Conference Session

Ethical Issues II: Academic Integrity and Student Development

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Isaac W. Wait, Marshall University; Armin Eberlein P.E., American University of Sharjah

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics

, its extent and different ways ofdealing with it. [1] provides an extensive review of the literature. However, most research in thisarea has focused on North America. In fact, 93% of the member institutions listed on the website[2] of the International Center of Academic Integrity are based in North America according to acount in early 2012. At the same time, the Asia Pacific Forum on Educational Integrity had atotal of only seven members [3].Universities around the globe have introduced honor codes to teach students about integrity andto help prevent violations from occurring [4]. Even though the increasing ease of copyingthrough access to digital sources may make plagiarism more tempting, it is critical for students toclearly understand

Conference Session

Hands-on Laboratory and Design Experiences in Environmental Engineering

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sudarshan T. Kurwadkar, Tarleton State University; Daniel K. Marble, Tarleton State University

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

, difficulties encountered and lessonslearned, along with the respective roles of undergraduate researcher and faculty mentor arepresented.IntroductionTraditionally environmental engineering education has been at the post-baccalaureate level withCivil Engineering graduates pursuing specialized environmental education at the graduate level.With the increase in the demand for trained environmental professionals, environmentalengineering has recently emerged as a distinct engineering discipline with 59 universities in theUnited States now offering ABET accredited environmental engineering programs at thebaccalaureate level including Tarleton StateUniversity.1 Although the number of schools offeringundergraduate environmental engineering program is

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David H. Hoe, University of Texas, Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

that is manageable and yet ischallenging and has potential impact. As has been noted by others, work that is publishableprovides some extra motivation for the student.8 A topic in cellular computation that meets thesecriteria was assigned to the undergraduate student. Cellular computation, where smallautonomous cells communicate with just their neighbors, has been touted as the future ofcomputing using nanotechnology due to their simple architecture and their ability to efficientlyhandle complex calculations through massive parallelism9. Cellular automata represent a form ofcellular computation. Because of their regular structure and local interconnect requirements, theycan be efficiently implemented on FPGAs. Figure 1 depicts a one

Conference Session

Outreach, Engagement, and Undergraduate Research

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter John Arslanian, NASA/Computer Sciences Corporation; Payam Matin, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

engineering programs are challenged to thoroughly apply their learnedengineering knowledge and research skills toward design and implementation of a challengingsenior design project. A wind tunnel is often used in mechanical or aerospace engineeringprograms as a laboratory instrument to gather experimental data for investigation of fluid flowbehavior. The authors have conducted research to implement a comprehensive design of a smallsize inexpensive wind tunnel for instructional purposes {overall length: 1.8105m, maximumdiameter (contraction nozzle): 0.375m, working section dimensions: 0.25m in length X 0.125min diameter}. The objectives of this research project are to engage an undergraduate engineeringstudent: 1) to design a well-structured wind

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering: Curricula and Courses

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Timothy M. Hodges P.E., Virginia Military Institute; Elizabeth White Baker, Wake Forest University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

planning for continued longitudinal study of the program.OverviewAlexander (1) suggests that the essential features of a successful summer program include: ameaningful research experience, the opportunity to interact with role models and otherundergraduate students forming a “community”. In the Bauer(2) study researchers surveyed threegroups: those who participated in research experience as part of a “university organized”program, those who participated in research on their own with a faculty member or those whodid not do research as part of their undergraduate experience. In the first two groups thosesurveyed were more likely to go on to graduate school, reported a greater satisfaction in theirundergraduate experience, and reported increases in

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Suhas Ranganath, Arizona State University; Jayaraman J. Thiagarajan, Arizona State University; Karthikeyan Natesan Ramamurthy, Arizona State University; Shuang Hu; Mahesh K. Banavar, Arizona State University; Andreas S. Spanias, Arizona State University

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

ofconsiderable research in recent years. The advantages of handheld devices over personalcomputers in K-12 education have been investigated1. The study has found that the easyaccessibility and maneuverability of handheld devices lead to an increase in student interest. Byincorporating mobile technologies into mathematics and applied mathematics courses, it hasbeen shown that smartphones can broaden the scope and effectiveness of technical education inclassrooms 2. Page 25.1392.2Fig 1: Splash screen of the A- JDSP Android applicationDesigning interactive applications to complement traditional teaching methods in STEMeducation has also been of considerable

Conference Session

Developing Young Minds in Engineering: Part I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Blair J. McDonald, University of Texas, Pan American

