Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 11

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kurt M DeGoede, Elizabethtown College

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

demonstrated competency in two additional skills, determined as required forcontinued advanced study in dynamics. Students could demonstrate proficiency on additionalskills to earn higher grades. Each skill increased the final letter grade by 1/3 of a grade.Comparisons were made using the rate at which students demonstrated proficiency.Competency-based offerings of the course were compared to a similar group of students assessedwith a more traditional grading system (2014 offering). In the competency-based courses, >93%of the students demonstrated proficiency on the required skills, compared to 43% in thetraditional offerings (Chi-Squared p<0.01).Several aspects of course design can help foster the successful use of the competency-basedsystem of

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jessica Lofton, University of Evansville; Jared T. Fulcher, University of Evansville; Dick Blandford, University of Evansville

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

(SAT/ACT) and high school GPA are often the primary measures ofperformance by which potential for success is evaluated. In other institutions, students areadmitted to an ME program after completing certain pre-requisite courses within theundergraduate curriculum. Pre-requisite courses may include a series of math and sciencecourses that provide a solid foundation for upper-level ME courses. In both cases, data-drivenadmission criteria may provide a more informed quantitative measure of student potential forsuccess.Others studies have examined relationships between various measures of performance andstudent success in college [1], [2], [3], [4]. A study conducted at the University of Michigan’sCollege of Engineering concluded that ACT math

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 8

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Agnes Germaine d'Entremont P.Eng., University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Juan Abelló P.Eng., University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

post-secondary level, with a number of institutions developing WeBWorK problems for use inengineering. The WeBWorK Open Problem Library (OPL) contains around 33,000 problemsthat are freely available to instructors to use within their courses (currently, around 200mechanical engineering problems are available)1. The OPL problems are organized under ahierarchical taxonomy structure of “subject”, “chapter”, and “section”, where subject is an areaof study (e.g. linear algebra, probability, etc.), and chapter and section locate a particularproblem within the subject (e.g. linear algebra – matrices – inverses), analogous to a textbookstructure2. Having an easily understandable and comprehensive taxonomy available makes itsimpler for contributors to

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alex C. Szatmary, King's College

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

subject matter [1]. It is administered by the National Councilof Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The FE is typically taken around the timeof graduation; passing the FE is a requirement for becoming an Engineer in Training in the UnitedStates. After several years of work experience as an EIT, an engineer is eligible to take thePrinciples and Practice of Engineering exam (PE), which is a requirement for licensure. FEexams are available for chemical, civil, electrical and computer, environmental, industrial, andmechanical engineering; there is also an “other disciplines” exam. Some subjects, such asMechanical Design and Analysis, appear only on the FE Mechanical; other subjects includedifferent topics and are assessed differently on

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 9

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gregory J. Michna, South Dakota State University; Todd Letcher, South Dakota State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

constraints.IntroductionSenior-level students in the undergraduate mechanical engineering program at South DakotaState University are required to take five technical elective courses. These courses generallyfocus on the application of the knowledge the students have gained in their core courses. One ofthe courses offered is ME 418 Design of Thermal Systems, in which the students apply thefundamentals they learned in Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Heat Transfer to thedesign of systems that involve fluid flow and heat transfer.Educational research has shown that project-based learning is a good fit for courses where thedesired learning outcome is the application of knowledge rather than the acquisition ofknowledge. Mills and Treagust [1] state that project tasks

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 6

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Morteza Nurcheshmeh P.E., Western Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

. … Projects that provide opportunity to accomplish design, development, and implementation should be available.With this mission, the ME faculty members place considerable emphasis on all graduatespossessing professional competence. To achieve this outcome, Western Kentucky University MEstudents experience a curriculum where they can acquire design tools and skills, as well ascompetency in mathematical and technical analysis and communication [1-2]. The curriculum isconsistent with the Criterion 5 requirements EAC of ABET: “Students must be prepared forengineering practice through a curriculum culminating in a major design experience based onthe knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work and incorporating appropriateengineering

