Why are some products better than others? What is the definition of "better"? This course uses an inquiry-guided approach to explore the product design process via team design projects and laboratory exercises. Everyday products are examined from historical, societal, design, safety and manufacturing perspectives. Topics include ideation, sketching, design constraints, solid modeling, decision making, statistical quality control, manufacturing methods and engineering analysis. Students develop an appreciation for good design and the ability to communicate design ideas via 3-D solid models, written and oral reports.

Introduction to solid modeling and engineering drawings using computer-aided design software. For Mechanical Engineering students, this course can only be taken with permission as an alternative to the required ME 441 Introduction to Engineering Design and Solid Modeling for students with extensive engineering design experience (e.g., high school or another university course), an engineering project based program (e.g., FIRST Robotics or Project Lead the Way), or similar experience (e.g., working in the industry). Students should not take both ME 441 and ME 477. Lecture and Lab.

Introduces statics. Two- and three-dimensional force systems, the concept of equilibrium, analysis of trusses and frames, centroids, bending moment and shear force diagrams, and friction.

Introduces statics. Two- and three-dimensional force systems, the concept of equilibrium, analysis of trusses and frames, centroids, bending moment and shear force diagrams, and friction.