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

Engineering Mechanics course that agreed to participate in the MentoredLearning Environment met regularly with the tutor for approximately 9 weeks. All but one ofthe students participating in the tutoring passed the course and all of the participants (includingthe student that failed) experienced improved performance as a result of their effort. Oneparticipant asked that the program have mandatory attendance so that family demands to workinstead of study could be thwarted (work to support family vs. study to achieve self-improvement is a common conflict that students in this program have to resolve). Thedistribution of grades for participating students was: A(0), B(3), C(2), F(1). The student thatfailed showed improvement in understanding concepts

Conference Session

Advances in Communication Instruction

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Holly M Matusovich, Virginia Tech; Marie C. Paretti, Virginia Tech; Andrea M. Motto, Virginia Tech ; Kelly J. Cross, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Liberal Education/Engineering & Society

comparison, the interviews revealedless structured ways of talking about good teamwork skills and more ad hoc ways of teachingsuch skills.Introduction: Teamwork and communication in the engineering classroomCommunication and teamwork skills remain a top-priority outcome for engineering graduates inboth academic and industry settings. They are considered by ABET to be key student learningoutcomes for accreditation 1 and are consistently high on employers list of necessary skills fornew hires 2, 3. Despite recognition of the importance of these skills in the workplace, there isminimal integration into engineering courses. In their 2008 survey of engineering faculty, forexample, House et al. 4 found that faculty who do incorporate communication into

Conference Session

K-12 Teachers: PD, Implementation, and Beyond

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amber Leigh McFarland Kendall, Tufts University; Kristen Bethke Wendell Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Boston

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

science and engineering.Kristen Bethke Wendell Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Boston Page 25.1395.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2012 Understanding the beliefs and perceptions of teachers who choose to implement engineering-based science instructionIn order for universities and schools to design K-12 engineering programs for maximumadoption and benefit, it is helpful to understand the beliefs of the teachers participating inthe study, as well as what characteristics of a program make it worthwhile from theparticipating teachers’ perspective.1 Therefore, we conducted

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hong Man, Stevens Institute of Technology

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

programs3.In order to offer this as an introductory undergraduate course, it is necessary to emphasizeconceptual learning through lab exercises4,5. We have designed a series of computer lab exercisesbased on a newly developed computer simulation software tool – SimuRad6, which implementsnumerical algorithms to simulate the physical and biological processes in many common medicalimaging modalities. The software contains expandable modules, each to support a serious labexercises related to a particular modality. Currently implemented modules include mathfundamentals, computed tomography (CT), x-ray physics, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR),image enhancement and analysis. With these modules, seven computer lab exercises have beendesigned. Lab 1

Conference Session

Engineering Education Ties and Engineering Programs in the Middle East and Latin America

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer A. Acevedo-Barga, University of Washington; Charles Pezeshki, Washington State University; RunLu Li, WASEDA University

Tagged Divisions

International

proposedactions to reality to answer: is China predictable?Five Principles of Peaceful ExistenceChina and Latin America have been developing relations since the 1950’s1. Zhou Enlai, PrimeMinister of China in the early 1950’s, “suggested setting the Five Principles as a base forestablishing friendly, cooperative relations between countries of different social systems2. TheFive Principles are: 1) mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, 2) mutual non-aggression, 3) non-interference in each other's internal affairs, 4) equality and mutual benefit,and 5) peaceful coexistence. Using the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, China hassuccessfully established diplomatic relations with 21 Latin American and Caribbean countries.Today, China

Conference Session

Undergraduate Recruitment

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mary R. Anderson-Rowland, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Women in Engineering

post-secondary education at acommunity college. A CC offers small classes, lower tuition, and a short commute from home tosave money on housing. A larger proportion of women and underrepresented minority studentsattend two-year colleges than four-year colleges. There are three basic steps for the process of aCC student to become an engineer: (1) having engineering and computer science on their radaras a good decision for their major, (2) the successful transfer to a four year college or university,and (3) the successful college or university retention to graduation.The base setting for this paper is Arizona State University (ASU), a Carnegie Research IUniversity and the largest public university in the nation with 72,254 students. The Ira A

Conference Session

Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Noel E. Bormann P.E., Gonzaga University; Mara London, Gonzaga University; Andrew Douglas Matsumoto, Gonzaga University; Melanie Ruth Walter; Spencer Joseph Fry

