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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Vicki V. May

designed and constructed auniversally-accessible treehouse for a local community park. The class, with an average enrollment of 25, is anelective that is typically taken by juniors and seniors interested in mechanical or structural engineering (Dartmouthdoes not have separate departments). Solid Mechanics (i.e., Statics and Mechanics of Materials) is the only pre-requisite for the course. Upon completing the course, students should be able to:  Design, analyze, and construct a basic structural system,  Create appropriate mathematical models for structural systems,  Approximate the response of structures, and  Compute actions and deformations in structures. 1 Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, 14

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Edwin Schmeckpeper; Ashley Ater Kranov; Steve Beyerlein; Jay McCormack; Pat Pedrow

EDUCATIONProficiency in engineering professional skills is critical for success in the multidisciplinary, intercultural teaminteractions that characterize 21st century engineering careers. To ensure continued competitiveness ofAmerican educated and trained engineers in the rapidly changing environment of the world economyand pressing global problems, engineering education must help students integrate professional andtechnical skills for more robust problem solving [1]. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop in studentsa deep understanding of the importance of the professional skills. Colleges and universities must align their curriculaand teaching with the 21century workplace demands.Unfortunately, engineering programs across the nation have struggled

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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A. Ieta; R. Manseur; M. Hromalik

facilities, equipment, coursecontent, and the design of course material for studio delivery. This experience, aimed at enhancing student learning,may be of interest to other instructors contemplating the use of studio-teaching in their own programs.Keywords: studio-style instruction, active learning, peer-interaction, new engineering program. INTRODUCTIONEngineering graduates with the best practical design, analysis, and team effort skills will have the best careeropportunities [1]. However, students often find it difficult to connect the theoretical and practical aspects ofengineering [2]. Increased motivation and participation in the learning process helps students work harder and learnfaster. A

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Sujata K. Bhatia; Brad Crane; David Goligorsky; Joseph P. Zinter; Gu-Yeon Wei

, constructively criticized venue. One team of students created a toolbox for ahigh school graduate transitioning to college. Another team of students created a tool for selecting a college major.At the conclusion of the course, students completed an anonymous survey which assessed attitudes and motivationto solve open-ended problems, address societal needs, and pursue further study in engineering; the results are shownin Figure 1. The results suggest that the design thinking workshop positively reinforced student motivations to solveopen-ended problems; students were in strong agreement with statements regarding enjoyment of problem-solving.The short course also positively reinforced student perceptions and enthusiasm for studying engineering

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Steven Kirstukas; Nidal Al-Masoud

take them early in their education andthey usually begin by reverse engineering a part design from an existing part, and as their skill improves theyprogress towards true engineering design.Keywords: Assessment, Evaluation, ABET Outcomes, CAD, Solid Modeling 1 Engineering Dept., Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley St., New Britain,CT 06050, kirstukas@ccsu.edu 2 Engineering Dept., Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley St., New Britain,CT 06050, almasoudn@ccsu.edu2012 ASEE Northeast Section Conference University of Massachusetts LowellExtended Abstract April 27-28, 2012

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Cullen A. Jones

Concrete Training Aids in the Classroom MAJ Cullen A. Jones, P.E.1 Abstract – This article provides an overview of recently developed training aids and classroom demonstrationsused in design of reinforced concrete and masonry structures organized by overarching concepts of flexural andshear design and general masonry design. Teaching a senior level design course to young engineers can be adaunting task at times. The teacher and students stand at the border where principle meets practice. It is an excitingand challenging time for the students as they take the knowledge they have gained from previous courses and yourcurrent instruction and start to create solutions that can be made into

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Zhiyong Gu; Bridgette Budhlall; Hongwei Sun; Carol Barry; Alfred Donatelli; Jill Lohmeier

manufacturing nanodevices into undergraduate curricula remains a bigchallenge. To address this educational challenge and generate practical ways of introducing nanotechnology intoundergraduate education with a focus on manufacturing nanodevices, five faculty from three engineeringdepartments (Chemical, Mechanical and Plastics Engineering) have created an interdisciplinary course - "NanoscaleTransport Phenomena for Manufacturing Nanodevices", principles of nanoscale transport phenomena needed formanufacturing of nanodevices (Figure 1).The course was offered for the first time as an elective to seniors in the University of Massachusetts Lowell’sFrancis College of Engineering in the fall semester of 2011. The course was presented through lectures, hands

