Associate Professor

Andrew Lutz, PhD

Andrew Lutz, PhD is a professor of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Lutz teaches core engineering and mechanical engineering classes, specializing in Applied Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Machine Design, Statics and Strength of Materials, and Engineering Dynamics.

Contact Us

Contact Andrew Lutz for information on Mechanical Engineering

Hayes Hall 203

563-333-5842

LutzAndrewJ@sau.edu

Education and Training

PhD, University of Vermont, Mechanical Engineering
MS, University of Vermont, Mechanical Engineering
BS, Western New England University, Mechanical Engineering

Recent Publications

A. Lutz, and D. Fletcher, "Investigation of Non-Equilibrium Nitrogen Plasmas," 46th AIAA Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference (Dallas, TX, June 2015)
A. Lutz, W. Owens, J. Meyers and D. Fletcher, "Experimental Analysis of Graphite Nitridation and Oxidation Efficiency with Laser-Induced Fluorescence," 51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting (Grapevine, TX, January 2013)
A. Lutz, W. Owens, J. Meyers, D. Fletcher, and J. Marschall, "Investigation of CN Production from Carbon Materials in Nitrogen Plasmas" 49th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting (Orlando, FL, January 2011)

Presentations

Lutz, Andrew. "A Rankine Cycle Design Project for Assessment of ABET Student Outcome #1." Presented at ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. Minneapolis, MN, June 26, 2022

Courses Taught

Thermodynamics

Examination of the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics, properties of pure materials, the ideal gas law, entropy, and cycles; control volume analysis of closed and open systems; engineering applications and problem solving.

Applied Thermodynamics

Application of fundamentals of thermodynamics to power, refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems. Examination of gas and chemical mixtures as applied to pychrometry, thermochemistry, and combustion. Major design component.

Machine Design

Fundamental characteristics of basic mechanical components, and methodologies for analysis, selection, and synthesis of components into a mechanical system. Introduction to the engineering design and decision-making process. Examination of stress and failure modes.

Fluid Mechanics

Examination of forces due to static and dynamic fluids. Principles of mass and momentum conservation in open and closed systems. Characterization of flow. Application of concepts to design of thermal engineering systems. Two lectures and one lab per week.
Fluid Mechanics Lab

Engineering Dynamics

Dynamics and kinematics of particles and rigid bodies in rectangular, polar and spherical coordinates. Work-energy and impulse-momentum theorems for rigid body motion. Oscillations of particles and systems. Applications to engineering systems.

Advanced Dynamics

Kinematic and kinetic analysis of particle, planar, and 3-D Newtonian and Lagrangian formulations. Single and multibody mechatronics and mechanical systems considered. Application of mathematical theory through numerical modeling and simulation of mechanical system dynamics.

Advanced Modeling and Simulation

Theory of application of the finite element method to mechatronics, solid mechanical and thermal systems. Topics include numerical modeling approaches, design optimization, dynamic analysis of multibody systems, model verification and discretization and solving routines. Direct application of underlying mathematical theory to numerical models.

Senior Design Seminar

A significant project involving design or re-design of an operational product in either an industrial or a service setting. As a minimum, students will consider objectives and criteria, resources, interface with other functional areas, constraints, alternatives and operational specifications. A written report will be prepared by the student. Designs may include HVAC or device-based projects. Writing intensive.

Professional Service

2019, Childrens Book Council, Panelist, ComicCon, San Diego
2018, American Library Association Annual Conference. "Diversity and inclusivity from the perspective of libraries/publishing/authors in the industry." June 24.
2016, Western Illinois University, Communications Student Society, Panelist. Frontline: Effects of Online Marketing on Teens.
2015, Central States Communication Association, co-presented Exploring the Relationship Between Online Health Information-Seeking Motivations and Patient Narratives for Orthopedic Practice Web Sites.
2014, National Communication Association, Presented Rhetorical Analysis. "Camp Gyno as Carnivalesque."
2014, Western Illinois University. Quad Cities Research and Scholarship Symposium (QCRSS). "Camp Gyno as Carnivalesque."
2010, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA. Panelist. Careers in Public Relations. November 15.