Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering course catalog
All 53 recorded UW–Madison courses in this department, including courses not offered this term. Open a course for prerequisites, historical grades and instructors.
CIVENGR/EMA 395: Materials for Constructed Facilities
3 credits
Properties and tests of materials used in the initial construction or repair of facilities (including buildings, transportation systems, utility systems, and reinforced earth). Introduction to laboratory and field measurement techniques to assess material performance capabilities. Technical report preparation.
CIVENGR/EMA/ME 508: Composite Materials
3 credits
Physical properties and mechanical behavior of polymer, metal, ceramic, cementitious, cellulosic and biological composite systems; micro- and macro-mechanics; lamination and strength analyses; static and transient loading; fabrication; recycling; design; analytical-experimental correlation; applications.
CIVENGR/EMA/ME 775: Turbulent Heat and Momentum Transfer
Credits unavailable
Stochastic methods in turbulent heat and momentum transfer; fully developed turbulence; numerical methods including model applications to boundary layers, reacting flows, mass transfer, and unsteady flows; linear and non-linear stability and transition; emphasis on applications of interest to Mechanical, Aerospace, and Environmental Engineers. Knowledge of fluid mechanics [such asM E 363orCBE 320] strongly encouraged.
COMPSCI/ECE/EMA/EP/ME 759: High Performance Computing for Applications in Engineering
3 credits
An overview of hardware and software solutions that enable the use of advanced computing in tackling computationally intensive Engineering problems. Hands-on learning promoted through programming assignments that leverage emerging hardware architectures and use parallel computing programming languages. Students are strongly encourage to have completed COMP SCI 367 orCOMP SCI 400or to have equivalent experience.
EMA 1: Cooperative Education Program
1 credits
Apply classroom theory and practical knowledge of engineering-related operations and functions in a professional setting. Full-time workplace experience.
EMA 105: Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Credits unavailable
Prepares students to operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for commercial purposes. Focuses on remote sensing, automation / artificial intelligence, data analytics and business applications / opportunities for UAS. Teaches all applicable subjects and provides hands-on experience necessary to 1) safely, legally and ethically operate UAS for commercial purposes; 2) effectively apply UAS to solve business problems and 3) manage, process and analyze data collected via UAS. Optional Federal Aviation Administration exam for a remote pilot-in-command (RPIC) certification. Group projects involving real-world drone flights to collect data and produce commercially viable products.
EMA 200: Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
3 credits
An introduction to the fields of aerospace engineering and mechanics. Fundamental concepts in engineering, including modeling, analysis, design, fabrication and experimental testing. Career paths, engineering ethics, shop safety, and oral and written technical communication.
EMA 201: Statics
3 credits
Principles of mechanics, force systems, equilibrium, structures, distributed forces, moments of inertia of areas, and friction.
EMA 202: Dynamics
3 credits
Kinematics, force-mass-acceleration relations, work and energy, impulse and momentum, moments of inertia and mass.
EMA 303: Mechanics of Materials
3 credits
Stress and strain, torsion, bending of beams, shearing stresses in beams, compound stresses, principal stresses, deflections of beams, statically indeterminate members, columns. For civil engineers.
EMA 351: Aerospace Design I
3 credits
The design philosophy is presented. Apply knowledge of elementary mechanics, engineering and basic science to arrive at acceptable solutions to a variety of design problems. Was E M A 469 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 352: Aerospace Design II
Credits unavailable
Complete aerospace engineering design projects in teams, with faculty supervision. Was E M A 569 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 405: Practicum in Finite Elements
3 credits
Use of finite elements (FE) for solving practical problems in mechanics. Elementary theory of FE is discussed. A commercial computer program is used for applications. Major emphasis is on behavior of FE, modeling, and evaluation of results for correctness.
EMA 406: Aerospace Structures
3 credits
Analysis and design of load-carrying members, shear center, unsymmetrical bending, curved beams, beams on elastic foundations, energy methods, theories of failure, thick-walled cylinders, stress concentrations, design to prevent failure by excessive elastic deformation, plastic deformation and fracture. Was E M A 506 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 421: Aerodynamics
3 credits
Potential flow theory; stream functions; vortex filaments and sheets. Two- and three-dimensional wing theory. Doublet and panels methods. Propeller theory. Was E M A 521 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 422: Aerodynamics Laboratory
Credits unavailable
Experimental methods for aerodynamic measurements: wind tunnel tests with 6-component sting balance, pitot probe, flow visualization with smoke generator and laser sheet; digital data acquisition; practical considerations for experimental design. Methods for comparing theoretical predictions to experimental measurements and computational simulations. Was E M A 522 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 423: Flight Dynamics and Control
Credits unavailable
Aircraft longitudinal and lateral static stability. Aircraft equations of motion. Stability derivatives. Longitudinal and lateral dynamic stability of uncontrolled motion. Open-loop aircraft control. Closed-loop aircraft control. Was E M A 523 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 426: Aerospace Propulsion
3 credits
Airbreathing engines. Rocket performance. Thrust chambers, nozzle design criteria. Fundamentals of combustion. Was E M A 524 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 442: Advanced Dynamics
3 credits
Kinematics and kinetics of plane and three-dimensional motion, Coriolis acceleration, general methods of linear and angular momentum, central force motion, gyrodynamics, generalized coordinates. Was E M A 542 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 450: Orbital Mechanics
Credits unavailable
Coordinate system transformations, central force motion, two body problem, three and n-body problem, theory of orbital perturbations, artificial satellites, elementary transfer orbits, elementary rocket dynamics, and basic interplanetary mission planning. Was ASTRON 550 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA 488: Honors in Research I
3 credits
Independent work in aerospace engineering, engineering mechanics, or mechanical engineering, supervised by a qualified instructor.
