Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering: Trends and Tools

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Aaron P. Wemhoff, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

formulate foran academic setting. The confidence in the solution method for a student can be built byfollowing a worked-out example, matching the final answers with the answer key, or applyingmultiple approaches to tackling a problem. Lecture courses often use the first two approachesdue to the simplicity of problems and the availability of example problems in textbooks.However, in professional practice the problems have not been previously worked out andsolutions are not given. Therefore, the only means to gain confidence in a solution by aprofessional engineer is to apply multiple approaches to tackling a problem, and improvedreliability is achieved when the two different routes to a solution give similar results.Figure 1 shows the advantages and

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids, and Heat Transfer

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kyle A. Watson, University of the Pacific; Ashland O. Brown, University of the Pacific; Rachelle Kisst Hackett, University of the Pacific; Alexis Pham, University of the Pacific

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

has served as Dean for two engineering schools and headed groups at Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp., which included a product design section composed of product analysis engineers (finite element analysis experts). He has taught engineering courses in thermodynamics, solar engineering, graphics, dynamics, machine design, and finite elements methods. He has more than 50 referred technical research publications, and conference papers with 10 in the areas of finite element learning modules, with two recently accepted as referred engineering journal papers covering the results of the NSF CCLI-Phase 1 work.Dr. Rachelle Kisst Hackett, University of the Pacific Rachelle Kisst Hackett, Ph.D., is an Associate

Conference Session

Active and Project-based Learning

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Garrett Miles Clayton, Villanova University; Teresa Genevieve Wojcik, Villanova University; Aleksandra Radlińska, Villanova University; Noelle K. Comolli, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

this paper, the use of impromptu design exercises in an introductory mechanical engineeringcourse is presented. These exercises are used to introduce three design concepts: 1) the designprocess (in general), 2) brainstorming and decision making, and 3) optimization. The developedexercises are presented along with details pertaining to implementation and preliminaryevaluation results.The impromptu design exercise format [1-3] is commonly used at engineering student functions,like conferences, as a fun, ice-breaker activity [1]. In a typical contest, students are given asimple design task capable of being completed in a short amount of time, a bag of (carefullychosen) supplies, and nothing else. The student team approaches the problem as they

Conference Session

Laboratory Innovations

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Claire Yu Yan, University of British Columbia; Carolyn Labun, University of British Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

of the differentassignments and learning methods.Course Goals and Instructional MethodsKinematics and Dynamics of Machinery covers fundamental principles in analysing andsynthesising mechanisms and is a foundation to the broader subject of machine design. Theobjectives of this course are 1) to develop students‟ essential technical knowledge in machinery,2) to develop their ability to implement classroom learning through solving real-life designproblems, and 3) to encourage technical communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, andteamwork skills.In order to achieve these objectives, this course (in Term 1 of 2011-2012) was taught bycombining active learning elements, for example, real-life examples and design projects, withtraditional

Conference Session

Learning and Assessment III

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Horacio Vasquez, University of Texas, Pan American; Arturo A. Fuentes, University of Texas, Pan American; Robert A. Freeman, University of Texas, Pan American

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the instructor. At the end of theclass period, additional questions that require simple calculations are given to the students.Consequently, students getting C or better grades were 92.6% using such new approachcompared to 59.2% in a simultaneously taught traditional Statics course9. Being aware of theseinterventions in Statics courses at different institutions, this project presents a description ofonline formative assessments to integrate knowledge and recitation sessions developed for theStatics courses which are expected to enhance traditional face-to-face Statics instruction.Statics Course Difficulties and Opportunities Figure 1 indicates the main topics that are associated with student learning outcomes in theStatics course in the

Conference Session

Learning and Assessment I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John K. Estell, Ohio Northern University; John-David S. Yoder, Ohio Northern University; Briana B. Morrison, Southern Polytechnic State University; Fong K. Mak, Gannon University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

ithas been adopted and modified by other programs and institutions, and recommendationsregarding its future use.1. Origins of the Faculty Course Assessment ReportIt is often said that necessity is the mother of invention; the Faculty Course Assessment Reportdocument was developed under such circumstances. During the 2001-2002 academic year, boththe computer engineering and electrical engineering programs housed within the Electrical &Computer Engineering and Computer Science (ECCS) Department at Ohio Northern University(ONU) were preparing for an ABET accreditation visit under the then-new “EC 2000” guidelines Page 25.755.2requiring programs