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

used in African kitchens that can improve thehealth of families (especially women and children), and at the same time reduce resourceconsumption. Student deliverables include: (1) An improved ceramic water filter that uses lessclay material and require less fuel to fire in a kiln. These improvements reduce deforestation. (2)Investigation of the performance of corn stover bio-fuel pellets when used as a cooking fuel. Useof this bio-fuel also reduces deforestation and improves watersheds. (3) Evaluation of usingthermo-electric cells powered with waste heat from cooking fires to ventilate harmful smokewith high particulates concentrations from the kitchen. (4) The key project goal was to develop aproject implementation plan that focuses on

Conference Session

Two-year Institutions Help Fill the STEM Pipeline

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

George D. Ford, Western Carolina University; Robert Elliot Steffen, Western Carolina University; Robert Wayne Ford, Western Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Two Year College Division

retention rates at University of North Carolina campuses and combined SATscores. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficients (r) and coefficients of determination (R2) were alsodetermined for the data sets. A best fit model was found which considered only combined SATscores above 1000 points to predict retention rates.ResultsA coefficient of determination describing the relationship between all retention rate data pointsand all combined SAT scores was found to be 0.5733. The graph is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 Page 25.1400.4The data set was adjusted to only include average combined SAT scores above 1000 points

Conference Session

Retention of Women Students

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gretchen L. Hein, Michigan Technological University; Kaitlyn J. Bunker; Nilufer Onder, Michigan Technological University; Raven Rachaun Rebb; Laura E. Brown, Michigan Technological University; Leonard J. Bohmann, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Women in Engineering

students’ academicperformance is similar to other majors. Engineering students are engaged within theirclassrooms, and with faculty and other students at the same level as other majors. All students,regardless of their major, become less engaged as they progress through their degree program.Students who switch majors tend to disengage earlier than persisters19.Litzler and Young used latent class analysis on the PACE data collected in 2008 to identify threeclasses of students: (1) committed, (2) committed with ambivalence, and (3) at-risk of attrition.Their analysis shows that as GPA increases, respondents are less likely to be in the “committedwith ambivalence” and “at-risk of attrition” groups. However, an extended model shows theopposite: among

Conference Session

K-12 and Pre-college Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kristina M. Fields, University of Wisconsin, Platteville; Tammy J. Salmon-Stephens, University of Wisconsin, Platteville; Elizabeth Ann Holden, University of Wisconsin, Platteville; Kim M. Lobdell P.E., KL Engineering, Inc.

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

outreachactivities. Table 1 shows the responsibilities of the program managers. Page 25.1402.6 Table 1 Program Managers' Task List Sky’s the Limit Program Managers’ Tasks• Hold weekly meetings with the WEMS Student Leaders• Work with University Publishing on marketing brochure• Hire and supervise WEMS Student Leaders• Communicate and work with University Curriculum Leader A and Industry Professional Transportation Curriculum Leaders B, C, and D to answer curriculum questions• Reserve ropes course• Order supplies for outreach program• Make copies of handouts• Reserve hotel rooms and provide directions for leaders• Manage paperwork for outreach program funding

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

José Colucci Ríos P.E., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez; Efrain O'Neill-Carrillo, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez; Miriam del Rosario Fontalvo

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Conference on Human Environmentin 1972 [1]. There are many definitions of sustainability or sustainable development. In fact,there is literature comparing the various stances on sustainability, classifying definitions in termsof weak, strong or normative sustainability (for an example comparing Solow, Holling, Leopold,Pearce and Barbier see Chapter 8 of Norton’s Sustainability [2]). There are also variousindicators of sustainability such as those from the World Bank, the European Union, and UN [3].Perhaps one the best known definitions of sustainable development is from Our Common Futureand deals with how we use resources today in a way that does not compromise the ability offuture generations to meet their needs [4]. Wider exposure was given to

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Punit Deotale, Texas A&M University; Sheng-Jen Hsieh, Texas A&M University

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

developed. EachPSE provides a virtual environment for building, testing, and validating designs for a process tobe automated. The user is presented a toolbox containing equipment and building blocks ofautomation such as sensors and actuators. The PSEs support students in design problem-solvingactivities such as (1) reviewing the problem, (2) understanding the process to be automated, (3)line balancing, (4) layout, (5) simulation, and (6) cost analysis.This paper presents preliminary results from a usability evaluation of one of the PSEs. Theevaluation utilized a Facelab desktop mounted eye-tracking system. Users’ eye movements weretracked using a camera and sensors to determine gaze direction and fixations. The data collectedfrom the evaluation was