EMA 489: Honors in Research II
3 credits
Independent work and preparation of thesis in aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics.
EMA 519: Fracture Mechanics
Credits unavailable
Introduction to the mechanics of fracture of linear and nonlinear materials. Crack stress and deformation fields; stress intensity factors; crack tip plastic zone; fracture toughness testing; energy release rate; J-integral. Criteria for crack growth initiation/stability; application to design.
EMA 599: Independent Study
1–3 credits
Directed study projects as arranged with instructor.
EMA 601: Special Topics in Engineering Mechanics
Credits unavailable
Selected topics in such areas as structural mechanics, dynamics, experimental mechanics, vibrations, engineering materials, soil mechanics, engineering analysis, rheology, etc.
EMA 605: Introduction to Finite Elements
3 credits
Finite elements, with theory and applications in stress analysis and in areas related to structural mechanics. Practice in the use and/or development of computer programs.
EMA 610: Structural Finite Element Model Validation
Credits unavailable
An introduction to test-based validation of finite element models for the design and analysis of dynamic structures.
EMA 611: Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials
Credits unavailable
Theory and use of servo-controlled, electro-hydraulic equipment for research of mechanical properties of engineering materials. Measurement of stress, strain, hysteresis energy, and material properties during deformation and at fracture. Analysis of four significant components of total strain.
EMA 630: Viscoelastic Solids
Credits unavailable
Linear theory of viscoelasticity; non-aging materials; Boltzmann superposition principle; time-temperature superposition boundary value problems. Applications: vibration damping, relaxation of stress, creep, droop, and sag in structural members, sound absorption, creep buckling, settlement of foundations, tire mechanics, and shock attenuation.
EMA 642: Satellite Dynamics
3 credits
Review of Euler's equations, torque-free motion, stability of rotation, energy dissipation effects, gyroscopic instruments, gyrodynamics of the Earth, gravity gradient stabilized satellites, spin stabilized satellites, dual spin satellites, tethered satellites, mass movement techniques, space vehicle motion and rocket dynamics.
EMA 700: Theory of Elasticity
Credits unavailable
Equations of elasticity in curvilinear and rectangular coordinates; two dimensional problems; problems of prismatic bars; variational methods and energy principles; complex variable and numerical methods; thermal stress problems. Knowledge of advanced mechanics of materials [such as E M A 506] and vector calculus [such asMATH 321] strongly encouraged.
EMA 702: Graduate Cooperative Education Program
1–2 credits
Work experience that combines classroom theory with practical knowledge of operations to provide students with a background on which to develop and enhance a professional career. The work experience is tailored for MS students from within the U.S. as well as eligible international students.
EMA 705: Advanced Topics in Finite Elements
Credits unavailable
Finite element methods for problems with linear and nonlinear media. Stress analysis, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. Vibration and transient analysis. Weighted residual methods. Material and geometric nonlinearity. Nonlinear iteration methods. Instructor may also select additional material. Knowledge of finite element theory [such asE M A 605] strongly encouraged.
EMA 710: Mechanics of Continua
3 credits
Tensor analysis; analysis of stress, strain and rate of strain; application of Newtonian mechanics to deformable media; mechanical constitutive equations; field equations of fluid mechanics and elasticity. Knowledge of linear algebra [such asMATH 340] required.
EMA 745: Advanced Methods in Structural Dynamics
Credits unavailable
Emphasis is placed on techniques used to analyze aerospace structures. Variational principles, Hamilton's extended principle, Lagrange's equations, mathematical models for continuous systems, natural modes of vibrations, dynamic response using mode superposition, mode acceleration, residual flexibility, vibration analysis using finite element methods, advanced substructure representations, component mode synthesis, systems with rigid body modes for aeronautical and astronautical systems. Knowledge of vibrations [such as E M A 545 orM E/E M A 440] strongly encouraged.
EMA 747: Nonlinear and Random Mechanical Vibrations
Credits unavailable
Exact solutions and sectorial linearization; free and forced vibration of mechanical systems with nonlinear restoring force; self-excited mechanical vibrations and relaxation vibrations; subharmonic responses; nonlinear vibration of mechanical systems with more than one degree of freedom; nonlinear vibration of bounded continuous media; random excitation and random response, random vibrations of mechanical systems and structures; random vibrations of nonlinear mechanical systems; failure of materials under random vibrations.
