Conference Session

Instrumentation Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Jay Lee P.E., California Baptist University; Yeonsang Hwang P.E., Arkansas State University; Tae-Hoon Kim, Purdue University Northwest

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) seasonal data to compute the PalmerDrought Severity Index (PDSI). The accuracy of the model is validated using the historicalrecords of drought indices and available seasonal temperature and precipitation data provided bythe NOAA CPC. The results of the forecasts produced by this model will be compared with theobserved drought indices and validated. The mean error rate and root mean square error (RMSE)methods are used to measure the accuracy of the forecast at stations for validation. The validatedmodel can be used in classroom and laboratory settings for general engineering studies.1. IntroductionDrought is a part of the natural variability consists of various hydrologic interactions such

Conference Session

Instrumentation Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Daniel Dannelley, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott; Elliott Bryner, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

and Mechanical EngineeringAbstractAs part of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering curriculum, Embry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity (Prescott, AZ) has developed a combined lecture / laboratory (lab) course to givestudents an introduction to the fundamental principles of instrumentation and tools necessary toperform measurements while reducing the data obtained. This Measurements andInstrumentation course will provide essential knowledge and skills that students can use forcomplimentary engineering lab courses such as Thermal Fluid Sciences [1], Experimental SpaceSystems, and Experimental Aerodynamics as well as during their yearlong capstone course andnumerous student clubs / research activities.Topics covered in this course are measurement

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gangbing Song, University of Houston; Claudio Olmi, University of Houston; Richard Bannerot, University of Houston

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

, in the presence of a magnetic field thedipoles of the particles align, forming small chains of particles across the two potentials, asillustrated in Figure 1.As the magnitude of the magnetic field through the fluid increases, the strength of the particlechains formed across the fluid also increases. On a macro-level, the observed effect is a changein the effective viscosity of the fluid, causing resistance against any movement through the fluid.Since the magnitude of the viscosity change is directly related to the change in magnetic field Page 12.677.3strength, an MR fluid is a reliable, easily controlled alternative to mechanical damping

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew Braley, University of Idaho; Paul Anderson, University of Idaho; Tracey Windley, University of Idaho; Kevin Buck, University of Idaho; Herbert Hess, University of Idaho

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

must be within ±5°C of the set point temperature. The MRCI cold temperature Page 12.164.2chamber must also be flexible to change with the MRCI for their future needs, and it must do soat a very low cost. The requirements for the MRCI cold temperature environmental chambermust meet the following criteria: Liquid Gas Purge Nitrogen Input 1. Portable: One person can move the chamber 2. Efficient: It must use less than one standard transfer cylinder of liquid Chamber nitrogen for one 8 hour test

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jonathan Hill, University of Hartford; Devdas Shetty, University of Hartford; Jun Kondo, University of Hartford

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

along with smart sensors. The major elements of the hardware in theloop approach are (1) Use of a language-neutral approach to code development, created usingvisual object oriented simulation. (2) Design of the smart sensor that composes of sensors,DSP unit, data acquisition and PC. (3) Use of system dynamics and computer simulation inthe system development. These basic principles have helped to develop the hardware-in-the-loop simulation concept and at the same time, assist in rapid prototyping.For the second approach the paper showcases a new computer engineering paradigm, use of asingle field programmable gate array (FPGA) to construct an entire mechatronic intelligentinstrumentation system, which is uniquely tailored to the application

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dale Litwhiler, Pennsylvania State University-Berks

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

modifying the nosecone of the rocketitself. The shape of a model rocket nosecone is very near that of the ISO standard Pitot tubeprofiles.4 To determine airspeed from a Pitot-static probe, a differential pressure measurementmust be made.5 This differential pressure measurement was made using a Freescale sensor(MPVZ5004G). 6 Page 13.1404.2To test and calibrate the nosecone Pitot-static probes, a controlled flow of air is required. Thiscontrolled flow was obtained using a wind tunnel facility. Figure 1 shows a photograph of thewind tunnel test setup. The main body tube was rigidly mounted in the center of the wind tunnelflow area. Each nosecone

