Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Harry Knickle

enrollment in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs. There are two major tasks. These are activities that focus on both recruiting and retention. The recruitment effort includes a five Saturday science and engineering project during the regular semesters and summer bridge projects, as well as a series of other activities. Undergraduate student mentors help, our laboratory technicians and the department chairs are essential to making these efforts successful. The URI student societies of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) have been invaluable in this recruitment program. The other major ingredient is to form partnerships with the schools. We partner with

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Siben Dasgupta

Teaching Digital Signal Processing with MATLAB,Simulink and DSP Kits A Practical, Cohesive, and Hands-On Approach Siben Dasgupta Associate Professor, Wentworth Institute of TechnologyAbstractThis paper provides an introduction to Digital Signal Processing topics taught in the undergraduateelectronics /computer engineering programs at Wentworth Institute of Technology. This paper describeshow Wentworth Institute of Technology provides “hands on” experience with real signals by using a“laboratory” based on MATLAB and SIMULINK running on PC’s. In addition, an innovative approach isprovided in this paper for integrating DSP course in to the graduate program

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Suxia Cui; John Fuller; Pamela Holland-Obiomon; Warsame H. Ali

(NNSA) withinthe Department of Energy specifies its national security missions including increasing publicawareness of nuclear security and reducing the threaten of global nuclear proliferation. Alignedwith the above mentioned NNSA missions, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) launched acollaboration project to conduct research on the sensor and detector applications to nuclearmaterials sponsored by the Department of Energy. PVAMU is the second oldest institution ofhigher education in the state of Texas and an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities).With the support from national research laboratories, this collaborative project brings togetherseveral departments within the College of Engineering at PVAMU, which include

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ali Moazed; Richard L Roberts; Xiaobin Le P.E.; Anthony William Duva P.E.

with its details.Students are first introduced to the concept of FEA in their “Strength of Materials” course duringthe sophomore year through a tutorial as part of a laboratory exercise. Some students becomemore familiar with FEA while taking “Machine Design”, which is a technical elective course,offered during the junior year. The formal introduction to FEA, offered in the last semester of thestudent’s curriculum is given with two hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.The first lecture reviews the concept of FEA, without involving any theoretical development.Subsequent lectures cover practical modeling and analysis techniques usually not available inFEA textbooks. The laboratory component allows students to practice what was

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Antonio F. Mondragon-Torres

system should have some of the following characteristics:ultra-low power, security, robust, reliable, accurate, cost-effective. Throughout theMicrocomputers course, the instructor emphasized and gave examples on how to use the availabletechnology to think in terms of energy awareness, making smart products, communicateinformation using secure techniques, and how to perform computations on demand rather thancontinuously in order to save power. Unfortunately on a single course, and with no previous knowledge of microprocessors andmicrocontroller systems, we were not able to fully teach and cover ultra-low power applications,other than couple laboratory exercises and lectures to show how the microcontroller can enter asleep state and just wake up

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Chiara Silvestri; Adriana Hera; Malcolm H. Ray; Siamak Najafi

]. It canbe used for numeric computation, data analysis, data visualization and algorithm developmentfor a wide range of applications. Since, as its name suggests (MATrix LABoratory), Matlab isespecially designed for matrix operations, we found this software as the appropriate tool fornumeric computation to be integrated in a “Matrix Analysis of Structures” course. ANSYS is a family of products used to numerically solve, by using finite element (FE)method, a wide variety of engineering problem in the field of structural mechanics, heat transfer,fluid dynamics, as well as acoustic and electromagnetic and coupled field analyses [2]. ANSYSis one of the standard Finite Element Analysis (FEA) teaching tools in many universities. In“Matrix

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Elif Kongar; Kurt A. Rosentrater

Engineering, 141 Technology Building, Bridgeport, CT 06604, Phone: (203) 576-4379, Fax: (203)576-4750, E-mail : kongar@bridgeport.edu2 Kurt A. Rosentrater, Ph.D., USDA, ARS, North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory, 2923 Medary Ave., Brookings, SD,57006, USA, Phone: (605) 693-3241; Fax: (605) 693-5240; E-mail: krosentr@ngirl.ars.usda.govalong with current and potential benefits. The classroom projects focused on campussustainability, and provided students with an easily accessible, real life, problem-solvingenvironment. In addition, students had the chance to gain experience in data collection andanalysis, to improve their problem solving skills with an increase in their awareness of energyand environment. Sample classroom projects are