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 4

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bobby G Crawford P.E., Quinnipiac University; Jose Antonio Riofrio, Quinnipiac University; Richard Melnyk, U.S. Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

in Table 1 [1], [2]. Table 1. List of Institutions Surveyed Institutions with Doctorate in Engineering Institutions with no Doctorate in Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Harvey Mudd College Stanford University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology University of California - Berkeley Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering California Institute of Technology United States Military Academy Georgia Institute of Technology United States Air Force Academy University of Illinois

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Indranil Brahma, Bucknell University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Paper ID #17821Rethinking the Macroscopic Presentation of the Second Law of Thermody-namicsDr. Indranil Brahma, Bucknell University Doctor Brahma is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Bucknell University. His primary research focus is data enabled modeling. Prior to his academic career he worked for about eight years in the automotive industry. c American Society for Engineering Education, 2017 1 Rethinking the Macroscopic Presentation of the Second Law of 2 Thermodynamics 3 Abstract: The classical macroscopic presentation of the second law of

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Salim M. Haidar, Grand Valley State University; Ali R. Mohammadzadeh, Grand Valley State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

-wise sense, the integral method approach ensures that the basic laws and resultingsolutions are satisfied only in average sense over the region. As noted earlier, the mathematicalimplication of this compromise is a reduction of the number of independent variables and/or areduction of the order of the governing differential equation. The basic steps of the integralmethod are as follows: 1) The first step is the integral formulation of the principle of conservation of energy. By integrating the differential equation of the heat conduction problem over the thermal layer δ(t), one arrives at the heat-balance integral governing the problem. Recall that δ(t) is a phenomenological distance representing the thermal penetration depth

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amir Karimi P.E., University of Texas, San Antonio

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

process of student outcomes in the engineering programs.IntroductionThe ABET-Engineering Commission (EAC) accreditation of engineering programs based onstudents’ learning outcome assessment (EC-2000) began in late 1990s. During the last few yearsof 1990s programs were given the choice of being evaluated based on the old criteria or the newlyestablished EC-2000 criteria. Since 2000, all engineering programs requesting accreditation forthe first time or seeking re-accreditation by ABET-EAC have been required to demonstrate thatprogram meets a set of criteria that include both the general criteria for baccalaureate degreeprograms and the program criteria required by the program lead society (e.g., ASCE, IEEE,ASME).1 The programs must also meet all

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Barbara Sabine Linke, University of California, Davis; Ian C. Garretson, University of California, Davis; Fahad M. Jan, University of California, Davis; Lee Michael Martin, University of California, Davis; Mohamed M. Hafez, University of California, Davis

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

prerequisites (Figure 1). The prerequisites includea manufacturing process course, which teaches about different manufacturing technologies ingeneral in lectures and machining processes specifically through hands-on workshop training.After this course, students have access to the student machine shop. For this course, studentscompleted a course on Technical drawing and Computer-aided design (CAD). Anotherprerequisite is a Thermo-Fluid Dynamics course which teaches about inviscid incompressibleflow, compressible flow, ideal gas mixtures, psychrometrics, reacting mixtures and combustion.Before taking this class, students completed courses on fluid mechanics (fluid properties, fluidstatics, continuity and linear momentum equations for control volumes

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Aneet Dharmavaram Narendranath, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Poisson’s equation hetergenous fromhomogenous (i.e, f=0 or f=f(x) from f=0). Students find appropriate polynomial functions foruse in the Galerkin method of weighted residual for the Poisson’s equation. The choice and orderof polynomial functions and its relation to modifying or refining a shape function in software isrealized.Finally, MATLAB and its partial differential equation toolbox, pdetool, is used to connect theGalerkin Method to classical engineering problems. How boundary conditions could have aneffect of reducing a 2-D problem to a 1-D problem was explored. This exercise allowed studentsto be conscientious of boundary conditions and the variety and applicability thereof, as evidencedthrough examination and homework assignment

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids and Heat Transfer I

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dazhi Yang, Boise State University; Krishna Pakala, Boise State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

necessitates the development ofonline courses that can allow for the flexibility and convenience these distance learning experiencescan offer, which also can help broaden the participation in engineering education. Thermodynamics isamong the most difficult engineering subjects to teach, 1, 2 especially online, where instructors areunable to demonstrate the overwhelming number of equations and applications as they would in face-to-face lectures. 3,4. This paper describes the design and development of an undergraduate onlinethermodynamics class. It also reports the students’ learning experience with thermodynamics in anonline environment, students’ feedback on the online course, and students’ responses as to whatworked in this particular online course.2