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Charles Birdsong, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

hardware and software had to be purchased to implement the RTWTsystem then the cost comparison might change. However as other have proposedSimulink and the RTWT system seems to meet the pedagogical needs of a controls labmore than the other solutions3.The following sections describe the hardware and software used in this experiment, thenew controller design project developed for the new system and an assessment of the newdesign project and the impact on learning in the lab and the lecture. Page 12.478.3Hardware and SoftwareThe experimental apparatus shown in Figure 1 is a hydraulic servo control system thatwas developed at Cal Poly through financial

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rafic Bachnak, Texas A&M International University; Ramya Chakinarapu, Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

to teach a microprocessor and microcontroller course wherestudents learn assembly language programming by carrying out hands-on experimentsby programming the 8051 microcontroller9. Ten exercises were developed and aredescribed below.Software-Only ExercisesExercise 1: The purpose of the exercise is to introduce students to the microcontrollerboard and software development tools by having them build a simple project, whichmoves a value into the registers r1 and r2, using the widely used instruction mov source,destination. Project development includes creating the project code, building theexecutable file and debugging it.Exercise 2: The main objective of this lab is to provide students with an in-depthknowledge of the build and debug process

Conference Session

Contemporary Instrumentation Poster Session

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Scott Shepard, University of Central Florida

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

can (at least in principle) break the security of classicalencryption codes has spurred a tremendous interest in the development of Quantum Encryption(QE) – the only means of restoring computer data and telecommunication security. Once therealm of a select few of quantum physicists, QE has now become a very important emergingtechnology. Herein important technological issues (that our Engineering Technology Photonicsstudents are well versed in) arise. Two of the most important issues of practical implementationare: the brightness of the sources and the efficiency of the detectors.Single-photon sources have only recently been made practical and economically accessible foruse in undergraduate laboratories.1 This occurred in undergraduate physics

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Don Millard, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Frederick Berry, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Mohamed Chouikha, Howard University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

discussion, which was immediately followed by an activity where students solved paper-and-pencil problems, investigated computer simulations, or conducted hands-on experiments. • Access to Professors: The entire class was taught and supervised by a Ph.D. faculty member. Previously, the professor-in-charge had contact with the students only through the lecture Page 12.862.2 portion in which the entire enrollment met in a large lecture hall. Recitation (discussion) and ‐ 1 ‐  laboratory classes, where student-instructor interaction was more easily fostered, were taught by

Conference Session

Novel Measurement Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jun Kondo, University of Hartford; Santiago Noriega, University of Hartford; Devdas Shetty, University of Hartford

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

vibration analysis systemusing innovative laser based methodology at a lower cost than the current systemsavailable.Currently the laser Doppler scanning vibrometer is the most commonly used laserbased vibration measuring system.The Doppler Effect:It is basically the change in frequency (f) of the laser beam wavelength (λ). Page 11.960.3A laser beam emits a continuous wave with the frequency f and the wavelength λ.A series of successive waves spaced at regular intervals (wave train) with awavelength λ pass a stationary object in the time T = 1/f. If the object movesaway from the beam source at the speed v, then the wave train needs a slightlylonger time T’, to pass

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sri Kolla, Bowling Green State University; Joseph Mainoo, Bowling Green State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

, Devicenet, Ethernet, Foundation Fieldbus,Profibus are increasingly used in instrumentation and control system implementations these days[1]. Sensors, controllers, and actuators are connected as nodes in these networks instead ofhardwiring the devices with point-to-point connections. These networks, collectively calledfieldbus networks, reduce system wiring and provide easy system diagnosis and maintenance. Itis important to integrate fieldbus networks topic in instrumentation and control system courses inorder to make the content of these courses up-to-date with the current industrial practice.There is significant literature available on fieldbus networks [1-3]. Hulsebos has beenmaintaining a comprehensive web site since 1999 that lists various

Conference Session

Novel Measurement Experiments

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Hoehn, Middle Tennessee State University; Saleh Sbenaty, Middle Tennessee State University; William Day, Middle Tennessee State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