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Gautham Das; Rishi Cariappa

investigations where undertaken and various geotechnicaltests were conducted. Students assisted in obtaining soil samples and were involved in both thefield and laboratory geotechnical testing.Student Activities and InnovationsStudents were involved from preliminary investigations to all aspects of design and constructionof the road. One of the initial activities was to survey the existing ground surface and make surethat the road blend into the existing ground. Certain parts of the road were laid out previouslyhowever the road had to be modified to meet the existing requirements as set by MOST.Students were involved in all surveying activities; a rotary level was used to determine theground surface elevations. Once the elevations were identified and

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Douglas E. Dow; Stephanie Cheney

auditory, the struggle to learn fromthe traditional lecture and textbook reading format inhibits learning. Educational methods existto reach more of these students and provide an engaging, relevant learning experience for theclass as a whole. Interactive delivery of content and assessment enhance learning for manystudents. Additionally, utilizing a variety of assessment methods provides a more holistic viewof a student's mastery of concepts. Interactive web sites can be integrated into learning modulesutilized as homework or laboratory assignments within a traditional course. Another approachcould involve interacting with large databases that are accessible on the web, such as databasesrelated to patents, journal articles, genomic sequences

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Andrew C. Foley; Eben H. Phillips

Immediate linking of tolerance theory to hardware fabrication in a sophomore design course. Dr. Andrew C. Foley P.E. LCDR Eben H. Phillips P.E. U.S Coast Guard Academy, New London, CTAbstract This paper describes a teaching methodology where in order to bring a sense ofimportance to the potentially “dry topic” of tolerances, classroom theory is linkedimmediately to practical machining and assembly exercises. An introductory sophomoredesign course at the U.S Coast Guard Academy involves a substantial laboratory elementembracing basic drafting and more advanced 3D CAD instruction followed by

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Peter S. Rourke

numerical control (CNC), oreven computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software and machine simulators. Indeed, most equipmentin an advanced machine laboratory does not have any actual handles at all, only virtual ones.This paper discusses how the exciting world of advanced manufacturing machine control can beintroduced when algebra topics are being studied at high school. While teaching the basics of theCartesian coordinate system a few simple numerical control machine codes are also explained. Thisenables students to compose the code required to complete simple movements of a cutter andunderstand concepts of computer related manufacturing. Free, easy to use simulation software allowsthe students to test their code.This approach has been used in a

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Lisa Shatz

active learners,and, in written evaluations, were very positive about this activity. In 2008, one of our teamsplaced as a finalist for a design of a watch that monitors vital signs, winning $1000 and theopportunity to meet with venture capitalists to discuss bringing their product to marketbeating out more than 200 other entries.This class gave students the opportunity to develop other important engineering skills. Otherassignments include the design of an original experiment, and summarizing talks given byvisits from a Suffolk alumnus of the department who works at Canon Design Inc and a groupleader from a local defense laboratory. They also explored the ethical consequences ofengineering decisions in an assignment on the Space Shuttle

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Junichi Kanai; Jeff P. Morris; Mark Anderson

Project-Based Engineering Design Courses and Computer Literacy Junichi Kanai, Jeff Morris, and Mark Anderson O.T. Swanson Multidisciplinary Design Laboratory Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Session: Tools, techniques, and best practices of engineering education for digital generation AbstractThe current generation of college students grew up with personal computers, the Internet, andother digital “gadgets”. Despite their confidence, typical students in sophomore and senior levelengineering design courses utilize only the basic features of software tools, such as wordprocessing, graph generation, information sharing

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

David Potter

A context for unstructured experimentation: What resources are available to the student tinkerer? David Potter Northeastern University College of Engineering Session 2: Tools, techniques, and best practices of engineering education for the digital generation “What I hear, I forget; What I see, I remember; What I do, I understand.” – Old Chinese proverb Abstract: Education for the digital generation can be thought of as a process of classroom and laboratory learning