Conference Session

Laboratory Innovations

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Arif Sirinterlikci, Robert Morris University; Tony Lee Kerzmann, Robert Morris University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

their education1. In order to facilitate hands-on learning in the engineeringprograms at Robert Morris University, basic mechanisms have already become an integrated partof the introductory courses of ENGR 1010 - Introduction to Engineering and ENGR 2160 -Engineering Graphics. Freshman engineering students become familiar with the motion ofmechanical systems. The students have been asked to construct a crank mechanism, such as anoscillating lever with a connecting rod. Three of the many mechanisms that were constructed inthe Introduction to Engineering course are shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: Student built wooden mechanical systems

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids, and Heat Transfer

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Onursal Onen, University of South Florida; Rasim Guldiken, University of South Florida

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

undereach heading listed is described below. The main emphasis was on introducing students the state-of-the-art technology of microfluidics and its applications. The lecture was taught towards theend of the semester. The lecture materials including the presentation are available for downloadin the webpage: http://me.eng.usf.edu/Faculty/guldiken/TUTORIALS.html.Introduction and ScalingThe introduction part started with the definitions, stating the need for microfluidics and typicalcomponents in a microfluidic system. The advantages (also disadvantages) of microfluidics werediscussed in detail, mainly resulting from the scaling down from macro scale to micro scale. Thedimension and volume scale were presented with illustrations (Figure 1) enabling

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering: Curricula and Courses

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lisa Abrams, Ohio State University; James William Altschuld, Ohio State University; Blaine W. Lilly, Ohio State University; Daniel A. Mendelsohn, Ohio State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

. It isestimated that approximately 200 students per semester will take this new design course.Two pilots of the new design course will be completed before the semester implementation inFall 2012. Assessment instruments of the pilots include assignment rubrics, focus groups,surveys, and questionnaires. This paper includes some of the preliminary data collection andresults and issues encountered by the development team.IntroductionThe Ohio State University (OSU) is a Research 1 land grant institution. Mechanical Engineeringat OSU has historically had a traditional curriculum with a hands-on design experience in thefirst year, theoretical and laboratory experiences in the second and third year, and a seniorcapstone in the fourth year.The

Conference Session

Learning and Assessment III

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tom Spendlove, Baker College, Flint; Anca L. Sala, Baker College, Flint; James Riddell, Baker College, Flint

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

one project from a first or secondyear class and one from a third, fourth or fifth year class that demonstrates we are meeting theoutcome. This also fits in well with our learning centered instruction initiative at the college sowe can not only show the school what we’re doing but show them how it fits into the confines ofour accrediting body. Page 25.880.5The Program Educational Objectives are to prepare graduates who: 1. demonstrate competencein engineering practice in local and global industry environments, or in related careers ingovernment or academia. 2. exhibit effective communication, team work, and readiness forleadership while

Conference Session

Simulations and Visualizations

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ricardo Medina, California State University, Los Angeles; Ashkan Motamedi, California State University, Los Angeles; Murat Okcay, Interactive Flow Studies Corporation; B. Uygar Oztekin, Interactive Flow Studies Corporation; Gustavo Borel Menezes, California State University, Los Angeles; Arturo J. Pacheco-Vega, California State University, Los Angeles

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

sketch of its geometry is shown in Fig. 1,has been recently used in the FlowCOACH experimental setup as a ‘model insert’ to providestudents at CSULA supplemental information through visual appreciation of the flow in alaboratory setting[6]. In reference to Fig. 1, the channel geometry is comprised of three differentsections: (1) a diverging section with dimensions 27 mm and 80 mm at the end points, and alength of 90 mm in the streamwise-direction (x-direction), (2) a squared section, whichcorresponds to the model insert in the FlowCOACH device, with dimensions of 80 mm × 80mm, and (3) a converging section with dimensions: 80 mm and 42 mm at the end points and alength of 27 mm. The squared-obstruction of the model insert has dimensions of 20 mm

