Conference Session

Innovation in Laboratory Studies and Outreach Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shiyoung Lee, Pennsylvania State University, Berks

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

andnine Input/Output (I/O) modules installed on a ten-slot modular chassis as shown in Figure 1.Four normally-open (NO) pushbutton switches (green), four normally-closed (NC) pushbuttonswitches (red), and eight selector switches are provided for the simulation of static PLC Page 14.224.2 Figure 1. SLC500 Training Station Table 1. Details of SLC500 Ten-Slot Modular SystemChassis Slot Location Part Number Description 0 1747-L541 SLC 5/04 CPU – 16K Mem. OS401 1 1746-OA16 16-Input (TRIAC) 100/240 VAC 2 1747

Conference Session

Innovation in Laboratory Studies and Outreach Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Gumaer, Central Washington University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

thisdevelopment kit permitted using the same family of 8-bit flash programmable microcontrollersas had been taught in prior years although the specific devices were different. Studentsdownloaded datasheets for the target microcontroller used in the course and the developmentkit2,3.Microcontroller Development EnvironmentThe Microchip PICKit1 Development Kit consists of an evaluation board, MPLAB software, andPICKit1 software4. This kit is capable of programming several different 8- and 14-pinmicrocontrollers. The complete kit is shown in Figure 1. The board connects to a Figure 1. PICKit1 Development Kitlaptop via a USB port and requires no other connection. The board contains a deviceprogrammer, some simple devices connected

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Controls Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Oscar Ortiz, LeTourneau University; Paul Leiffer, LeTouneau University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

transistors, MOSFETs, SCR’s Diacs, Triacs, and optoelectronic devices.Project-based learning develops the ability of the students to work in interdisciplinaryteams. Projects carried out by interdisciplinary teams are not only an expectation ofindustry but also have become a required outcome of the ABET engineering criteria. Aseries of curriculum tools have been developed at our school to ensure that students willhave a measure of success in project team work [1] Project-based learning is aninstructional method that demands from the student acquisition of critical knowledge,problem solving proficiency, self-directed learning strategies, and team participationskills [2]During the 2007 fall semester the students studied and implemented FM transmitters

Conference Session

LABVIEW-Based Experiments and Robotics Laboratory

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jason Yao, East Carolina University; Edwin Bartlett, East Orthopedics

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

project assessment, then discusses the successes and lessons learnt from thiscapstone experience, and reveals the importance of the partnership among the engineering department andthe other two parties involved. II. PROJECT DESCRIPTIONOverview of the Project:When administrating orthopedic injections, good injection techniques often afford the highest rate ofsuccess.[1] Among these techniques, proper needle tip locations play a critical role. Experiencedorthopedists usually are able to ensure the needle tip in the desired joint cavity by intuitively pointing thesyringe in an appropriate way and occasionally pressing the syringe plunger to test the difficulty ofinjection. However, pointing the needle tip to

Conference Session

Experiments in Remote-access Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bill Diong, Texas Christian University; Jamie Smith, Lockheed-Martin Aeronautics; Edward Kolesar, Texas Christian University; Rene Cote, Texas Christian University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

-term goals of this endeavorinclude enabling students to conduct experiments on systems located in any of the University’sScience and Engineering laboratories via the Internet.Mid-way through this Materials Science course, the students learn about the electrical andthermal properties of materials. The specific experiment that we intend the students to perform,remotely over the Internet, is aimed at determining the in-plane tip deflection (displacement)versus power characteristics of a MEMS electrothermal actuator (shown in Figure 1). Thisexperiment will serve to demonstrate the synergistic linkage between these topics, whilesimultaneously illustrating the concept of device characterization.While remote experimentation systems can no longer be

Conference Session

LABVIEW-Based Experiments and Robotics Laboratory

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Olawale Akinwale, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Lawrence Kehinde, Texas Southern University; Kayode P. Ayodele, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; A. M. Jubril, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Olutola. P. Jonah, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Soji Ilori, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Xuemin Chen, Texas Southern University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

’ environment. This research work aims to set up an onlinecontrol engineering experimentation platform in the field of robotics. The aim was and is toexpand the set of online experiments in the Control Engineering field while introducingnewbies to robotics. The set of online experiments which this research work would put up arebased on a robotic arm.Three experiments have been set up at the Obafemi Awolowo University by this researcheffort. The experiments are: 1. A simple slider control experiment 2. An effect of gravity experiment Page 14.39.2 3. A trajectory planning experimentII. ReviewA lot of work has been done in the development of online

