Conference Session

Innovations in Mechanical Engineering Experiments and Labs

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nebojsa Jaksic, Colorado State University-Pueblo; Dawn Spencer, Colorado State University-Pueblo

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

without(slave). The master should include at least two sensors: one light sensor for line following andone ultrasonic sensor for sensing any obstacles (park toy cars) on the road. A large map of thearea with START and FINISH positions as well as the desired path will be provided. The tworobots are to operate as follows: 1. After placing the robots at the START position one behind the other, both robots should be turned on, Bluetooth communication should be turned on and initialized, and appropriate programs executed. 2. Then, the master robot should follow the prescribed path (line following). The choice of a type and a number of sensors is open. 3. The slave robot should follow the master robot by receiving commands

Conference Session

Computer-Assisted Lab Studies

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Parten, Texas Tech University; Timothy Maxwell, Texas Tech University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

AC 2007-2064: MONITORING AND CONTROL IN ADVANCED VEHICLEENGINEERING LABORATORIESMichael Parten, Texas Tech UniversityTimothy Maxwell, Texas Tech University Page 12.1079.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2007I IntroductionOver the past several years, Texas Tech University’s Advanced Vehicle EngineeringLaboratory (AVEL) has converted numerous conventional vehicles to hybrid electric(HEVs) and alternative fueled vehicles.1-14 Each vehicle is composed of many subsystems all of which require extensive monitoring and control in addition to the overallvehicle control issues. Many of these sub systems have built-in microprocessor basedmonitoring and control systems that must be

Conference Session

Distance, Remote, and Virtual Experiments

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Trishna Das, University of Minnesota-ECE; Paul Imbertson, University of Minnesota-ECE; Ned Mohan, University of Minnesota

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. The Host shares the master terminal desktop using the Breezefeature of screen and application sharing. Now the Presenter or the selected student performs apart of the experiment.Fig. 1 Breeze Meeting RoomTypically there are ten students in the laboratory section forming five teams. The experimentstarts with a few Matlab Simulink models that selected student Presenters simulate. Thehardware part of the experiment begins by first creating the Matlab Simulink models using thedSPACE toolbars. Then the models are built in real time using the Matlab Real Time Workshopthat generates the C-code of the dSPACE model. The students then create the layout using theControl Desk toolbars which gives them the required measurements and readings from

Conference Session

Design of Lab Experiments I

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sri Kolla, Bowling Green State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

courses.I. IntroductionFieldbus networks are digital, two-way, multi-drop communication links among intelligentcontrol devices, which are currently used in the industry as a replacement for the traditional 4-20mA standard. While there are different networks, such as AS-I, Devicenet, Ethernet, FoundationFieldbus and Profibus [1] available in the industry, Controller Area Network (CAN) is morepopular in automotive applications. It is important to integrate fieldbus networks topic inengineering and technology courses so that the curriculum is aligned with the current industrialpractice [2]. To emphasize this importance, reference [3] presented advantages of fieldbusnetworks, a generic communication protocol model and the deviations from this model

Conference Session

Design of Lab Experiments I

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gukan Rajaram, North Carolina A&T State University; Devdas Pai, North Carolina A&T State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

to introduction of severalinnovative programs into the K-12 outreach activities and also in the existing undergraduatecurriculum. One such activity is integrating research into the undergraduate program [1-4]. Overthe last several years, many undergraduate courses have been offered with a research componentwhich has resulted in a variety of positive outcomes[1]. Research-oriented courses enable thestudents to get experienced with enhanced presentation skills, group experience and applyingresearch concepts in a professional environment. In this paper, we discuss about the introductionof a research oriented laboratory experiment into a course that has traditionally used machineshop processes such as spot welding and machining to teach

Conference Session

Innovations in Mechanical Engineering Experiments and Labs

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bijan Sepahpour, The College of New Jersey; Shou Rei Chang, The College of New Jersey

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

costs may lead to thelack of vital laboratory apparatus and in turn deprive the engineering students from beingsufficiently exposed to important concepts such as verification of the theory throughexperimentation, interpretation and analysis of data and gaining sufficient background fordesigning experiments. However, if blueprints of the designs of a (desired) apparatus areavailable, and on site machining capabilities exists, a major cut may be expected in the final cost.Such designs and blueprints may be generated in-house in collaboration with undergraduateengineering students3.II - Objectives of the ExperimentThe following major objectives were set at the inception of the project;1. To develop an experiment for examination of the stress