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Robert Simoneau; Diane Dostie

numerical control (CNC)machines and use precision measuring and inspection instruments. Students may pursue anassociate in applied science degree or a one-year certificate. The Precision Machining Technologyprogram is accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The PrecisionMachining laboratory at CMCC is housed in a 10,000 square-foot space with seventy two machinesincluding 16 lathes, 18 milling machines, 18 grinders, 6 CNC centers and a variety of otherequipment.The Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAMe) The Manufacturers Association of Maine, Maine’s Multi-Industry Connection is a state-wideindustry association representing manufacturing, corporate, affiliate and student members. Theirmission is to work for

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Tom Goulding

well as a scoring rubric which is used forbeyond beginning concepts to find programming assessing student work and assigning a grade. Highsolutions that create more elegant and efficient scores are based on functional completeness, onsolutions. In order to complete this first GM- time delivery and technical sophistication. These,method assignment students have to research, of course, are all the things that matter in theexplore and master concepts that would normally workplacebe discussed six to seven weeks into a typicalbeginning programming class.The Laboratory respect is based on competence and helpfulness not

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Salah Badjou

tackling interdisciplinary projects in all their electricaland mechanical complexity. In addition, the graduates have excellent laboratory and machineshop skills. Recently [1]-[2], a biomedical systems engineering specialization was established inthe form of a concentration within this well established electromechanical engineering program. In addition to its interdisciplinary approach, the electromechanical engineering programalong with the biomedical systems engineering concentration is primarily project-based. This isdone as follows: in the 2nd semester of their freshman year, students enrolled in the programtake a freshman introduction to engineering design course, ENGR 160, having 4 credits (2lecture hours, 4 lab hours). In the spring

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Chitra N. Javdekar

heavy in technical subjects such asPhysics, Chemistry and Calculus in order to prepare them for more of the “engineering” classes in theirsophomore year.A basic analysis of the courses taken at a four-year public institution in Massachusetts showed thatStudents typically spend eighty percent of the time spent in taking courses in the freshman year intaking courses that are not directly linked to their chosen profession of engineering. It should be notedthat this also represents the time the “engineering” students do not get to interact with engineeringfaculty, or experience engineering laboratories or experience engineering as a profession. In the secondyear, the ratio of non-engineering courses to engineering courses lowered to about forty

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ismail I. Orabi

journals and conference proceedings. Hisresearch interests include theoretical and computational investigation in the area of mechanicalvibrations and dynamic systems and control. Professor Orabi has received a number of researchawards from the State of Connecticut and Untied Technologies. He has established twoLaboratories: the Materials Testing Laboratory sponsored by the National Science Foundation,and the Engineering Multimedia Laboratory funded by AT&T. He is a member of ASME andASEE.Contact InformationIsmail I Orabi, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical, Civil & EnvironmentalEngineering Department, 300 Boston Post Road, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT06516, Phone: 203 932 7144, iorabi@newhaven.edu

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Solomon G. Diamond

efficient design optimization because computational power isdirected to the aspects of design problems where simulation is most needed. In education, theintegrated approach transforms analytical solutions from equations on paper to dramaticallyillustrated solid models. Students can also use simulation to cross check analytical results. Whenused in the weekly homework assignments of a Solid Mechanics course at the Thayer School ofEngineering, students spontaneously questioned and discussed solution discrepancies. They weremotivated to re-examine their analytical methods and to question assumptions in simulation. TheCAD environment and simulation is in effect a digital laboratory for students to test solutionswith numerical experiments. The students

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Kevin John McDonnell; Anne Joan Caraccio; Nithin Susan Abraham; Nicholas Alexander Ruffini; Susan Gallardo; James Patrick Abulencia

. With respect to the non-profit start up company, students havesuccessfully obtained the necessary Employer Identification Number (EIN) and have created acompany name. After much deliberation the students have decided the name for the company is“Just Tubig”. “Tubig” is the Tagalog (the official language of the Philippines) term for “water”. In addition to the required laboratory work, the students participating from ManhattanCollege have also had the opportunity to travel to Nagcarlan to see the area and to meet thepeople they will be helping as well as their corresponding participants at De La Salle University.The students that went had the ability to meet with local residents and officials to discuss theirplans for the design and

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ryan Ferguson; Richard Lupa; Bradford Powers; Henry Whitney; Salah Badjou