, which is composed of N2and CO2, is constantly circulated within aclear acrylic chamber to ensure eventemperature, humidity, and gas distribution.The chamber and the control system areshown in Figure. 1.This research is the direct result of anextensive collaboration between the authorand his graduate advisor from theDepartment of Engineering Technology andIndustrial Studies on one side and theDirector of the Horse Science Laboratory atMTSU on the other. The initial research was Fig. 1. CCSI and its Controller.partially the result of an UndergraduateResearch and Scholarly Creative Activities, URSCA, grant titled “Designing, Building, andTesting a Microcontroller-Based System for Industrial Applications.” The research has evolvedinto

Conference Session

Contemporary Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Rajai, Northern Kentucky University; Hank Javan, University of Memphis; Seyed Allameh, Northern Kentucky University; Horold Wiebe, Northern Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

University of Memphis offers an M.S.degree in engineering technology with concentrations in electronics, computer andmanufacturing. This is in addition to its undergraduate degrees in electronics, computer andmanufacturing technology. Students select their field of concentration according to their futureprofessional goals.In the Masters program, each concentration offers its own graduate courses outlined in theGraduate Bulletin of the university [1]. In contrast to undergraduate programs that are highlyfocused on their particular concentration, this graduate program is less focused and morediverse. Moreover, some of the graduate courses are offered at night making it possible for themembers of the professional community to enroll in this program. In

Conference Session

Contemporary Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Seyed Allameh, Northern Kentucky University; Morteza Sadat-Hossieny, Northern Kentucky University; Paul Cooper, Northern Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

fact is that the material used is engineered by naturewith layered or fibrous structures. Usually there is a hard layer or fiber which issandwiched or embedded in a matrix of a softer phase that acts as glue (Figure 1). The Page 11.775.2latter provides toughness to the otherwise hard brittle material. The polymer or softmaterial does not prevent the cracking of the hard layer; however, the crack does notpropagate straight up and down across the layers. Rather, it changes its plane acrosslayers (Figure 1). Cracks accommodate the extension necessary for the material undertensile stress; however, the layered structure will stay together by the

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tracey Windley, University of Idaho; Jasper Nance, University of Idaho; Kevin Buck, University of Idaho; Herbert Hess, University of Idaho

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

collectionprocess that would take days by hand could take minutes if automated by a computer.Automated test systems also facilitate repeatability in measurement for cases when tests need tobe performed numerous times. A solution to the problem of data organization and storage is to use a database. Figure 1shows a simple representation of a database.Figure 1. Database Representation A database is the equivalent of a virtual data spreadsheet. Each row in the data entrytable represents a data entity, and all the fields in that row contain the pertinent data recordedduring each formal test. Aside from the actual raw data, this information can include theresearcher’s name, the date the data was recorded, the instruments used to record the data

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jahangir Ansari, Virginia State University; Yoon Kim, Virginia State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

acquisitiontechnology to be used for obtaining vibration characteristic of a bell shaped-structure.Experiment Setup and ProcedureThe system consisted of a Data Acquisition (DAQ) board installed on a PC, an accelerometer, animpulse hammer, and connection cables.LabVIEW 7.1 1 was used for experimental measurements of the first five natural frequencies andcorresponding mode shapes of a bell. The experimental modal parameters obtained by impacttesting are compared with corresponding results obtained by a finite-element analysis to verifythe accuracy of the experimental results.The experiment setup of impulse excitation for this study is illustrated in Figure 1. NationalInstruments’ LabVIEW 7.1 software and National Instruments’ PCI-4474 data aquisition board

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hong Zhang, Rowan University; Courtney Richmond, Rowan University; Ying Tang, Rowan University; Patricia Mosto, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

. Video RF Transceiver Transmitter Figure 1: Block diagram of the agent. Page 11.1101.3 We started with a simple agent-server approach. In the development of the IMAPS,there have been several iterative phases of improvement. The current configurations ofthe two parts are illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The field agent takes the form of amodel boat. Depending on working conditions or design preference, it can take onvarious shapes, such as a torpedo, a racing boat, or a pontoon. In order to have thecapability to maneuver and sample the water effectively, the agent was

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Narciso Macia, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

has been effective in enhancing student understandingand retention of control system theory.IntroductionThe teaching of control systems is enhanced by supplementing the lecture material withlaboratory activity. The laboratory activity should reinforce the theory presented in class byproviding a platform in which the theory can be applied. This paper summarizes a series oflaboratory activities dealing with a closed-loop, position control system that utilizes dual DC-solenoids as the drivers, and PC as the controller. This work is an update of a similar positioncontrol system that utilized a single DC solenoid and an op-amp circuit as the controller [1