Conference Session

BIM and Virtual Construction Environments

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lacey Duckworth; Tulio Sulbaran, University of Southern Mississippi; Andrew Peter Strelzoff, University of Southern Mississippi

Tagged Divisions

Construction

occurbecause the server remains busy at all times updating the environments appearance andmaintaining user information. Scalability issues arise because there is no other method forquickly adding methods to the simulation which requires a complete rewrite of the script. Thesolution for this is to move the simulation external to the CVRE which entails the networkarchitecture as seen in figure 1, the communication protocol diagram. The idea is to let thesimulation language perform the calculations and report back to the CVRE the visual to be made.The reason for using this protocol for designing the simulation is to provide the ability to makesimple edits to the diagram and have the information needed to add elements to the simulation.This is a new

Conference Session

Innovative Uses of Technology and Techniques for Laboratory Exercises

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Eniko T. Enikov, Universiy of Arizona; Giampiero Campa, MathWorks

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

, so that the pendulum can swing freely (see Fig. 1). A 2-inpropeller (model U-80) is attached to the motor shaft to produce a thrust force in order to controlthe angular position of the pendulum. The portability of the kit is enhanced by an innovativedesign allowing the kit to be shipped in a flat 2-in-thick box as shown in Fig. 1(left). A fastener-free design allows the kit to be assembled into its operating condition by interlocking threeacrylic plates which interlock when rotated by 45 degrees with respect to the base plate as shownin Figure 1(right). A self-calibrating step during the initialization allows the system toautomatically find the vertical position (origin of the coordinate system). A custom designedcircuit board produces the

Conference Session

General Topics in Graduate Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Allan W. Bjerkaas, Johns Hopkins University; Mary L. Fletcher, Johns Hopkins University

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

classes ordiscussions in the classroom, in the face-to-face classes.These scenario situations in the simulation allow the students to make mistakes in a safeenvironment and learn important lessons before they enter the real management world in whichmaking mistakes that could have been avoided have greater consequences. It is expected thatwhen real-world situations arise, former students will recognize them, understand themechanisms, and know how to act.The top-level organization chart for the simulated company is provided in Figure 1. Theengineering functional groups are shown on the left. In the third column is the program officethat forms the other axis of the matrix. The administrative and financial support functions are inthe second column

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dan Cernusca, Missouri University of Science & Technology; Ghulam H. Bham PhD, Missouri University of Science & Technology

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering

as the “Net Generation” 1, the “Millennials” 2,3,4 or“Me Generation” 5,6 have several characteristics that significantly impact how educationalenvironments need to be shaped to stimulate their motivation and engagement. For example,high confidence and significant external-driven achievement are two predominant characteristicsof this generation. To address the needs associated with these generational characteristics,instructors started to integrate in their courses technology-rich tools and associated instructionalstrategies. For example, one important role of technology was that of creating engaging andimmersive learning contexts that promote personal achievement though peer and instructor-driven active learning. Another important role of

Conference Session

Ethics Education, Global Health, and Outreach in BME

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alyssa Catherine Taylor, University of Washington

Tagged Divisions

Biomedical

bioethicalissues, as well as a strategy for solving ethical problems. Important core learning outcomes forthis course include: by the end of the course, students will be able to 1) identify ethical issuesapplicable to bioengineering and 2) apply engineering ethical analysis strategies and problemsolving skills to design solutions to ethical problems. Our methods for realizing these learningoutcomes involved a case-based approach. Students were presented with case studies involvinga variety of ethical issues with real world relevance, in order to gain an understanding of theimportance of considering ethics in bioengineering. We discussed the ethical issues involved ina variety of bioengineering-related areas, such as clinical trials, organ transplantation

Conference Session

Computers and Simulation

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hyun J. Kwon, Andrews University

Tagged Divisions

Computers in Education

design but with distinguishable modifications in structure or angle of attackthat may affect the drag or lift coefficients as shown in Figure 1. The purpose of simulating twoobjects is to compare the drag/lift coefficients of two similar objects with slight differences andunderstand the effect of the modification on the drag or lift coefficients. Design of object couldbe done using the COMSOL software itself or imported from SolidWorks or Proengineering.The model could be developed in 3D or 2D, for this we limited the shape as 2D to minimize timeto spend in developing physical models. Second, following the model development, studentswere assigned to develop mathematical model that describes the wind tunnel test and enter theparameters in the