Conference Session

LABVIEW-Based Experiments and Robotics Laboratory

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yanfei Liu, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

of thepaper.VEX Robotics KitThe VEX standard kit was selected for the laboratory experiments. This kit includes motors, geartrains, metal frames and shafts, basic sensors, controller and program modules. The VEXcontroller is composed of two PIC 18F8520 μCs. The sensors include two light sensors, twolimit switches and two bumper switches. The programming hardware includes an USB-to-SerialCable, a VEX programming module, and a RJ11 phone cable. For the software, a MPLAB C18compiler for the VEX system provides a true C programming environment. The USB-to-SerialCable, VEX programming module, and phone cable are to be connected together as shown inFigure 1 (a). Figure 1 (b) shows the downloading of a program into the VEX controller. (a

Conference Session

Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Frank Schreiber, California Polytechnic State University; Andrew Kean, California Polytechnic State University; Glen Thorncroft, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

attention that they probably deserve. Also, we havenoticed that faculty and lecturer understanding of some fundamental thermodynamic conceptscould be better. In that context, this paper describes our efforts to develop an MEA whichaccomplishes the following goals: 1) has a laboratory component 2) requires minimal (and inexpensive) equipment to be purchased 3) reinforces the similarity and differences between work and heat transfer 4) clarifies the similarity and differences between reversible and irreversible work 5) addresses both ideal and non-ideal behavior of air 6) expands understanding of the polytropic process assumption and choice of exponents 7) provides opportunity to investigate the validity of

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Controls Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Driss Benhaddou, University of Houston; Alan Rolf Mickelson, University of Colorado, Boulder

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

course. A major component of our work will be outcome assessmentand the continuous improvement model that will be used to adapt online laboratories to providean effective hands-on experience to the students in online setting. Page 14.259.2 1 Figure 1: The Kolb learning styles inventory that is depicted to the left has become so ingrained in learn

Conference Session

Experiments in Remote-access Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Egbert, Missouri State University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

allowed studentsat MSU to perform laboratory experiments via distance using the equipment in the ElectricalEngineering labs on the Missouri S&T campus.Description of the new Laboratory FacilityThe end result was an Electrical Engineering laboratory room that was approximately 35 feetlong and 25 feet wide. The view looking toward the front of the room is shown in Figure 1. Aview looking to the back of the room is shown in Figure 2. Page 14.73.3.Figure 1. Electrical Engineering Laboratory room viewed from the back Page 14.73.4Figure 2. Electrical Engineering Laboratory room

Conference Session

Experiments in Remote-access Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Hyder, Georgia Institute of Technology; Brian Post, Georgia Institute of Technology; Dirk Schaefer, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

physical laboratories how they can be implemented throughtoday’s technologies. Templates for developing a cohesive set of remote laboratories areidentified along with Nemours IT considerations. In addition to the requirements related totechnology, educational impacts are addressed. An example of a Control Systems experiment isthen presented as an example of a functioning remote laboratory.1. Introduction The engineering students of yesterday have permanently changed the way we presentlylive and work with technology. It is essential that we take full advantage of their contributions inorder to prepare the minds of the future. Advancements in telecommunication practices havemade learning from remote locations viable, thereby granting access

Conference Session

DELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Rogers, United States Military Academy; Robert Rabb, United States Military Academy; Christopher Korpela, United States Military Academy; Ryan Ebel, United States Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

-innovative solutions require theintegration of introductory computer programming and microcontroller functions with electricaland mechanical engineering applications. These unique interdisciplinary activities are designedto reinforce classical control theory learned in a prerequisite course. Students cite the hands-onactivities in course feedback as relevant applications that help develop deeper understanding andgreater appreciation for the theory learned in the classroom. Working through the experiments inorder builds student confidence to solve open-ended problems in interdisciplinary teams. Theinitial assessments of our hands-on approach have been positive.1. IntroductionAt West Point, a Mechatronics course wasdeveloped to teach subject matter