Conference Session

Outreach, Engagement, and Undergraduate Research

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Karinna M. Vernaza, Gannon University; Mahesh C. Aggarwal, Gannon University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

paper will describe the involvement of theundergraduate students in the organization and execution of the event, the activities proposed andselected, and the advantages of students’ active participation. Finally, the lessons learned andchallenges experienced will be discussed.1 IntroductionOutreach events have demonstrated to be an effective approach to promote engineering majorsamongst young generations at the same time that they support the mission of engineeringprofessional societies and universities. Literature presents a large number of examples of pre- Page 25.1017.2college (K-12) level outreach programs undertaken by universities

Conference Session

Student Learning and Assessment

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Raghu Echempati, Kettering University; Enayat Mahajerin, Saginaw Valley State University; Anca Sala, Baker College Of Flint

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

andGallagher11 developed a web-based FE program as an aid in teaching deformable (Solid)mechanics course. There are several math tools and textbooks available12-21 in the literature thatcan be used to enhance the basic understanding of a typical FEA course. Other relevant literatureon this subject area are also included in the bibliography22-24.Common Course Learning Objectives (CLOs):The instructors teaching this course have identified the following common course learningobjectives which will facilitate using common assessment tools for this course.1. apply the knowledge of Matrix Algebra, Statics, CAE and Mechanics of Materials courses to a basic understanding of the Finite Element Method and its engineering applications2. understand the assumptions

Conference Session

Teaching Mechanical Systems: What's New

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Raghu Echempati, Kettering University; Richard Dippery, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

. Also, prerequisites knowledge test is veryhelpful to assess their concepts and to conduct any extra help sessions. Figure 1 and 2 inAppendix – I show charts of students’ overall grade in Statics and Solid Mechanics, respectively.Although many students did well in Statics course, few of these students had difficulty inunderstanding the difference between rigid body mechanics (Statics) and deformable bodymechanics (Solid Mechanics). This contributed to only a moderate performance on MachineDesign course.Conventional teaching methods (lectures, class work and team-home work, mini- and term-ending projects) are followed for this course. The final take-home project enhanced the students’understanding of the material covered in the entire course

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Benson, Kettering University; Ada Cheng, Kettering University; Odesma Dalrymple, ASU Polytechnic

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

immediately and accurately apply these centralprinciples means that students will find that the impact of these knowledge gaps is recurring.While coping skills may enable a student to pass a class or “get through” a topic, if they chooseto repair their knowledge gaps they may find themselves re-learning these concepts/skills whileat the same time learning advanced concepts that depend upon these skills.A simplified example of a trajectory essential to mechanical engineering is the concept of the dotproduct, also known as the scalar inner product. Figure 1 shows a representative program ofstudy in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University with the intersections of the dot producttrajectory with various classes highlighted. Mechanical Engineering

Conference Session

Design Projects in Mechanical Engineering I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Garrett Clayton, Villanova University; James O'Brien, Villanova University; Kenneth Kroos, Villanova University; Amy Fleischer, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

aspects of ME and tohelp students develop general skills needed to be successful ME students and engineer. Theseobjectives are achieved through a hands-on, project-based laboratory coupled withcomplementary theory-based lectures. This class differs from typical introduction to engineeringcourses because it is offered to sophomores, which enables higher-level engineering content tobe covered. The topics addressed in this paper are the initial development of the course, theevolution of the course over the past eight years, the current state of the course, studentassessment of the course, and plans for future development.1. IntroductionIn this paper, the development and evolution of the sophomore-level introduction to MechanicalEngineering (ME

Conference Session

Design Projects in Mechanical Engineering I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Angkee Sripakagorn, Chulalongkorn University; Kuntinee Maneeratana, Chulalongkorn University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Chulalongkorn UniversityAct transformed the status of the university from a public university into an autonomousuniversity. The loss of fiscal security and benefits also brought further challenges. Moreover, thecompetition for students from local institutions and globalization present new threats, challengesand opportunities that a program has to accept and adapt [1]. Thus, it is clear that the methods ofteaching and learning must be radically changed in order to ensure the success of the program.This paper describes an experience in implementing design as the integrative experience of anengineering program via a capstone design course: 2103-499 Mechanical Engineering Project.Prior to this work, the learning experience and assessment in this course was