Conference Session

Distance, Remote, and Virtual Experiments

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peng Li, East Carolina University; Philip Lunsford, East Carolina University; Tijjani Mohammed, East Carolina University; Lee Toderick, East Carolina University; Chengcheng Li, East Carolina University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

configured in a dedicated lab room. This flexibility allowed the students to work attheir own pace, and extended the lab environment to distance education students.Using VM technology, we were able to transfer a physical hands-on intrusion detection lab froma Windows-dominated environment to a diversified virtual environment in a very short period.We believe that virtual machine technology can be successfully used in other computer securityand networking labs.1. Introduction2006 may have been the year of virtual machine (VM) technology. During the year, VMwareInc. released VMware Server as freeware1. To compete with free virtualization solutions offeredby VMware and Xen, Microsoft announced that Virtual Server 2005 R2 was available as a

Conference Session

Design of Lab Experiments II

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gerald Recktenwald, Portland State University; Robert Edwards, Pennsylvania State University-Erie

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. Page 12.1562.5Tank Draining Experiment The tank draining experiment was used in an introductory fluid mechanics course for thirdyear Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering students during Fall 2007. As depicted inFigure 1, two tall and narrow tanks of clear acrylic tubing are mounted on a wooden base. Bothtanks have a small hole in the side a distance H from the base. To fill the tank, the hole isplugged with a stopper and water is poured through the open top. When the stopper is removed, ajet of water flows from the tank into a catch basin. A pressure transducer (Omega PX181B-001GV) is located opposite of the hole, also a distance H from the base. Similar tank draining experiments have been used in class demonstrations, in

Conference Session

Unique Laboratory Experiments and Programs Poster Session

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Manar Shami, University of the Pacific; Ed Pejack, University of the Pacific; Ravinder Jain, University of the Pacific

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

innovative systems to integrate teachingand research. Upon its completion, this lab will become a benchmark for integration ofteaching and research in civil engineering. Page 12.524.3Functional Components of the Structural and Construction LaboratoryThe lab is planned and designed while having the following strategic goal in mind: “Toprovide students and local/regional engineering/building/construction industry withsuperior technology and world-class testing and research capability.” It contains threemodules. Module 1 has the MTS facility, versatile structural testing facility, and scaledbridge testing and monitoring systems. The second module has the

Conference Session

Design of Lab Experiments II

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Petru-Aurelian Simionescu, University of Tulsa; Jeremy S. Daily, University of Tulsa; John R. Shadley, University of Tulsa

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

Department. This four-credit hour, juniorlevel course contains six laboratory experiments as follows: Operating point of a battery powered sweeper - apparatus was custom made; Free and forced vibration analyses of a single degree-of-freedom system using a TM16apparatus from TQ Education and Training Ltd.1; Static and dynamic balancing of rotating masses using a TM102 apparatus from TQEducation and Training Ltd.2; Flexible rotor dynamics experiment - apparatus was custom made as senior-design project; Experimental analysis of a cam follower mechanism - apparatus was custom made as asenior-design project3 and retrofitted to work with LabVIEW4 data acquisition software

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Lee, San Jose State University; Stacy Gleixner, San Jose State University; Tai-Ran Hsu, San Jose State University; David Parent, San Jose State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

StrategiesThe challenges facing laboratory-based learning in MEMS are comprised of both pedagogicalissues as well as practical constraints, and neither category may be underestimated. Table 1combines some specific examples of both pedagogical and practical issues collected from relatedcourse development work as well as the authors’ direct experiences. The solutions strategies thatare relatively unique to the present work are highlighted by asterisk (*) and are discussed furtherbelow. Table 1. Challenges for laboratory-based MEMS and proposed solution strategies. Challenge Solution Strategy Multidisciplinary content. Different methodologies, Multidisciplinary team of course developers. All