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Joseph J. Helble; Carolyn E. Fraser; Eric R. Fossum

Dartmouth’s Ph.D. Innovation Program Joseph J. Helble, Carolyn E. Fraser, and Eric R. Fossum 1Abstract – Dartmouth’s Ph.D. Innovation Program is described. The rationale and structure of the four-year oldprogram is discussed. Significant success in its objectives to contribute to the Nation’s technological and economicleadership has already been achieved by the program despite its youth and small size.Keywords: Innovation, Enterprise, Entrepreneur, Ph.D., Dartmouth INTRODUCTIONIn 2005, “Innovate America”, a report from the National Innovation Summit, was released by the Council onCompetitiveness [1]. This report, authored by individuals drawn from the

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Jessica Dawn Ventura

. According to the American Society forEngineering Education, 6.2% of bachelor degrees, 46.1% of masters degrees, and 61.7% of doctoral degrees inengineering were earned by foreign nationals in 2011 [1]. The Institute of International Education reports that thenumber of foreign nationals in US engineering programs in 2011 increased by 6% increase from 2010 [2]. Inaddition, the rate at which universities in countries like China and India are educating engineers is on the rise [3],supplying more foreign-born engineers to the global workplace. While some foreign nationals return to theircountry of citizenship, many are entering the American workforce. On the other hand, more engineering jobs arebeing relocated overseas. While this has been a trend in

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James A. Lee; Michael J. D'Agostino

for SustainabilityThe estimated volume of concrete produced in 2011 in the U.S. was 500 million cubic yards. In terms of rawmaterials, this volume represents the consumption of 900 million lbs. of stone, 600 million lbs. of sand, 300 millionlbs. of cement and 18 million gallons of water. The Portland Cement Association, (PCA), estimates that the cementindustry is responsible for 1% of mankind’s carbon footprint, while others claim it is as high as 5%. As a teachinginstitution that has numerous degree programs preparing graduates in construction and related built environmentcareers, it is necessary to both teach and practice principles of sustainability in regard to construction materials.While an academic laboratory consumes very small

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Joanna A. Badara; Buket Barkana; Nelson Ngoh; Allen Cook

providespecialized, in-depth and advanced knowledge and skills in the discipline. This initiative alsoplays an important role in the early development of a STEM program in the School of Education.Keywords: engineering education, science teacher education, crossdisciplinary initiatives in STEM education 1 University of Bridgeport, 126 Park Avenue, Carlson Hall 117, Bridgeport, CT, 06604 ibadara@bridgeport.edu2012 ASEE Northeast Section Conference University of Massachusetts LowellExtended Abstract April 27-28, 2012

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Basile Panoutsopoulos

to avoid decline of students’ attention during long sessions.As an example we consider a second order system that is driven by a step function. We realize the system using anelectrical application, a resistor, capacitor, and inductor connected in series and driven by a constant voltage source.An RLC is described, using Kirchhoff’s voltage law, by a second order differential equation of the form uL  uR  uC  VS du iC dt 2 d u R du 1 1  2

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Brian Savilonis; Kent Rissmiller

Great Problem Seminars: Engaging First Year Students in Project-Based Learning Brian Savilonis,1 Kent Rissmiller 2In the early 1970’s, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) promoted project-based learning to the core of itsacademic program. At that time, WPI redesigned its graduation requirements to include two required projects [2].One project is undertaken within the student’s major field of study is completed during the senior year. A secondproject is usually completed during the junior year and challenges students to work on an interdisciplinary problemat the interface of science, technology, and societal needs [4]. For both projects, effective teamwork is a key skillemphasized

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Valeria Matinuzzi; Danielle Peterson; Sean Iacobone; Salah Badjou

Frappucino coffee beverage wasused as a coffee model during research and experimentation because of it’s more uniform and readily availableinformation. The drink contains brewed coffee, reduced fat milk, sugar, and preservatives. It contains 75mg ofcaffeine, which is slightly less than average for a cup of coffee.2012 ASEE Northeast Section Conference University of Massachusetts LowellReviewed Paper April 27-28, 2012Table 1: Ingredients Red Bull 5-Hour Energy Coffee (Frappuccino)Caffeine 80mg Yes