Conference Session

Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Messiha Saad, North Carolina A&T State University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. Page 14.662.2 ≠ Entropy analysis. ≠ Isentropic analysis and the study of turbine/nozzle efficiency. ≠ Heat transfer analysis and the study of boiler efficiency. ≠ Combustion processes. ≠ Vapor power system fundamentals. ≠ Electric power generation. ≠ Experimental and data acquisition technique.Specifications of the Rankine Cycle Used in this ExperimentThe steam electric power plant used in the laboratory is known commercially as the “RankineCyclerTM “, Figures 1-7, and is manufactured by Turbine Technologies, Ltd. It consists of atube-type fossil-fueled boiler with an operating pressure of 120 psig (827 kPa) and temperatureof 482″ F (250″ C), along with a steam turbine/generator and condenser tower mounted on arigid

Conference Session

LABVIEW-Based Experiments and Robotics Laboratory

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alejandra J. Magana; Sean Brophy; George Bodner, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. Asdescribed on the nanoHUB.org website, key characteristics of the nanoHUB.org simulation toolsthat make them good resources for incorporation into classroom environments are: a) they wereproduced by researchers in the NCN focus areas, b) they are easily accessed online from a webbrowser powered by a highly sophisticated architecture that taps into national grid resources, andc) they provide a consistent interactive graphical user interface—i.e. Rappture, which makeseven the most esoteric computational model approachable to experts and non-experts. Rapptureis a toolkit that allows the incorporation of a friendly graphical user interface with the simulationtools in the nanoHUB.org (McLennan, 2005) 2 . For example, Figure 1 illustrates a typical

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Controls Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kayode P. Ayodele, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Olawale Akinwale, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Lawrence Kehinde, Texas Southern University; Oladipo O. Osasona, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; E.O.B. ajayi, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; O.O. Akinwunmi, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

station is an example of a sensor experiment.ADLab was developed based on the iLab Batched Architecture, which is the iLab softwarearchitecture that supports batched experiments(see Figure 1). It resembles the typical three-tier enterprise web application architecture with the following tiers: ≠ The first tier is the lab client. It is usually a rich internet application, running within a web browser. ≠ The middle tier is the service broker. It is a web application which provides the authentication and authorization and administrative functionality. The service broker is a freely available open source web application developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The lab

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Controls Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shuju Wu, Southeast Missouri State University; Ragu Athinarayanan, Southeast Missouri State University; Xiaobing Hou, Southeast Missouri State University; Charlie Wallgren, Southeast Missouri State University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

fiber optic network coexist withdata, voice and video traffic. Our preliminary study indicates that our students show much moreinterest in working in such a lab environment. No matter what individual course they are taking,the students can always see a big picture of the network, which shows great resemblance of thereal world Internet and applications. In the meanwhile, more research work, such as the topicsrequire a mixed type network and traffic, can be conducted conveniently.1. IntroductionThe Telecommunications and Computer Networking (TCN) program at Southeast Missouri StateUniversity aims to provide students a balanced education between theory and technical expertise,considering that standard engineering courses focus on the technical

Conference Session

Innovation in Laboratory Studies and Outreach Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Douglas Sugg, United States Navy; Bruce Galloway, United States Navy; John Fishell, STEP

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

BRAC and its aftermath, the current NSWC CoronaDivision demographic distribution by age and tenure is displayed in Figure 1. Note the largenumber of young, inexperienced workers as well as the large number of older, experiencedworkers with a large trough in the middle. This illustrates the clear need for a broad basedsystematic approach that nourishes the “Front End” of the engineering pipeline to encourage theavailability of future quality engineering students ready for hire and also addresses the urgentneed to effectively train and advance hired employees to replace an increasingly aging andretiring workforce. Figure 1. Age vs. Tenure DemographicAs a result of the experiences over these many years with obtaining

Conference Session

Innovation in Laboratory Studies and Outreach Programs

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Georgia Harris, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Elizabeth Gentry, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

articles to the measurement community,hosting science-fair like events at measurement conferences, developing additional resources andtools for outreach to schools, inviting local professors and students to measurement conferencesand regional meetings, and visiting universities.Metrology Ambassador GuidanceIn 2008 NCSLI began the development of a Metrology Ambassador program for outreach to K –12 students and early university students. The organization wrote a series of articles in itsnewsletter to tell people 1) How You can be a Metrology Ambassador to give them ideas aboutmaking contact with teachers 2) Interviews with Metrology Ambassadors to give them an idea ofwhat some key people have been doing (six members were interviewed) and 3

