2003-2005 - Graduate School - The University of Alabama

Mechanical Engineering397IE 679 Nonlinear Programming. (3-0) Three hours.Prerequisite: GES 501 or IE 363.Theory of and solution algorithms for nonlinear programs; and optimality conditions,con vex i ty, linear approximation, gradient methods, search techniques, and geometricpro gram ming. (ES3)IE 680 Network Optimization. (3-0) Three hours.Prerequisite: GES 501 or IE 363 or equivalent.Theories, algorithms, and applications for networks and graphs: shortest path, K-shortest,traveling salesman, multi-terminal fl ow, minimum cost fl ow, and multi-com mod i typroblems. (ES3)IE 682 Integer Programming. (3-0) Three hours.Prerequisite: IE 363 or GES 501 or MGS 500 or equivalent.Optimization in integer variables by cutting planes, branch-and-bound, group theoretic,and implicit enumeration. (ES3)DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (ME)Professor Stephen Kavanaugh, Interim HeadOffi ce: 290 Hardaway HallThe department offers programs leading to the master of science in mechanicalen gi neer ing degree and the doctor of philosophy degree in the area of mechanicalengineering.Two basic plans are available for earning an M.S. degree, one requiring a thesis (PlanI) and one not requiring a thesis (Plan II). During the fi rst semester in residence, a studentenrolled in any graduate program should form a supervisory committee and, in counselwith an adviser, submit a program of courses for the degree. Forms and information forthis purpose can be obtained in the departmental offi ce.Research. The department brings together a broad spectrum of research skills inthe general areas of acoustics, vibrations, dynamics, controls, automation, machinedesign, man u fac tur ing, ther mo dy nam ics, heat transfer, and fl uid mechanics. To supportre search, the de part ment maintains well-equipped laboratories for engines; computeraidedau to ma tion; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC); numerical modeling;vibro-acoustics and sound quality; metrology and precision engineering; and ro bot ics.The de part ment also main tains a mod u lar ized area capable of sup port ing many separateprojects, as well as a student machine shop. Students have easy access to moderncomputer facilities, including a departmental student computer room.Admission RequirementsAn applicant for a mechanical engineering graduate program should normally have abaccalaureate degree in mechanical en gi neer ing from an ABET-accredited curriculum.Other applicants will generally be required to remove defi ciencies in certain areas bytaking appropriate courses for which no graduate credit will be awarded. Additionalinformation regarding admission is in the “Academic Policies” section of this catalog.Degree RequirementsPlan I departmental degree requirements. The fol low ing are the de part ment’sre quire ments for the Plan I master’s degree:1. A minimum of 24 semester hours of approved courses that together satisfy all othercourse requirements for the degree2. A minimum of 12 semester hours in a major area, of which 3 hours may be in aclosely related supporting area; at least 12 of the major hours must be at the 500and/or 600 level3. A minimum of 6 semester hours of mathematics taken in the Department of Mathematicsor the College of Engineering4. A minimum of 6 semester hours in an approved minor [normally satisfi ed when (3)above is satisfi ed]5. An approved thesis