state-of-the-art techniques and an independent final project. 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26
This course is a more advanced version of MEAM 530. The topics to be covered include: tensor algebra and calculus, Lagrangian and Eulerian kinematics; Cauchy and Piola-Kirchhoff stresses. General principles: conservation of mass, conservation of linear and angular momentum, energy and the first law of hermodynamics, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. Constitutive theory, ideal fluids, Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, finite elasticity, linear elasticity, materials with microstructure. One graduate level course in applied mathematics and one in either fluid or Solid Mechanics. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This course develops the mathematical theory of plastic deformation for both crystalline and disordered materials. Phenomenological models for strain-hardening, creep and size-dependent plastic flow as well as physically-based theories for single crystals are discussed. Applications are drawn from problems in structural mechanics, deformation processing, friction and contact, and fracture. Large strain deformations and problems involving strain localization are considered. Prerequisite: If course requirement not met, permission of instructor required. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This course focuses on mechanics aspects of adhesion and fracture of solids. The topics are intimately related, as fracture involves decohesion. Topics include forces of interaction between surfaces of solids, perfect versus imperfect adhesion, aspects of contact mechanics, linear analysis of cracks in elastic materials, non-linear analysis of cracks in elastic- plastic materials, J-integral methods, phenomenological theories, crack growth and heeling, and stability. Micro-mechanical models of fracture are analyzed using non-linear elasticity and energy methods. Applications to various material systems and processes, including structural materials, layered materials, friction and wear. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This course is intended for 2nd year graduate students and introduces continuum mechanics theory of rods and shells with applications to structures and to biological systems as well as stability and buckling. The course begins with topics from differential geometry of curves and surfaces and the associated tensor analysis on Riemannian spaces. A brief introduction to variational calculus is included since variational methods are a powerful tool for formulating approximate structural mechanics theories and for numerical analysis. The structural mechanics theories of rods, plates and shells are introduced including both linear and nonlinear theories. First-year graduate-level applied mathematics for engineers (ENM 510 and 511) and a first course in continuum mechanics or elasticity or permission of instructor. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This course deals with the prediction of the average, or effective properties of composite materials. The emphasis will be on methods for determining effective behavior. The course will be concerned mostly with linear mechanical and physical properties, with particular emphasis on the effective conductivity and elastic moduli of multi-phase composites and polycrystals. However, time-dependent and non-linear properties will also be discussed. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
Fluid mechanics as a vector field theory; basic conservation laws, constitutive relations, boundary conditions, Bernoulli theorems, vorticity theorems, potential flow. Viscous flow; large Reynolds number limit; boundary layers. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
The course is divided into two parts. The course first introduces general numerical techniques for elliptical partial differential equations - finite difference method, finite element method and spectral method. The second part of the course introduces finite volume method. SIMPLER formulation for the Navier-Stokes equations will be fully described in the class. Students will be given chances to modify a program specially written for this course to solve some practical problems in heat transfer and fluid flows. Prerequisites: ENM 5100 or equivalent, and one graduate level introductory course in mechanics. A programming experience is necessary. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
This course is aimed to expose the students to a variety of topics in mechanic materials via discussion of "classic" problems that have had the widest impact long period of time and have been applied to analyze the mechanical behavior a variety of biological and engineering materials. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: MSE 6500 1 Course Unit
This course begins with a brief review of classical thermodynamics, including the development of Maxwell relationships and stability analysis. The remainder of the course develops the fundamental framework of statistical mechanics, then reviews various related topics including ideal and interacting gases, Einstein and Debye models of crystals, lattice models of liquids, and the basis of distribution function theory.