Conference Session

Unique Laboratory Experiments and Programs

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Williams, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. The feedback has been positivewith particular emphasis on gaining hands-on experience. For written evaluation, the fundamental question is, “What did you learn?” Students areasked to self-evaluate their own progress by rating their confidence to perform testing tasksbefore the course and after the course has been completed. For example, is there self-confidencethat the student can take a tensile specimen, make all measurements, then set up and run the testand evaluate the data? They rate their own ability to conduct the various types of tests on a scaleof 1 to 5. The use of digital calipers is used as a “control”. The pre-course responses are usuallyzero, not familiar with the test. Most post-course responses are 4 or 5.Conclusion The

Conference Session

Innovative and Computer-Assisted Lab Studies

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Harry Franz, University of Houston-Downtown

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

professional looking panels thatoperate using functional blocks and interconnections that are color-coded within a very user-friendly software package.Examples of the student projects that follow are Motor Control System (figures 1 thru 6),Automatic Cabling Design System (figures 7 thru 10), and Automatic Lighting Design System(figures 11 & 12). Descriptions of the student work are given below and figures of the studentwork then follow.Motor Control System student project using LabVIEW softwareThe motor system consists of three motors. M1 is the primary motor and motors M2 and M3 areauxiliary units that are both used for backup (figure 1). The motor M1 always tries to start andrun first, and if it succeeds the other two motors M2 and M3 remain

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sajay Sadasivan, Clemson University; Deepak Vembar, Clemson University; Paris Stringfellow, Clemson University; Carl Washburn, Greenville Tech; Andrew Duchowski, Clemson University; Anand Gramopadhye, Clemson University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

outcome of this research will lead to the following: an innovative, high-impact model forcurriculum application in aircraft maintenance technology for college students and industryemployees; an increased workplace pool of aircraft maintenance technicians prepared for thetransition from learning to workforce; a program providing the use of VR technology as apedagogical tool. The successful completion of this effort will fill a state and national need forwell-prepared students entering the aircraft maintenance industry and will provide a betterunderstanding of the use of VR as a pedagogical tool.1. IntroductionAircraft inspection is a vital element in assuring safety and reliability of the air transportationsystem. It is essential to detect defects

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin Bowen, Rice University; Marcia O'Malley, William Marsh Rice University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

a tool to interact with virtual mechanical systems. The haptic paddle hardwarehas been modified to improve robustness, and the LabVIEW graphical programming language isused for data acquisition and control throughout the laboratory series. The paper will presentsome details of the laboratory components, and preliminary assessment of learning outcomesusing this laboratory series compared to more traditional modular labs used in prior years.1. IntroductionThis paper describes the adaptation of the haptic paddle laboratory series to a dynamic systemscourse at Rice University. The primary changes include revised hardware to improve robustness,and the use of National Instruments hardware and software for computer control of theelectromechanical

Conference Session

Design of Lab Experiments II

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ahmad Pourmovahed, Kettering University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

student will be able to:1. apply the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer [ABET’s A,E,K].2. apply modern measurement techniques and experimental methods to energy systems [ABET’s A,B,E].3. apply computational techniques to energy systems [ABET’s A,E,K].4. apply team working skills [ABET’s D].5. communicate effectively [ABET’s G].6. design and conduct experiments [ABET’s B,E,K].7. analyze and interpret data [ABET’s B].8. implement experimental results in a design process[ABET’s B,C].Topics CoveredWeek Topic 1 Safety Guidelines, Error Analysis, Pipe Flow, Flow Meters 2 Design Project Initiation, Road Load Simulation 3 PEM Fuel Cell Performance 4

Conference Session

Design of Lab Experiments II

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hosni Abu-Mulaweh, Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

undergraduate students air-conditioningprocesses such as cooling, heating, and humidification. The level of cooling, heating, orhumidification is being monitored and controlled using a PC-based control system which consistsof LabVIEW and data acquisition unit. LabVIEW and computer data acquisition has been widelyutilized to update and modernize equipment and laboratory experimental apparatus [1-5]. Page 12.1484.2 Proceedings of the 2007 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2007, American Society for Engineering EducationII. The Design ProcessThe design process that the

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ramachandran Venkatasubramanian, Arizona State University; Guillermo G. Mendez, Arizona State University; Brian Skromme, Arizona State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