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kuntinee Maneeratana, Chulalongkorn University; Angkee Sripakagorn, Chulalongkorn University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

only. Additionally, the final grade average was found topredominantly reflect the performances in lecture-based engineering courses.I. IntroductionThis paper originated during the ongoing process of program revisions in the Department ofMechanical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University (CU), Thailand. The current bachelor’s andgraduate programs have been in use since 2002 and are due for a major adjustment in 2011. Bothcurrent and proposed bachelor’s degree curricula are very traditionally structured as they are bestdescribed by a series of courses and the corresponding content [1].As the opening for formal curriculum flexibility is very limited due to the stringent requirementson compulsory courses and credits, as demanded by the Commission on

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hui Shen, Ohio Northern University; Richard F. Miller, Ohio Northern University; David Sawyers, Ohio Northern University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

common concern for engineering educators today is that the number of American studentsentering the engineering field is not high enough to meet future demand.1-4 In recent years,fewer than one-third of college students have pursued science and engineering degrees5. Theenrollment of engineering freshman declined from 1985 to 2005, according to data by theEngineering Workforce Commission.6 As studies have shown, in recent years “the number ofengineering Ph.D. graduates has increased very little.”7 Undergraduate research focusing oninterdisciplinary projects has been shown to have a positive impact on retention in theengineering majors, enrollment in engineering graduate schools, and the career development ofengineering graduates.8-12 In most

Conference Session

Improving Mechanics & Structural Modeling Courses

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Vincent Sabatini, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Ryle Maxson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Darris White, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Jack McKisson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; William Haupfear, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Page 15.1233.2maintaining consumer acceptability. Because of the availability and efficiency of electricity andelectric power systems, vehicle electrification was identified as a key technology for this project.The modern automotive is the result of over a century of evolution. A wide range of propulsionsystems have been attempted with electric, hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles havingbeen developed as starting in the late 1800s. GM developed an experimental plug-in hybridvehicle, called the XP-883, in 1969 (1). Despite notable efforts to increase the degree of vehicleelectrification, the cost, weight, and complexity of these systems has prevented widespreadmarket acceptance. Recent advances in battery, and control system

Conference Session

Teaching Mechanical Systems: What's New

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ashok Kumar Manoharan, Auburn University; P.K. Raju, Auburn University; Chetan Sankar, Auburn University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

technical and/or business issue that has actuallybeen faced by managers together with surrounding facts, opinions, and prejudices upon whichmanagement decisions must depend. These real and particularized cases are presented to studentsfor considered analyses, open discussion, and final discussion as to the type of action that shouldbe taken. The fundamental principles underlying the case study method of teaching, assummarized by Barnes et al.5, are:1. The primary of situational analysis: Analysis of some specific situation forces the student todeal with “as is” and not the “might be.”2. The imperative of relating analysis and action: The traditional academic focus has been toknow; the practitioners’ focuses have been on action. The case study

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions - Mechanical Engineering Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Goodarz Ahmadi, Clarkson University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

environmental processes involve particle transport,deposition and removal. In the last decade, significant research progress in the areas ofnano- and micro-particle transport, deposition and removal has been made. A series ofcourses was developed to make these class of new important research findings availableto seniors and graduate students in engineering through developing and offering ofspecialized curricula. This project involved integration of numerical simulations andexperiments in the developed courses. The course materials were mostly made availableon the web and some courses were taught at University 1 and University 2 campusessimultaneously. Based on the course materials, a series of short courses was also offeredat several countries. The

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christine Valle, Georgia Institute of Technology; Wayne Whiteman, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

is a relatively new approach inAmerican universities, generally observed since the late 1980’s, though in other parts of theworld such as Europe, the first engineering degree has always required a minimum of five yearsof study and been considered equivalent to the MS degree.These BS/MS programs vary in their details at different academic institutions. For the most part,they offer the qualified student: 1) the possibility to earn their BS and MS degrees in less time than it would take to pursue both degrees separately, and 2) the opportunity to deepen and diversify their technical and professional skills, which will help make them more competitive and marketable in the global marketplace.As BS/MS programs grew more popular

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids, and Heat Transfer-Part I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Israel Urieli, Ohio University-Athens

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

textbook wasalmost unnecessary. During winter of 2009 I was awarded Professional Leave in order todevelop a complete open-source web-based learning resource independent of any textbook. Thiswas successfully completed and can be found at http://www.ent.ohiou.edu/~thermo.The basic structure of this web-based resource is similar to that of a textbook. It includes elevenchapters and is divided into two parts. The first part is designed as an introduction to engineeringthermodynamics for students of all engineering majors, and is structured as follows:Part 1 – An Introduction to the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics Chapter 1: Introductory Concepts, Units and Definitions Chapter 2: Properties of Pure Substances Chapter 3: The