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids and Heat Transfer II

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amir Karimi P.E., University of Texas, San Antonio

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

that a good understanding of topics covered in prerequisite courses,is essential for students to become successful in engineering courses.1-3 This is especially true inmore advanced courses in thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is perhaps the most highlystructured subjects among all engineering courses. It is based on a number of definitions andbasic concepts, such as the definitions of open or closed systems, and the understanding of thedifferences between intensive and extensive properties. Any new topic in thermodynamicscontinuously builds on knowledge gained in previous topics. Students who lack theunderstanding of the basic concepts will have difficulty grasping new materials as moreadvanced topics are introduced in thermodynamics.When the

Conference Session

Teams, Capstone Courses, and Project Based-Learning

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Julian Ly Davis, University of Southern Indiana; Natasha Smith P.E., University of Southern Indiana; Michael McLeod, Accuride Corporation

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

and other unnecessary stress concentrations as design flaws when a student’s finiteelement analysis failed to detect them. Students were pressed on how they validated their analyses.Finally, the project revealed areas for improvement for the finite element course itself, particularlyto help students synthesize FEA with concepts and tools from earlier courses.IntroductionFinite Element Analysis (FEA), a numerical method for solving complex problems in engineering,continues to gain traction as a valuable design tool within a variety of industries.1–3 This trendlies in part due to advancements in the development of user friendly FEA software. As a case inpoint, Dassault Systemes, designer of SolidWorks Simulation, promises their software can

Conference Session

Programming, Virtual Reality, and Dynamic Systems

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Anne-Marie A. Lerner, University of Wisconsin, Platteville

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

systems class to 1) help students gainfamiliarity with key concepts, 2) give the instructor an opportunity to correct misconceptions in-class, 3) expose students to multiple instances of the same concept to promote patternrecognition in the class, and 4) promote peer learning for each student.Students were assigned randomly into groups of 3, and each group was given one of 4 similarproblems. The group worked collaboratively to solve a problem reinforcing concepts discussedin class. The instructor assigned a number to this group’s problem, which was then referred to asthe home problem. After solving the home problem, the group was dispersed. One memberwould move to the next problem up, another would move to the next problem down, and thethird

Conference Session

ME Demonstrations and Laboratories

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Thomas A. Feldhausen, Kansas State University; Bruce R. Babin, Kansas State University, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering; Emily Dringenberg, Kansas State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

can be quite complex,the general concepts behind them are quite simple and can be understood by first yearengineering students. A schematic of the steam engine model proposed is shown below. Figure 1: Proposed FLIPCurriculum ImplementationVarious curricula were evaluated to compile a list of common courses contained in a mechanicalengineering curriculum. This section will show how the fundamental learning object will beimplemented into all of these common courses. Each course outline will contain a brief coursedescription and the object implementation strategy. Table 1: Common Mechanical Engineering Courses University of Nebraska

Conference Session

Teams, Teaching, Leadership, and Technical Communications in Mechanical Engineering

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Traci M. Nathans-Kelly, Cornell University; Rick Evans, Cornell University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

through, for example, iterative revision, peer response and reflection, to be continually ready to learn to learn how and to teach each otherRather quickly it became clear that to be able to realize these needs, we needed to create a newMAE communications curriculum and design a research program for assessment. This newcurriculum and the adjoining research program is known as the MAE/ECP EngineeringCommunications Initiative.There are three key components to the initiative: 1. Creating a pilot partner course, ENGRC 2250, Communication for Mechanical Engineering Design at the sophomore level to be taught in conjunction with MAE 2250, Mechanical Synthesis. 2. Coordinating and supporting through teaching partnerships communication

Conference Session

Undergraduate Research and a Force and Moment Lab

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Timothy A. Doughty, University of Portland; Heather Dillon, University of Portland; Ken Lulay P.E., University of Portland; Karen Elizabeth Eifler, University of Portland; Zoë Yi Yin Hensler, University of Portland