Zarnikau, Consumer demand for `green power' and energy efficiency, Energy Policy, Volume 31, Issue 15, December 2003, Pages 1661-1672, ISSN 0301-4215, DOI: 10.1016/S0301-4215(02)00232-X. [3] Martin A. Green, Keith Emery, Solar cell efficiency tables, Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 25-29, 1993, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Centre for Photovoltaic Devices and Systems, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2033, Australia; National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA [4] Basic Stamp Programming Manual, Parallax Inc, 2000 [5] Servo City 6RPM Gear Motor Product Page, Servo City. http://www.servocity.com/html/6_rpm_gear_motor.html , accessed 04/02/2009Biography:Ryan

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Daniel Domato; Marco Castaldi; James Patrick Abulencia

materials such as wood andMunicipal Solid Waste, and has been identified as a potential source of energy because it isrenewable and abundant. Gasification is one process that can be used to extract energy out ofthis biomass. Typically used with fossil fuels such as coal, gasification of biomass can generatesyngas, which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Despite the increasing popularity of green engineering, full stand-alone coursesaddressing this topic would be difficult to insert into the already full chemical engineeringcurriculum. One potential way to expose students to green engineering is through the seniorlevel unit-operations laboratory. To this end, a new unit-operations lab experiment centered on the biomass

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

GLENN E. VALLEE; RICHARD P. BENIOT

Springfield, MA. Dr. Vallee currently teaches graduate andundergraduate courses in engineering mechanics, experimental mechanics and machine design,and has published in the areas of nonlinear finite element analysis, experimental mechanics andthe experimental determination of dynamic material properties. Dr. Vallee received a BS inMechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 1985 and began working for theFastening Systems Division of the Stanley Works in East Greenwich Rhode Island soon after.Beginning as an Engineering Lab Technician, he received a number of promotions, serving as aTest Engineer, Design Engineer, Product Development Engineer and finally as the Manager ofthe largest Engineering Laboratory at Stanley. He received both

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Kara Cokeley; Claire Mockler; Min Feng Zheng; James Patrick Abulencia

have done and what could be done in a college laboratory tounderstand how to obtain biodiesel from algae. At this point we also chose a strain of algae togrow and eventually extract the necessary components to make our own biodiesel. The strainchosen was Neochloris oleoabundans, a freshwater microalga. Through our literature research, we were able to understand the process behind obtainingbiodiesel from algae, and it is not a simple one. The production of biodiesel starts with theextraction of fatty acids and two of the more popular methods, involving an external energysource, are ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction. Research has beendone that concludes microwave-assisted extraction is the best method to

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ronald C. Lasky

too weak to travel 20 kilometers, too much light and itwould violate laser safety requirements. Unfortunately, due to the small size of the fiber core, 1about 9 micrometers, geometric optics does not suffice. Therefore, the modeling of thisphenomenon requires numerical integration of laser optical modes to the fiber optical modes.Figure 1, is a physical schematic of this system.Fortunately, I had discovered a young PhD at an optical research laboratory who had developed acomputer program to calculate the coupling of light in such optical systems. My productspecifications were such at I could tolerate a 3 dB power loss within the mechanical

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Vijay Kanabar; Robert Schudy

,and other areas while at BBN Technologies, Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, TASC, and Symbolics. Hisbusiness experience includes IT director, CEO, and chief scientist. He can be reached atrschudy@bu.edu.References 1. Vijay Kanabar, “INTRODUCING KNOWLEDGE-BASED PROJECTS IN A SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT COURSE”, ACM SIGCSE Proceedings, 1988, p 114-118 2. Manual for Preparing and Teaching Courses in the Online MSCIS Program November 8, 2005 3. Documentation and Product references to the various vendors – Microsoft, Google, Iocom, Twitter, Gantter.com, Blogger, Vista, Blackboard, Wimba.

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Dan Brosnan; Dana Hawes; Max Nielsen; Salah Badjou

microcontroller can use to navigate to the curb. The Handi-Finder wasinterfaced to the microcontroller through an ADC. A potentiometer was used to create a 2.55Vreference voltage across pins 5 and 3 of the ADC. Working with a matched Radiotronixtransmitter and receiver [8], [9] the team ran many laboratory tests to understand the relationshipand the requirements of the system. The transmitter needs 3 volts power and a square wavesignal in order to transmit correctly. Two AA batteries and a 555 timer chip [10] were used topower the transmitter. The 555 timer was used to generate a square wave. The receiver also ispowered by a 3 volt supply; similarly the team used two AA batteries to power the receiver. Thedata out pin of the receiver is connected to the