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids, and Heat Transfer II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Maixner, United States Air Force Academy; William Parker, Air Force Research Laboratories

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

analysis under both steady stateand transient conditions.Being an undergraduate institution, no teaching assistants are assigned at USAFA, so thatthe instructor must grade all work submitted; ease of grading was, therefore, an importantconsideration. A ine line had to be walked in ensuring not only the required degree of dificulty,but also allowing that mistakes be easily detected. Figure 1 is a screen shot of the templateprovided to the students, with all material properties and dimensions depicted. Not only werestudents required to provide all equations in the blank cells of this template, but they wererequired to do a certain amount of macro recording and assignment of macros to the controlbuttons shown. Iteration speed for the steady state

Conference Session

Design Projects in Mechanical Engineering II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bethany Fralick, Purdue University; Jed Lyons, University of South Carolina

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

10 Likert scale questions that can be seen in Table 1. Each questionused in the pre-survey was given a letter for simplicity during analysis. Demographicinformation collected in the pre-survey was gender, age, previous year enrollment, and previouscoursework. This information was collected and used to describe the subject groups. TABLE 1 PRE-SURVEY QUESTIONS WITH CORRESPONDING ANALYSIS LETTERSBefore designing the experiment: A I have a good understanding of how to design experiments. B I feel the task description was adequate. C I understand the purpose of the experiment. D I understand the physical set-up that I will need to use. E I can identify all of the variables to be manipulated

Conference Session

Teaching Mechanical Systems: What's New

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joseph Walchko, United States Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

instructor canthread through two-dimensional kinematics, as well as, three-dimensional kinematics.1. Introduction One of the most difficult concepts for students in an undergraduate dynamics course isthat of rigid body kinematics. The geometry of rigid body motion, a topic most students arefamiliar with from undergraduate physics, takes on additional complexity as one introducesangular velocities and accelerations of rigid bodies. Couple this with the fact that the majority ofstudents in an undergraduate dynamics course just completed an undergraduate statics coursefree of motion, and the result is clouded confusion and inability to understand what is reallyhappening to the rigid body. Dynamics is a course best taught with

Conference Session

Student Learning and Assessment

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nicholas Harlow, Western Kentucky University; Robert Choate, Western Kentucky University; H. Joel Lenoir, Western Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

performance characteristics.This paper focuses on the DBT process of the test bed and the development of the experiment.Moreover, an assessment of the project is provided through an analysis of the following projectoutcomes: 1) The student worker’s learning experiences during the execution of thisextracurricular project inclusive of both technical and project management aspects and 2) Theimpact of the implementation of this extracurricular project as a course experiment in theExperimentation and Instrumentation course as part of the ME Program’s curriculum sequence.IntroductionThe Mechanical Engineering (ME) Program at Western Kentucky University focuses on creatingprofessional learning experiences in order to “provide students with the opportunity

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Ficken, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

pickup and60 toothed wheel. The shaft torque and additional pressures and flows are displayed on the standpanel face. Additional instrumentation is available to provide and select needed electrical signals.The system is shown schematically and pictorially in figures 1 - 4. Note: The schematic omitsthe clutch and frictionally driven flywheel. Page 15.688.3  Figure 1 Rotary Speed Control Arrangement Schematic3 Page 15.688.4 Stand panel (Delta ©  controller is inside

Conference Session

Design Projects in Mechanical Engineering I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Thomas Shepard, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; Camille George, University of St. Thomas

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Page 15.345.3introduction to aspects of internal and external fluid flows as well as the different formsof heat transfer and how they occur. Some of the final products can be seen in Figure 1. Figure 1. Heat exchanger designsUpon completion, the desalinators were used in a lab utilizing the first law ofthermodynamics and psychrometrics (Appendix B). During the lab student designed heatexchangers were attached to an evaporative cooler which was running with saltwater asopposed to freshwater. In the evaporative cooler air is blown through a membrane whichwas wetted with the saltwater causing water vapor to evaporate and the air temperature todecrease. This moist air then traveled over a heat exchanger through which