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

students interacting with the newmodule. Results indicate the new laboratory experiment has been very successful in improvingstudent awareness of the ethical charge engineers have to perform quality work.IntroductionThis paper provides an overview of a laboratory course in the mechanical engineeringcurriculum that has been designed over several years to enhance student awareness of ethics inengineering.A specific laboratory module described in detail is also part of a larger effort by severalmechanical engineering faculty to enhance the entire laboratory curriculum and scaffoldprofessional development (including ethics) with technical skills. The laboratory curriculumenhancement includes two facets: (1) Modernize and improve the technical skills

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 7

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Olivier Putzeys P.E., University of Maine; Masoud Rais-Rohani P.E., University of Maine; Serge Raymond Maalouf, University of Maine

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

are emphasized. Students are givengroup and individual assignments, all of which are graded and returned with additional feedback.Besides providing a detailed overview of the course, the observations made and lessons learnedfrom teaching the redesigned course for one semester are presented and discussed.IntroductionOver the past three decades, many undergraduate engineering programs have sought to introducestudents to their chosen disciplines as early as possible, e.g., first semester of first year. There aremany reasons for this growing trend. The principal motivation is usually to keep studentsengaged and interested in their selected majors with the long-term goal of improving bothretention and graduation rates [1-3].A limited survey of the

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 4

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Anahita Ayasoufi, Auburn University; Rick Williams, Auburn University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

engagement and participation, facilitation of learning, and favorablestudent feedback.IntroductionA brief history of Flipped Classroom. Flipped Classroom, is a teaching methodology in whichinstead of learning the material in class and doing homework at home, the students watchpremade videos of the topics at home and spend the class time on working problems. Theconcept of a flipped classroom was inspired by teachers Jonathan Bergman and Aaron Sams.They developed “reversed instruction” by offering PowerPoint presentations online for studentswho had missed class [1].Since then, the concept has been developed into a teaching methodology, interpreted and appliedin various ways. Variations take two separate routes. One category of variations focusses on

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 8

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Julie Mendez, Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

course.IntroductionStandards-based grading is being used more frequently in engineering courses [1], [2]. In atraditional grading scheme, the course grade is determined based on scores of individualassignments and exams, but in standards-based grading, the course grade is based on how manystandards, or learning outcomes, the student has mastered. In standards-based grading, thelearning outcomes are clear to the students and each assignment is aligned with one or morelearning outcomes.Specifications grading [3] bears some similarity to contract grading [4]; however, instead ofcreating an individual contract for each student or having students commit to a particular grade atthe start of the course, students are given specifications, or detailed requirements for

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 7

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Todd Letcher, South Dakota State University; Gregory J. Michna, South Dakota State University; John D. VerSteeg, South Dakota State University; Sarah M. Michna, South Dakota State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Universitydeveloped a new strategy for improving student retention and overall student quality based on anew first-year engineering experience. The older curriculum had become outdated, was notteaching our students what we thought they needed, and was not preparing the students for therest of the mechanical engineering program and beyond.As our graduating students completed exit surveys, common criticisms of the program included aperceived lack of software availability and a deep knowledge of how to use the software, lack ofpreparation for constructing prototypes (mechanical and/or electrical), and lack of product designinstruction and practice. In an effort to address these problems, two new courses were developedfor 1st year students [1] and a 2nd year

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 6

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Simon Thomas Ghanat P.E., The Citadel; Dena Garner, The Citadel; Jason Howison, The Citadel; Rebecca A. Hunter, The Citadel; Breeanne Baker Swart, The Citadel; Shankar Madhab Banik, The Citadel; Michael P. Verdicchio, The Citadel; Nathan John Washuta P.E., The Citadel

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. He received both his B.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Maryland – College Park. His primary research interests include Hydrodynamics, Turbulence, and Experimental Methods. c American Society for Engineering Education, 2018 Students’ Perception of a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience: Across the DisciplinesIntroductionUndergraduate research is considered one of the high impact practices, which are routinely foundon college campuses today. The outcomes from undergraduate research range from increasing astudent’s retention in the major to increased numbers of students attending graduate school [1].In