Conference Session

Instrumentation and Measurements: Innovative Course Development

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Beams, University of Texas-Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

EENG 4109 in 1999. Permanent copies of the Page 11.1045.2Project TUNA hardware were constructed in 2000. Project TUNA has been used in thelaboratory curriculum since that time.A block diagram of Project TUNA is shown in Fig. 1.Fig. 1. Block diagram of Project TUNAProject TUNA relies upon switching phase-sensitive demodulation to measure both themagnitude and phase of the input voltage Vin and output voltage Vo of the network under test. AnAgilent HP33120A arbitrary waveform generator furnishes a sinusoidal signal to three unity-gainquadrature networks. Each quadrature network contains four two-pole unity-gain all-pass filtersarranged in two

Conference Session

Modern Software Measurement Techniques

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ruiqing Jia, China University of Mining and Technology; Shanjun Xu, China University of Mining and Technology; Songyun Gao, China University of Mining and Technology; El-Sayed Aziz, Stevens Institute of Technology; Sven Esche, Stevens Institute of Technology; Constantin Chassapis, Stevens Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

Molding Division, the distinguished Assistant Professor Award at Stevens, an Honorary Master’s Degree from Stevens Institute of technology, and the Tau Beta Pi Pi Academic Excellence Award. He has been an active member in ASME, and SPE.© American Society for Engineering Education, 2006 Page 11.141.2© American Society for Engineering Education, 2006 A Virtual Laboratory on Fluid MechanicsAbstractThis paper describes the development of an interactive Web-based virtual laboratory on fluidmechanics at Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT),1 which integrates animations, graphics andanalysis results in order to achieve a realistic feel of the experiment

Conference Session

Developing New Instrumentation

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bobbie Meredith, Middle Tennessee State University; Saleh Sbenaty, Middle Tennessee State University; Jason Thurmond, Schneider Electric, Power Monitoring and Control

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

. The demo board allows the evaluation of the 71M6513 or 71M6513H power metercontroller chip for measurement accuracy and overall system use.The demo board is pre-loaded with codes containing a low level API library exerciser (LAPIE –6513_demo.hex) in the FLASH memory of the 71M6513/71M6513H IC. This embeddedapplication is developed to exercise all low-level API library calls to directly manage theperipherals, flash programming, and CPU management (clock, timing, power savings, etc.).Below are the main components of this project. Figure 1 shows (from right) the demo board andthe debugging board. Figure 1. TDK Demo and Debugging Boards.III. MethodologyWork on this project began by reading and understanding the literature

Conference Session

Instrumentation Technical Session I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rafic Bachnak, Texas A&M International University; Sofía Carolina Maldonado, Texas A&M International University; Fernando Garcia Gonzalez, Texas A&M International University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

Department of the University of Central Florida. Before joining Texas A&M International University he was a Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Page 23.528.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2013 Enhancements to a Propulsion DemonstratorAbstractThis paper presents enhancements to a propulsion demonstrator that illustrates how a rocketworks. The operation of the original system is manual and collection and display of useful datais not possible. The updated system consists of the following major components: (1) a computer

Conference Session

Instrumentation Technical Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Hoff, University of South Florida; Richard Gilbert, University of South Florida

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

, and generate data or response signals. Compared to the earlier labs using the LabTutorinterface, the training wheels were completely off in the LabChart instrumentation case and thestudents very much enjoyed the challenge posed to develop their own content.The following is an excerpt from the EMG laboratory3: Learning Objectives-By the end oftoday's laboratory you will be able to; 1) Record EMG during voluntary muscle contractions, andinvestigate how contractile force changes with increasing demand. 2) Examine the activity ofantagonist muscles and the phenomenon of coactivation. 3) Record EMG responses evoked bystimulating the median nerve at the wrist. And 4) measure nerve conduction velocity from thedifference in latencies between responses

Conference Session

Instrumentation Technical Session III

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wesley B. Williams P.E., University of North Carolina, Charlotte