,with larger keys for coarse adjustment and smaller keys for fine adjustment. An example of therevised GUI for the pn junction band diagram is shown in Fig. 1. With this approach, presetranges of parameters are unnecessary, and each parameter can be limited to values that do notcause any errors based on the values already set for all other parameters. If the user tries to reacha value outside of the currently permissible range, the Visual Basic code used to implement theActiveX controls causes a beep to be sounded and an appropriate error message to be displayedto explain the problem. This method avoids faulty plot displays and other problems. Based on student suggestions, we added drawings of the device as additional plot sheetsin each

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Kadlowec, Rowan University; Beena Sukumaran, Rowan University; Kauser Jahan, Rowan University; John Chen, Rowan University; Robi Polikar, Rowan University; Robert Krchnavek, Rowan University; Shreekanth Mandayam, Rowan University; Paris von Lockette, Rowan University; Yusuf Mehta, Rowan University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

Conference Session

Design of Laboratory Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Afshin Goharzadeh, The Petroleum Institute; Arman Molki, The Petroleum Institute; Michael Ohadi, The Petroleum Institute

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

laser sheet;- Particle tracers seeded in the fluid for illustrating the motion of fluid particles;- A charged-coupled device (CCD) camera for recording pictures;- A synchronizer for controlling the time scale of recording image and laser pulses;- A computer with grabber for collecting pictures from CCD; and- A software program for post-processing image analysis and velocity measurement.The characteristics of each component will be discussed in the next section. Page 11.103.3 Fig. 1-Sketch of a typical standard PIV systemParticle image velocimetry is based on the average velocity measurement of the particle tracers

Conference Session

On Pedagogy of Lab Courses and Their Design

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nobuyuki Kitashoji, Kanazawa Institute of Technology; Eiichi Sentoku, Kanazawa Institute of Technology

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. Page 11.719.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2006 Implementation of a problem-finding and problem-solving oriented engineering experiment course in a large class Nobuyuki Kitashoji , Eiichi Sentoku Practical Engineering Education Program Kanazawa Institute of Technology 7-1 Ohgigaoka, Nonoichi, Ishikawa 921-8501, JapanAbstractFundamental Lab for Engineering ( FLE ) I, II and III at Kanazawa Institute of Technology( KIT ) are mandatory engineering experiment courses for 1st and 2nd year undergraduatestudents. In 2005, approximately 1,700 students enrolled in the courses.The main objective of the courses is to train students

Conference Session

On Pedagogy of Lab Courses and Their Design

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Pape, Central Michigan University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

engineering program at Central Michigan University.The focus of the present paper is the first course in the mechanical engineering laboratorysequence, EGR 360 Solid Mechanics Laboratory. Thus it serves both as a transition frombasic science laboratories to engineering laboratories, as well as a foundation for moreadvanced engineering laboratories and the senior design sequence. Therefore, theobjectives suggested by Feisel and Rosa, with appropriate modifications and additionalspecificity have been used as the basis for the EGR 360 course objectives, which arestated below.Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have the ability to:1. Select and use appropriate sensors, instrumentation, and/or software tools to makemeasurements of

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Chiou, Drexel University; Yongjin Kwon, Drexel University; Shreepud Rauniar, Drexel University; Horacio Sosa, Drexel University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

theremote monitoring/control of robots and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and howto effectively deliver internet based robotics and automation education through theInternet.1. Introduction Robotics and automation are essential components in automotive, electronic,appliance and other industries. Over the past few years, Web-based approaches have beenwidely used in collaborative product design and manufacturing. In the areas of roboticsand automation, Web-based technology is regarded as a new promising approach formanufacturing. In tomorrow’s factory, design, manufacturing, and business are integratedinto the Internet. It is a trend that web based robotics and automation have becomecritical issues in the integration with e-manufacturing

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul Stanfield, North Carolina A&T State University; Caroline Moineau, North Carolina A&T State University; Shona Morgan, North Carolina A&T State University; Silvanus Udoka, North Carolina A&T State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. and Ph. D. in Industrial Engineering and Management from Oklahoma State University. Page 11.1344.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2006 Tools for Authentic Assessment Used in the Active Learning in the Virtual Enterprise System (ALIVE)1. IntroductionThe Active Learning In the Virtual Enterprise (ALIVE) system is an NSF CCLI sponsored effortto teach systems thinking, information technology, and business skills while integratingcurriculum and disciplines. The Virtual Enterprise (VE) is a full scale manufacturing supplychain, integrated using information technology, and producing an actual product