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 5

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Elyse Hill, University of Guelph; Andrew Lee, University of Guelph; Amy Domenique Gadsden, University of Alberta ; Stephen Andrew Gadsden, University of Guelph; Stephen Andrew Wilkerson P.E., York College of Pennsylvania

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

of Kinetic Energy munitions during initiallaunch. Afterwards he was selected for the exchange scientist program and spent a summer workingfor DASA Aerospace in Wedel, Germany 1993. His initial research also made a major contribution tothe M1A1 barrel reshape initiative that began in 1995. Shortly afterwards he was selected for a 1 yearappointment to the United States Military Academy West Point where he taught Mathematics. Followingthese accomplishments he worked on the SADARM fire and forget projectile that was finally used in thesecond gulf war. Since that time, circa 2002, his studies have focused on unmanned systems both airand ground. His team deployed a bomb finding robot named the LynchBot to Iraq late in 2004 and thenagain in 2006

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 11

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Seth Norberg, U.S. Military Academy; Tim Ashcraft, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, United States Military Academy; Matthew Miller, United States Military Academy; Michael J Benson, U.S. Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

students have preferences for one category within the ILS model: sensing,visual, active, or sequential [7].A consideration of all mechanical engineering curriculums, the ABET Criterion 3b, states that a studentoutcome is “an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data [1].”Many university programs have restructured their courses in order to introduce and evaluate design ofexperiments in their engineering curriculum. There have been multiple papers discussing and evaluatinga design of experiment into an engineering course including Pape [2], Anagnos et al. [3], Sawyers andMarquart [4], and Satish et al. [5]. Each paper describes their own methodology of introducing and then

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Oziel Rios, University of Texas, Dallas

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

computer equipped with Computer-AidedDesign (CAD) software and a 3D printer.1. IntroductionIn the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Dallas, students areexposed to 3D CAD modeling during their freshman year [1-3] but are required to take a moreintensive CAD course typically taken during the second semester of sophomore year or firstsemester of their junior year. This CAD course covers 3D part and assembly modeling,parametric curve and surface modeling, fabrication packages for traditional and additivemanufacturing, and conventional and geometric tolerancing.GD&T provides an effective means of specifying nominal part geometry and the allowablevariation. The importance of GD&T includes: producing components that

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 11

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kathryn Anne Wingate, Georgia Institute of Technology ; Aldo A. Ferri, Georgia Institute of Technology; Karen M. Feigh, Georgia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the critical pre-requisitechains involves the so called “mechanics sequence,” which runs from Physics to Staticsand then to Mechanics and Dynamics. This paper examines how performance in thesekey classes affects students’ persistence in engineering, as measured by GPA atgraduation and time-to-graduate. It is found that Statics has the largest impact on theacademic success of struggling mechanical engineering students. While some studentscan overcome poor grades in Physics, struggles in Physics often foretell continuedproblems throughout the mechanical engineering curriculum.1. IntroductionRecent decreases in state funding and corresponding increases in tuition have transferredthe financial burden of college to the student, resulting in a

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 6

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

S. M. Mizanoor Rahman, University of West Florida

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

(ordinary) teaching. The results can guide the educators and education decision makersto adopt appropriate technologies especially robotics as pedagogical tools to enhance the teachingand learning outcomes and effectiveness. The limitations and future directions of the research arealso discussed.1. IntroductionBased on years of teaching experiences of undergraduate mechanical engineering courses, it isrealized that there are many mechanical engineering concepts that are fully or partly abstract innature. For example, torque, moment, pneumatics, hydraulics, etc. It is experienced that studentsusually feel difficulty to comprehend such concepts when they are taught such concepts intraditional classroom settings. The difficulty level becomes higher

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Luis E. Monterrubio, Robert Morris University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

through the use of commercial finite element method(FEM) software and 3D printers have become common tools to reverse engineer and developlighter products in the industry. Reverse engineering is a process in which the starting point ofa new design starts with an existing design [1]. These tools were incorporated into a designcourse in a Mechanical Engineering program to design and validate a lighter version of abracket.3D Laser scanners are used to obtain the geometry of existing parts determining the position ofa scanned area by sensing the reflection of a laser on a surface taking into account the period ofreturn of the light ray and the angle of impact [2]. The points obtained during the scanningprocess are used to form surfaces that can be