Courses

Teaching and Education

SE 101C / MAE 130C - Structural Mechanics III - Structural Dynamics (undergraduate)

Structural Mechanics III - Structural Dynamics is focused on the free- and forced-vibration response of undamped and damped single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) dynamic systems. Within the context of SDOF systems, the course will discuss analysis techniques such as Fourier analysis, Lagrange's equation, continuous vibrating systems, numerical analysis, and vibration isolation. An introduction to discrete multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems using normal mode matrix formulation will also be covered as part of this course.
Most recent offering: Fall 2016
Next offering: TBD

SE 130A - Structural Analysis (undergraduate)

Structural Analysis is focused on training students to become proficient in classical methods of analyzing determinate and indeterminate structures. Techniques such as deflection calculation of beams and frames, work-energy methods, flexibility method, slope-deflection method, moment-distribution method, approximate structural analysis, and influence line concept for moving loads are covered in depth.
Most recent offering: Fall 2022
Next offering: Fall 2023

SE 164 / 264 - Sensors and Data Acquisition for Structural Engineering (undergraduate/graduate)

Sensors and Data Acquisition for Structural Engineering is a conjoined undergraduate/graduate course that aims to train students in the theory, design, and applications of sensor technologies in the context of structural engineering and structural health monitoring. In almost every natural science and engineering discipline, measurements serve a key role to quantify how different systems interact with one another. In particular, forces/stresses, displacements/strains, velocities, accelerations, flows, temperature, and pressure measurements, among others, enable engineers to design, analyze, and assess structures and to understand their performance in response to various operating, loading, and/or extreme conditions. The main topics that are covered include: sensors and sensing mechanisms; measurement uncertainty; signal conditioning and interface circuits; data acquisition; analog/digital circuits; and emerging sensors and concepts.
Most recent offering: Fall 2022
Next offering: Fall 2023

SE 266 - Smart and Multifunctional Materials (graduate)

Smart and Multifunctional Materials discusses the fundamental properties, physics, mechanisms, structures, and behavior of smart and multifunctional materials within mainly the framework of structural engineering and structural health monitoring. By definition, multifunctional materials are material architectures purposely engineered with different functionalities. The course is divided into two main parts. The first part covers smart materials (i.e., piezoresistive, piezoelectric, magneto-strictive/electro-strictive, and shape memory materials) and how they can be used for sensing, actuation, energy harvesting, and damping, among others. The second focuses on applications of smart materials to specific engineering applications and how new multifunctional material systems can be created, for instance, through nanotechnology.
Most recent offering: Spring 2023
Next offering: Spring 2025