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Subject offerings of new and developing areas of knowledge in mechanical engineering intended to augment the existing curriculum. See Class Schedule or departmental course information for topics and prerequisites. Course Information: 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated in the same or separate terms if topics vary to a maximum of 9 hours.

PREREQUISITES: MATH 257 (or equivalent), TAM 251 (or equivalent) and familiarity with programming (Python/Matlab) . This course is intended to introduce the basic concepts of design optimization with applications from multiple industries. The course begins with a brief summary of numerical optimization and examples using parametric design and sizing optimization. Then the finite element method is introduced for use in topology optimization. These tools are then used to optimize structures and mechanisms to demonstrate a reduction in material usage, improved product performance and shorter design cycles compared to heuristic/iterative design. The course includes assignments in the form of design challenges and a final project in which students will optimize an original design.