Multi-Scale System Design
Multi-scale systems combine components built at different length scales, from nano and micro to meso and macro, and this MIT OpenCourseWare course examines how to make those mismatched parts work together. Topics include the fundamental properties of scale, design theories for cross-scale compatibility, modeling methods, and the manufacturing constraints that arise when nanomanipulators, MEMS devices, fiber optics, micro or nano-photonics, nanorobotics, X-ray telescopes, or carbon nanotube assemblies must interface with components built by entirely different fabrication processes. Students work through problem sets covering these modeling and design challenges and complete a literature critique project analyzing published multi-scale engineering work. Materials are drawn from MIT's mechanical engineering curriculum and are aimed at an advanced audience already familiar with engineering fundamentals. As with other MIT OCW offerings, course materials are free to access, with no instructor interaction or certificate.