This course is targeted for engineering/physics students working in the areas of nano/bio technology. The course will start with a quick review of statistical mechanics and proceed to topics such as Langevin dynamics, solution biochemistry (Poisson-Boltzmann and Debye-Huckel theory), entropic elasticity of bio-polymers and networks, reaction rate kinetics, solid state physics and other areas of current technological relevance. Students will be expected to have knowledge of undergraduate mechanics, physics and thermodynamics. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit University of Pennsylvania Catalog 2299
MEAM 6640Multiscale Modeling for Non-Equilibrium Material Behavior
This course will discuss a wide range of strategies aimed at integrating modeling and simulation techniques at various length and time scales with the goal of achieving a compromise between physical fidelity and computational cost. Our focus will lie on the bridge between atomistic simulations, described by Hamiltonian or Langevin dynamics, and continuum material descriptions, as well as the coarse-graining of mesoscopic continuum models. The course will review equilibrium statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, which are well-established theories, and discuss extensions to the non-equilibrium realm. We remark that non-equilibrium coarse-graining remains a long-standing challenge and a controversial quest in multiscale modeling, for which many approaches currently exist. Due to time limitations, this course can only give an overview of some state-of-the-art techniques. Although the course is aimed at being self-contained, it is assumed that students have a solid background in either elasticity/continuum mechanics or statistical physics, and are comfortable in Matlab, Python or some other programming language. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit
Suggested General Electives: Students may take any 3 graduate level CUs that contribute to their degree program. In addition to more MEAM courses, students in the Mechanics of Materials concentration are pre- approved to count any of the following courses as General Electives. Students should consult their faculty advisor for approval of courses outside of this list.
This course will be offered when demand permits. The topics will change due to the interests and specialties of the instructor(s). Some topics could include: Electromagnetics, Control Theory, and Micro-Electro- Mechanical Systems. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26
Total Course Units 19 MEAM 6990 needs to be completed six times before graduation. These six do not need to be in consecutive order. Students must complete either 2 CUs of MEAM core courses or 1 CU of a MEAM core and 1 CU of the math requirement before they can take the qualifying exam. The Qualifying Exam (recorded as
Intended for graduate students conducting research. Building upon the fundamentals of mechanical design, this hands-on , project-based course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, analyze, manufacture, and test fully functional subtractive manufacturing processes and part components. Topics covered include an introduction to machine elements, analysis of the mechanics of machining, manufacturing technology, precision fabrication (milling turning and computer-controlled machining), metrology, tolerances, cutting-tool fundamentals and engineering materials. Graduate standing in engineering or permission of the instructor. Completion of MEAM 1010 or suitable computer aided design experience; this prerequisite may be waived at the discretion of the instructor if a CAD portfolio which include technical drawings and assemblies is demonstrated.
Intended for graduate students conducting research. This course introduces students to the methods, techniques, and machines utilized in additive manufacturing spaces at Penn. The focus will be on iterative design using Fused Deposition Modeling, Stereolithography, and Polyjetting. These methods will be compared with alternatives such as Digital Light Processing, Selective Laser Sintering, Subtractive Manufacturing, and other fabrication techniques. Students will use computer-aided design tools and additive machines to solve problems of physical device and item manufacture. Graduate Standing in engineering or permission of the insturctor. MEAM 101 or a suitable 3D computer aided design experience to be determined by the instructor.
MEAM 8990) is held in the second semester of the PhD program if the3
student matriculated in Fall, or in the third semester for students who matriculate in Spring. Students are eligible to participate in Teaching Practicum (MEAM 8950) as soon as they pass their qualifying exam. Typically a student passing the qualifying exam in their second semester, would normally 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26 complete the teaching practicum in semesters 3 (Fall semester in year 2), 4 (Spring year 2), and 5 (Fall year 3). Candidacy Exam/Thesis Proposal is completed in the student's third or fourth year. The Dissertation Defense is typically held in the student's fifth or sixth year. Students are expected to complete course requirements in the first three years of study. However, the combination of when the specific requirement (Mathematics, Core, and Research Related) is completed isn't as strict. The above listing is a general plan of study on when to complete them.
For Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics doctoral students studying a specific advanced subject area. Students should discuss with the faculty supervisor the scope of the independent study/research and know the expectations and work involved. Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms 1-3 Course Units