Conference Session

Progress in Manufacturing Education I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sheng-Jen Hsieh, Texas A&M University; Punit Deotale, Texas A&M University

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing

processes. However, it hasbeen suggested that the “will to learn” is also a critical ingredient in effective instruction [1].Malone and Lepper note that a well-designed instructional environment can motivate people tolearn without using obvious external rewards or punishments [2]. One approach is to developvirtual environments in which students can learn by doing things they enjoy, such as playinggames.Squire and Jenkins observe that the video game industry has been a major influence on students’lives in recent years [3]. Mayo [4] notes that video games have the potential to directly providemassive (and massively effective) parallel education in science and engineering. Simulation-based games can help students to develop skills in real-life problem

Conference Session

Learning and Assessment II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Evan C. Lemley, University of Central Oklahoma; Baha Jassemnejad, University of Central Oklahoma

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

, including results of the pre/post Heat Transfer Concept Inventory (HTCI).IntroductionThe availability of information for students, including worked problems in all engineering disciplines, isprobably at an historic high. Although these are potentially useful resources they can clearly be abused ormisused. In a Google search (search term: “heat transfer solutions manual Incropera”) 1 to attempt tofind a solutions manual for a popular heat transfer book by Incropera et al.2 seven out of first ten non-sponsored hits are from peer-to-peer “torrent” sites, user-upload file hosting sites, or cramster.com(looking at the first 100 hits also yields similar statistics). Whether we want them to or not, students canand do get these manuals.The author (Lemley

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Craig J. Scott, Morgan State University; Petronella A. James, Morgan State University; Yacob Astatke, Morgan State University; Jumoke O. Ladeji-Osias, Morgan State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

alternative. Page 25.1413.2IntroductionWith the rapid evolution of communication and computer technologies, the number of onlineengineering programs has also grown substantially. Graduate online engineering programs havebecome more and more plentiful as compared to undergraduate programs owing to the suitabilityof the target audience in terms of accessibility and flexibility, and maturity. The online student istypically a lifelong learner, more concerned with commuting and non-academic responsibilities,and motivated to complete assignments individually.1 Moreover, graduate courses are morecontent and design centered with less needs for laboratory

Conference Session

Assessment and Evaluation of K-12 Engineering Programs

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tracey Louise Collins, North Carolina State University; Eric N. Wiebe, North Carolina State University; Laura Bottomley, North Carolina State University

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

-scale data collection system. Figure 1 is an example of one of thecreated logic models. The logic models also benefited the MISO project staff, as they were ableto look at the collective project goals and outcomes across the university. In later months, thelogic models were again used at a meeting of partners to identify common variables of studentand teacher data that will be used in later analyses (Figure 2). A review of workshop feedbackindicated that the participants found the workshop useful in understanding the link betweenprogram strategies and ultimate outcomes and many responses to the feedback showed thatparticipants found value in networking with their outreach program peers. This workshop wasthe first in a series of workshops that

Conference Session

Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stefan J. Grimberg, Clarkson University

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

spring are incorporated into the existingteam structure.The focus of this paper is to describe the experience of the most recent three years, wherestudents and faculty participated in a project funded through EPA’s P3 program. While anaerobicdigestion (AD) of farmwaste has been promoted by the USEPA for large farms, no solutions areavailable for small farm systems. The objective of this project is to determine the feasibility ofusing small-scale anaerobic digesters to increase the efficiency of waste-stream management andthe utilization of renewable energy, and to improve the economic feasibility of small-scalefarming of livestock. Five students (1 M.S. in Civil Engineering, 4 undergraduate) wereinvolved initially in writing and submitting of

Conference Session

Innovations in Materials Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Surendra K. Gupta, Rochester Institute of Technology; Steven John Kosciol, Rochester Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Materials

deformation of acircular cross-section metallic rod in torsion.The objectives of the torsion experiment include determination of shear modulus of elasticity“G”, shear proportional limit “p”, and the mode of failure of the material. In the torsion test, atorque “T” is applied to one end of a circular cross-section metallic rod while the other end isheld fixed in a stationary grip. We use a bench-mounted Tinius Olsen 10,000 in-lb TorsionTester shown in Figure 1. The tester has a variable speed drive electromechanical loading systemwith manual controls and LED digital display. We have developed a LabView interface toacquire the torque and grip angular position data using the RS-232 port. Figure 1: Tinius Olsen 10,000 in-lb Torsion