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David Kazmer; Katie Bardaro

Engineering Salary Modeling and Analysis David Kazmer1 and Katie Bardaro2Abstract – Engineering salaries vary greatly by academic major, field of practice, and depth of expertise. Thispaper analyzes salary profile data abstracted from the Payscale.com database, the world’s largest database of self-reported incomes (that contains ~8% of the salary data for all U.S. engineers). A non-linear model is developed thatmodels the trajectory of the salary profile as a function of time with three parameters: 1) the base salary at the onsetof engineering work, 2) the annual rate of salary increase, and 3) the rate of salary decay. The resulting model has ahigh degree of correlation, such that the

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Gonca Altuger-Genc

, freshman level Plastics Engineering students will be introduced to the major and they will also get anopportunity to give back to the community.This study will review the integration of service-learning project, and will also provide samples of student work.Students’ experience and feedback on the subject will be presented in detail. This study is funded by UMass LowellService Learning Faculty GrantsKeywords: Service learning, freshman engineering course, Plastics Engineering 1 University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue Lowell MA, 01854,gonca_altugergenc@uml.edu2012 ASEE Northeast Section Conference University of Massachusetts LowellExtended Abstract

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Vijay Kanabar

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Francis J. Hopcroft

sorely tested by theirnewly formed alliances. Those who bring the strongest personalities to the table, typically high school athletes,honor students, or those who held a meaningful job during high school, will dominate the group. Self-confidence,physical strength or size, an air of worldly knowledge, and similar characteristics tend to allow some students tobecome group leaders by default. 1. Civil Engineering and Technology Department, Wentworth Institute of Technology, 550 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA2012 ASEE Northeast Section Conference University of Massachusetts LowellReviewed Paper April

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Brian Davis; Chris Dorchester; Ted Geldmacher; Tim William; Salah Badjou

In-Pipe Water Generator Brian Davis,1 Chris Dorchester,2 Ted Geldmacher, 3 Tim William,4 Salah Badjou, PhD.5Abstract – With today’s high energy demands and concerns, the wave of the future is clean, renewable energy.There is untapped, wasted energy flowing through our towns’ water mains. With an in-line turbine generator, thiscontinuous flow of water can be harnessed and converted to electrical energy. The proposal was to design and buildturbine generators to generate the optimum amount of electrical energy based on town pipe diameters and flow rates,and geographical location. With these generators installed and connected to town grids, the demand on power plantswill be reduced, thus, cutting down

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Marc Veletzos P.E.

talk by ProjectMedishare Co-Founder Dr. Art Fournier in Fall 2010. Project Medishare for Haiti is a medical non-profitorganization that works together with the people of Haiti to provide rural communities with quality healthcare anddevelopment services. Our efforts in Haiti are divided into three phases: Phase 1. Study and observe the problems facing the Haitian people. Phase 2. Develop projects and programs that are able to answer these needs in an ongoing, sustainable manner. Phase 3. Implement these programs and projects with the help of Project Medishare and the Haitian people.Phase 1 of the initiative occurred in the summer of 2011, when faculty and staff from civil engineering, campusministry, and health sciences participated in

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Jerald D. Cole

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Carlos Luck

larger engineering programs employ. The approach enables just-in-time delivery of alaboratory experience, as the concepts are being presented. Consequently, there are no separate laboratory classes inour engineering curriculum. Most of our classrooms are laboratory-integrated. This method of delivery has been ourexperience with the EE program for over 20 years, and we were successful in extending the practice to the MEcourses. The integrated curriculum is shown in Figure 1. We addressed the problems of limited faculty resources and small class sizes during this build-up phase ofthe program by implementing a 2-year rotation of upper-division courses – both required and elective – in a way thatdoes not compromise degree progress for those

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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John W. Duggan; Michael Davidson; Leonard Anderson

Promoting Intra-Disciplinary Design in Civil Engineering Technology: An Approach to Comprehensive Capstone Design Through Faculty and Practitioner Mentorship John W. Duggan, Ph.D., P.E.(1), Michael Davidson, P.E.(2), Leonard Anderson, Ph.D., C.P.C.(3)Abstract - Working in teams, civil engineering technology students develop an open-ended design on a project of theirchoosing. The design integrates several design and engineering concepts including design alternatives, designassumptions, value engineering, cost, safety, construction feasibility, construction scheduling, engineering ethics andengineering economy. All projects include elements of civil engineering sub-disciplines, including structural, hydraulic,site