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

students at the University of NorthCarolina at Charlotte. The versatility and capability of many industrial PLCs though comes at theexpense of accessibility, with a programming environment that can be intimidating for studentswith limited programming experience (Figure 1) or students accustomed to languages like C++and Python1. To overcome this intimidation with students from mechanical engineering orfacilities management backgrounds, students were led through a common task using a selectionof software and hardware that was believed to be more accessible, to build their skills andconfidence prior to programming with RSLogix 5000. Page 23.846.3Figure

Conference Session

Instrumentation Technical Session I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alireza Rahrooh, Daytona State College; Walter W. Buchanan P.E., Texas A&M University; Remzi Seker, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

Jacobianmatrices using a recursive identification technique3. In what follows, the Jacobianestimation is discussed. Page 23.870.2Estimation of Jacobians Let us represent a nonlinear system by the following vector-matrix state equations: ̇ = f[x(t), u(t), t], and y(t) = g[x(t), u(t), t] (1)Where x(t) represents the 1 state vector, u(t) is the 1 input vector, f[x(t), u(t), t]denotes an 1 function and the output, y(t), is 1 vector. In general f is a function ofstate vector and the input vector. It should be clear that no single linear model canaccurately represent the system because of its wide operating

Conference Session

Instrumentation Technical Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Xiaojing Yuan, University of Houston (CoT); Xiaohui Yuan, University of North Texas; David Adam Harden; Yang Lu

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

Fellowship in 2011 and 2012. He is a member of IEEE and SPIE.Mr. David Adam HardenMr. Yang Lu Page 23.353.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2013 Cross-Domain Integration of home automation, entertainment, and e-Health using Wireless Sensor and Actuator Network Xiaojing Yuan1, Ardavan Moinzadeh1, Yang Lu1, David Harden1, Xiaohui Yuan2 1. University of Houston 2. University of North TexasAbstractRecent advances in wireless sensor and actuator network (WSAN) and other emerging technologies arepromoting a paradigm shift in the way that

Conference Session

Instrumentation Technical Session III

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho, Moscow

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

renewableenergy course at the United States Air Force Academy.Four Solar PanelsWith four different small photovoltaic panels, a lab section of eight electrical engineeringstudents can investigate a remarkable wealth of introductory topics. The panels for thisinvestigation are composed of the following closely related types: monocrystalline cells,polycrystalline cells, and two different thin film cells, one on a rigid, foldable backing and oneon a flexible backing. These are easy to find on-line, including their prices, in small quantities.For example, all four types in a low wattage size, are available on amazon.com for less than afew hundred dollars total. 1The first panel is composed of monocrystalline cells. An example cell is shown in Figure 1.The

Conference Session

Instrumentation in Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Akram Hossain, Purdue University, Calumet (Tech); Mohammad A. Zahraee, Purdue University, Calumet; Hamza Kadir, Purdue University Calumet (College of Technology)

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

. It waits and collects a set of 6 bottles. When six bottles arecollected, it feeds the set of bottles to the master screw conveyor at once. The master screwcontinuously runs at a high speed (RPM of the motor = 240 RPM). If the pocket which is createdat the junction of these two screws is not perfect during handing over, the bottles cannot pass andmay be crushed or shattered. The scenario is portrayed by Fig.1 below. Fig.1: A perfect pocket formation at the junction of the two screw conveyorsThe screw conveyor on the left hand side is the slave screw and the screw conveyor on the righthand side is the master screw. The slave collects the bottles before feeding it to the master screw.In the above figure, at the junction of the two

Conference Session

Computer-based Measurements

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bridget M. Smyser, Northeastern University; Kevin McCue, Northeastern University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation

groups in open lab times or to arrange for groups to borrowequipment for measurement outside of lab. Student topics were varied and showed a great deal ofcreativity, as shown in Figure 1 below. Page 25.655.9Sample of Student Topics for Term ProjectsMeasuring decibel levels around the T (subway)Determining which vendor’s coffee cups kept coffee hot the longestMeasuring the pressure produced by adding Mentos to Diet CokeDetermining the critical radius for heat flux through an insulated copper pipeQuantifying the effect of drafting on bicycle velocityDetermining which fan produces the largest wind volume per kW and per dollarProducing a human