Conference Session

DELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jerry Keska, University of Louisiana, Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. Laboratory ExperimentsThe course, designed for the undergraduate junior level, was a two-semester course for a total offour credit hours. It was conducted as a three-hour laboratory in conjunction with a one-hourweekly classroom lecture in mechanical engineering. Previously, the course used the same format,but the laboratory activities were demonstrative instead of hands-on, and the application ofcomputer-aided measurement systems was limited. In accordance with the ABET accreditationprocess, the university recognized an urgent need to develop a computerized, state-of-the-art,hands-on instrumentation and measurements laboratory for these classes.The development process of the new laboratory proceeded according to five main criteria: (1) thecreation

Conference Session

Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Atin Sinha, Albany State University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

earlyyears of education to RP and reverse engineering. After a detailed assessment2 of affordablehardware and software tools currently available, a new fully functional reverse engineeringfacility has been established and the first laboratory project has been added to the introductoryengineering course at Albany State University (ASU) in the fall 2008 semester.Rapid Prototyping / 3D Scanning / Reverse EngineeringCollectively RP is used to indicate the additive manufacturing processes where the part is madeby depositing or sintering layers of thermoplastic resin by a laser beam driven by the part’s solidmodel definition generated by CAD software as the part evolves from the bottom up. Fromintroduction of the first RP machine, SLA -1 by 3D Systems in

Conference Session

DELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Guido Lopez, Old Dominion University; Anthony Seaber, Old Dominion University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

systems commercially available that suits eventhe most modest budget. Figure 1, for example, shows a typical configuration of a dataacquisition system offered by AIM Sports specifically designed for motor racing.Both, the data collected and the analysis performed by the use of data acquisition systemscan be subdivided into suitable categories. This subdivision normally depends on theintended application of a data acquisition system. In car racing, for example, it is Page 14.1257.5common to break down the collected data into the following categories:(a) Vital functions of the car,(b) Driver Activity, and(c) Chassis Physical Parameters.The number of

Conference Session

Experiments in Remote-access Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

M. Reza Emami, University of Toronto; Michael G. Helander, University of Toronto

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

-mediated interface. Two groups of studentsperformed the same experiment proximally and remotely using the same computer interface, andthe learning outcomes are examined.1. Introduction The computer is ubiquitous across all engineering disciplines, and has had dramatic impact onthe nature of the engineering profession. No longer is the computer a mere tool in the engineer’stoolkit, but rather it has become a fundamental component of an engineer’s daily work. Morerecently, the rapid expansion and maturation of the internet, has resulted in the computer alsobeing adopted as a powerful collaborative medium for global engineering.The computer and the internet have also been widely adopted in education, increasing bothstudents’ learning efficiency and

Conference Session

Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Laboratories

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Edwards, Pennsylvania State University, Erie; Gerald Recktenwald, Portland State University; Brian Benini, Case Western Reserve University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

the tank. Page 14.37.4Test Apparatus:Figure 1 shows a schematic of the equipment for this laboratory exercise. Figure 2 is a picture ofthe actual apparatus used at PSB. The apparatus at PSU is similar. The key components arelisted below: • Pressure transducer to measure pressure at mounted location • Uniform diameter tank • Stepped tank (two diameter tank) • Power supply to supply power to the pressure transducer. • Data Acquisition Device (DAQ) for digitizing the pressure transducer output. • Computer to record and display the output from the pressure transducer

Conference Session

DELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2009 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gene Liao, Wayne State University; Chih-Ping Yeh, Wayne State University; Qunfang Liao, Panasonic Automotive Systems

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. It also means that multiple nodes can act upon the samemessage, allowing multicasting capabilities. As shown in Fig. 1, a number of electronic controlunits used to control engine, transmission, drive information, antilock brake system, door mainand other controllers are typically connected together to form a CAN bus. Page 14.831.3 Figure 1. An example of CAN connection diagram in the vehicleThis paper presents a laboratory development of a real-time controller for a small PM BLDCmotor through a network system. The network system uses a CAN communication bus totransmit/receive information between modules to control the speed