How to design mechanical systems through iterative application of intuition, brainstorming, analysis, computation and prototype testing. Emphasis on the use of simplified models of forces, stress, friction, electromagnetism, and energy to inform important design choices. Design of custom mechanical components, selection of common machine elements, and selection of electric motors and transmission elements to meet performance, efficiency and reliability goals. Emphasis on high-performance systems. Independent and team-based design projects. Must have PRL pass. Must attend lecture. Prerequisites (completed the following courses): PHYSICS41 (or PHYSICS61 or PHYSICS41E), ENGR 14, ME 80, ME 102, ME 103 (or ME 203). Corequisite: PHYSICS43. An AP Physics C Mechanics Score of 5 can also fulfill the Physics requirement. Recommended prerequisites (should have completed at least 1 of the following courses): CS 106A, ENGR 15, ME 128, or ME 318. Prerequisites strictly enforced.
4 units · Letter (ABCD/NP) · GER: WAY-AQR
How to design mechanical systems through iterative application of intuition, brainstorming, analysis, computation and prototype testing. Emphasis on the use of simplified models of forces, stress, friction, electromagnetism, and energy to inform important design choices. Design of custom mechanical components, selection of common machine elements, and selection of electric motors and transmission elements to meet performance, efficiency and reliability goals. Emphasis on high-performance systems. Independent and team-based design projects. Must have PRL pass. Must attend lecture. Prerequisites (completed the following courses): PHYSICS41 (or PHYSICS61 or PHYSICS41E), ENGR14, ME80, ME102, ME103 (or ME203). Corequisite: PHYSICS43. An AP Physics C Mechanics Score of 5 can also fulfill the Physics requirement. Recommended prerequisites (should have completed at least 1 of the following courses): CS106A, ENGR15, ME128, or ME318. Prerequisites strictly enforced.
Offered in Winter 2026, Spring 2026 at Stanford University.