EMA 790: Master's Research and Thesis
1–9 credits
Directed study projects as arranged with instructor.
EMA 890: Pre-dissertator Research
1–9 credits
Directed study projects as arranged with instructor.
EMA 990: Research and Thesis
1–12 credits
Directed study projects as arranged with instructor.
EMA/EP 471: Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers
Credits unavailable
Use of computational tools for the solution of problems encountered in engineering physics applications. Topics covered include orbital mechanics, structural vibrations, beam and plate deformations, heat transfer, neutron diffusion, and criticality. Emphasis will be on modeling, choice of appropriate algorithms, and model validation.
EMA/EP 547: Engineering Analysis I
3 credits
Methods of higher mathematics; stress on problem solving rather than rigorous proofs; linear algebra, calculus of variations, Green's function.
EMA/EP 548: Engineering Analysis II
Credits unavailable
Function of complex variable, series solution of differential equations, partial differential equations. A year of math beyond calculus
EMA/EP 615: Micro- and Nanoscale Mechanics
Credits unavailable
An introduction to micro- and nanoscale science and engineering with a focus on the role of mechanics. A variety of micro- and nanoscale phenomena and applications covered, drawing connections to both established and new mechanics approaches.
EMA/ME 307: Mechanics of Materials Lab
1 credits
Data processing, tension/compression tests, creep stress concentrations, fatigue, fracture, composite materials, combined stress, beam flexure, dynamic loads, buckling.
EMA/ME 425: Gasdynamics
Credits unavailable
Thermodynamics and fluid dynamics of steady, one- and two-dimensional, compressible gas flows. Unsteady, one-dimensional, compressible gas flows. Method of characteristics. Wave phenomena and shock interactions. Was M E 572 prior to Fall 2026.
EMA/ME 440: Mechanical Vibrations
Credits unavailable
Harmonic motion; natural frequencies and vibration of damped and undamped single and multi-degree of freedom systems; general theory of free, forced, and transient vibrations modal analysis; lumped-mass modeling; balancing; vibration absorbers and tuned mass dampers; method of matrix equation formulation and solution; finite element modeling.
EMA/ME 458: Introduction to Feedback Control of Autonomous Systems
Credits unavailable
Feedback control theory fundamentals; numerical optimal control algorithms underpinning autonomous systems; quadcopter kinematics dynamics; quadcopter control and trajectory planning; hands-on labs on a nano quadcopter platform.
EMA/ME 540: Experimental Vibration and Dynamic System Analysis
Credits unavailable
Application of digital data acquisition to the investigation of mechanical components, structures and systems using time histories, transforms and response functions to characterize free, forced and transient inputs. Introduction to sensors, instrumentation and methods appropriate for dynamic system response.
EMA/ME 570: Experimental Mechanics
Credits unavailable
Experimental methods for design and analysis of mechanical components, structures and materials. Electrically and optically recorded stress, strain and deformation data; computer acquisition/reduction/presentation techniques; applications to static and transient events, sensors, transducer design, NDT, fracture and residual stresses.
EMA/ME 703: Plasticity Theory and Physics
Credits unavailable
Physical foundations of plasticity as a basis for choices made in the formulation of theories representing plastic deformation and their limitation. Motion of dislocations and formation and growth of deformation twins. Experimental results in the context of plasticity models. Traditional and research topics of plasticity and theories for rate-independent, rate-dependent, single and polycrystal descriptions. Numerical solution of equations and computational plasticity. Knowledge of mechanics of materials [such asE M A 303or M E 306] and continuum mechanics [such as E M A 622] required.
EMA/ME 708: Advanced Composite Materials
Credits unavailable
Contemporary topics in composite materials, including innovations in sandwich structures, textile composites, and architected materials; fracture mechanics; durability and damage tolerance; experimental techniques; transient, micro, nonlinear, inelastic and environmental effects; advanced manufacturing methods: repair and applications. Knowledge of basic composite materials [such asCIV ENGR/E M A/M E 508] is strongly encouraged.
EMA/ME 722: Introduction to Polymer Rheology
Credits unavailable
Formulation of constitutive equations using embedded base vectors. Viscosity, normal stress differences, stress relaxation, elastic recoil. Polymer rheology; homogeneous strain history. Knowledge of differential equations [such asMATH 320] strongly encouraged.
EMA/MS&E 541: Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials
Credits unavailable
Principles of the mechanics of solid multiphase systems. Role of heterogeneity and anisotropy in determining physical properties including elastic, dielectric and piezoelectric properties. Applications in lightweight structures, ultrastrong materials, materials for protection of the body, and materials for the replacement of human tissues. Materials with fibrous, lamellar, particular, and cellular structures. Heterogeneous materials of biological origin. Biomimetic and bio-inspired materials.