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Navarun Gupta; Sarosh Patel; Manan Joshi; Bhushan Dharmadhikari; Lawrence V. Hmurcik

cases ofhigh voltage accidents. Each accident teaches something different about electricity and electric safety.Let us first begin with some clarifications. By formal definition, high voltage is defined as any voltage above 600volts. Below 600 volts, one should consult the NEC (National Electric Code) for the rules of electrical installationand safety [3, 26]. Above 600 volts, the better safety code is written by OSHA (Osha). This should not in any waydiminish the danger of low voltage circuits. People die in their homes every day from electrocution caused by 120and 220 volt sources [24]. Statistically, high voltage deaths are only about 1/3 of the total electrocutions surveyedeach year [25]. Furthermore, we have personal experience of visiting

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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David O. Kazmer

strengths and opportunities for UML. This exercise proved to be clarifying, with thecommunicated strengths including: 1) balance of practical training with engineering education, 2) geographic nichewith local access, 3) excellent value proposition, and 4) highly collaborative environment. Faculty proposed manyopportunities for advancing teaching/learning including project “maker” space, new engineering minors, more socialevents, and greater alumni involvement. Some of the suggested research opportunities included rationalization ofresearch spaces, establishment of graduate student offices, improving the quality of doctoral students with standardoffers, and development of larger research centers. Faculty also suggested administrative initiatives

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

Authors

Christian Dietz; Dennis Sugrue

, one review and two requiring class preparation. The results were plottedagainst overall course grades, listed below in Figure 1. It showed that the outcome of a student’s class preparation generally correlates to the student’sperformance in the class. The wide range in course grades for students with similar course preparation scores(effort). The students who earned an A+ on all course preparation assignments had final grades range from an A+ toa C. Students who gave a strong effort by preparing for class routinely were either doing well or failed to meetexpectations on major graded events. Using Blackboard is an excellent method to filter out the A students andidentify the B and below students who may need more one-on-one

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Richard Harris; Hameed Metghalchi; Claire Duggan; Emanuel Mason; Rachelle Reisberg; Deepti Dutt

%, and Asians from 4% to 9% [22]. Despite comprising a growing portion of the U.S. workforce,minority populations continue to be under-represented in engineering. In 1997, Blacks made up 10.3% of the U.S. 1 Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, ri.harris@neu.edu 2Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, m.metghalchi@neu.edu 3 Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, c.duggan@neu.edu 4 Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, e.mason@neu.edu 5 Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, r.reisberg@neu.edu 6 Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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John Finnie

crossed under the abandoned railroad grade in Mattapoisett, you can see a dip in the bike pathcaused by settling of the fill. However, few other physical traces of its existence persist.Topographic maps which show historical roads and railroads are available. The NB&O operated for only a fewdecades, and none of these topographic maps depict its period of operation. Route maps are available which show 1 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, 285 OldWestport Road, North Dartmouth, MA, 02747-2300, jfinnie@umassd.edu2012 ASEE Northeast Section Conference University of Massachusetts LowellReviewed Paper

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Franco Capaldi

Development of an Online Statics Homework System Franco Capaldi1Since the late 1990’s, there has been an explosion of web based platforms for the submission and grading ofhomework. There are many advantages to online homework submission including (1) students obtain immediatefeedback, (2) they can be used to randomize questions and eliminate blatant cheating, and (3) they can be used toprovide just in time tutorials and information when needed. Many online homework systems such as WebAssign,CAPA, and Blackboard offer a wide range of question types such as multiple choice question formats, fill in theblank, and numerical answer evaluation. However, in the field of engineering, obtaining the

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2012 Northeast Section Meeting

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Christopher Swan; Xinyu Wang; Kurt Paterson; Krissy Guzak

Impact of Service on Engineering Students: Preliminary Findings on Knowledge and Skills of Students Christopher Swan 1, Xinyu Wang2, Kurt Paterson 3, Krissy Guzak 4Over the last few years, concerns have escalated among many national organizations that technical expertise is nolonger solely sufficient for the development of future engineers 1,2,3,7. Additionally, in the United States engineeringprograms continue to struggle to attract students, especially women and minorities, despite decades of strategies tochange these patterns. The need for a “paradigm shift” is recognized; one that broadens the attributes provided by,the diversity of those who participate in, and the benefits