Conference Session

On Pedagogy of Lab Courses and Their Design

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alan Cheville, Oklahoma State University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

different levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy to address studentdevelopment. Bloom’s Taxonomy identifies levels of knowledge and helps faculty identifystudents who have mastered those levels. Multiple pedagogical techniques are used that addresslearning at different levels on Bloom’s taxonomy: 1) independent reading with formative Page 11.1308.2evaluation helps individual students master fundamentals (remember and understand), 2) follow-up active learning in class helps student teams apply knowledge to a design problem (apply andanalyze), and 3) design projects have students test how useful acquired knowledge is (evaluateand create). The following

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

VISAR BERISHA, Arizona State University; HO-MIN KWON, Arizona State University; Andreas Spanias, Arizona State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

data using any of the existing J-DSP signal processingfunctions in real time. A series of exercises were developed to provide hardwareexperiences to signals and systems and DSP undergraduate students. Theinterface, the exercises, and some preliminary assessment results are discussed inthe paper.1. IntroductionThe application area of wireless sensor networks poses a series of importantresearch problems in signal processing, communication networks, power-awareimplementations, and remote sensing1,2. Wireless sensors have been applied to adiverse series of applications including ecological and environmental monitoring,sound and sniper localization, multiple target tracking, smart stages, andbiofeedback 3-7. Theoretical aspects of sensor networks

Conference Session

Unique Laboratory Experiments and Programs

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jorge Tito-Izquierdo, University of Houston-Downtown; Alberto Gomez-Rivas, University of Houston-Downtown; Weining Feng, University of Houston; George Pincus, University of Houston-Downtown

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

determine the naturalfrequencies of different structures. The experimental structures are modeled using the computerprogram and the predicted responses are compared to actual experimentally measured responses.MethodologyThe theory of Stiffness, Mass, Damping and Forces matrices used in the dynamic equation isdiscussed following a textbook of Structural Dynamics [1]. The stiffness matrix components of abeam are obtained using a spreadsheet following a numerical integration method. This approachpermits the review of fundamental concepts of structural analysis, such as the relationship ofslope, deflection and acting force. The matrices are formed according to the degree of freedom(DOF) assumed for the structure being analyzed. The commercial computer

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Todd Kaiser, Montana State University; Stilson Applin, Montana State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

the instrumentation of the space. The results were a 500 square foot, class 10,000 facility. (See Figure 1) Once the laboratory was designed and the appropriate equipment was installed, a test run was completed to demonstrate the functionality of the equipment and laboratory design. The laboratory Figure 1. Clean Room Layout course material was adapted from similar programs at other larger universities1,2. After the laboratorywas effectively demonstrated, the course was offered to the

Conference Session

Virtual and Distance Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Imad Jabbour, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Linda Haydamous, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Wissam Kazan, Stanford University; Amine Hayek, Stanford University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

, and investigate their understanding of the subject matter byplacing their knowledge in a useful context.1 However, traditional laboratory experimentationsuffers from several disadvantages that can be overcome by remote experimentation. Remote experimentation is the process through which real lab experiments can be conductedby a user without her having to be physically interacting with lab devices. In other words, remoteexperimentation consists of allowing users to connect to actual hardware devices and gainaccessibility to laboratories via the Internet technology. Recently, the development of theInternet as a communication medium fostered the spread of remote laboratories.2 Remote experimentation offers many benefits over traditional

Conference Session

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joseph Orlins, Rowan University; Catherine Yang, Rowan University; Demond Miller, Rowan University; Beena Sukumaran, Rowan University; Kauser Jahan, Rowan University; Anthony Marchese, Rowan University; Patricia Mosto, Rowan University; Courtney Richmond, Rowan University; Mariano Savelski, Rowan University; Ying Tang, Rowan University; Paris von Lockette, Rowan University; Stephanie Farrell, Rowan University; Yusuf Mehta, Rowan University; William Riddell, Rowan University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies