Conference Session

Introducing Active Learning into ME Courses

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Julie Linsey, University of Texas-Austin; Brent Cobb, U.S. Air Force Academy; Daniel Jensen, U.S. Air Force Academy; Kristin Wood, University of Texas-Austin; Saad Eways, Austin Community College

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

2006-1332: METHODOLOGY AND TOOLS FOR DEVELOPING HANDS-ONACTIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIESJulie Linsey, University of Texas-Austin JULIE LINSEY is a Ph.D. candidate in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research focus is on systematic methods and tools for innovative and efficient conceptual design with particular focus on design-by-analogy. Contact: julie@linseys.orgBrent Cobb, U.S. Air Force Academy CAPT. BRENT COBB is an instructor of Engineering Mechanics at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received his B.S. from the Air Force Academy and his M.M.E. degree from Auburn University. He previously worked for the Propulsion Directorate of the Air

Conference Session

Student Learning and Assessment I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michele Miller, Michigan Technological University; Anna Pereira, University of California, Berkeley; Benjamin Mitchell, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

and high school girls to mechanicalengineering, the number of women mechanical engineering graduates has been persistently low;in 2009 women received just 11.4% of mechanical engineering degrees in the United States.1Viewing the skilled trades as cousins of the engineering professions may help to explain the lownumbers of women in mechanical engineering. The percentages of women2 auto mechanics(1.6%), carpenters (1.5%), and machinists (6.9%) are so low that most of us have never met awoman in one of these professions. One approach to attracting more women may be to marketmechanical engineering as being much different than a skilled trade. However, if some of thosetrade skills are valuable in engineering work, alternative approaches for

Conference Session

Improving ME Instructional Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sorin Cioc, University of Toledo; Constantin Ciocanel, University of Toledo; K Cyril Masiulaniec, University of Toledo; Douglas Oliver, University of Toledo

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

AC 2007-2198: LABORATORY IMPROVEMENT: A STUDENT PROJECT TODEVELOP INITIATIVE AND INNOVATION AS A PERMANENT STATE OFMINDSorin Cioc, University of Toledo Sorin Cioc is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering (MIME), College of Engineering, University of Toledo. He received a Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania, and a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo. His main research and publishing area is tribology. He is a past recipient of the Wilbur Deutsch Memorial Award for the best paper on the practical aspects of lubrication

Conference Session

Improving ME instructional laboratories

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mohammad Elahinia, University of Toledo; Constantin Ciocanel, University of Toledo

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

that the students’ learning is considerably enhanced. The enhancement canbe attributed to the facts that the students have to design the procedure for running thetest and collecting data, they need to look at the problem from multiple perspectives andas engineers, they deal with solving practical issues related to the problem. The otherfactor that plays an important role in improving the learning is that the students have topresent their results; these presentations are critiqued by faculty, graduate teachingassistants, and peer students.Two sets of student evaluations were administrated during the semester, one at themiddle of the semester after the completion of three experiments related to themechanical part of the lab, and one at the end

Conference Session

Active and Project-Based Learning

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lauren A. Rockenbaugh, University of Colorado, Boulder; Daria A. Kotys-Schwartz, University of Colorado, Boulder; Derek T. Reamon, University of Colorado, Boulder

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Partnership Program and an Instructor in the Department of Mechanical Engi- neering at the University of Colorado Boulder. She received BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineer- ing from The Ohio State University and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Kotys-Schwartz has focused her research in engineering epistemology, engineering student learning, retention and diversity. She is currently investigating the use of Oral Discourse Method for con- ceptual development in engineering, the impact of a four-year hands-on design curriculum in engineering, the effects of service learning in engineering education, and informal learning in engineering.Derek T Reamon, University of Colorado

Conference Session

New Teaching Pedagogies: Methods and Assessments

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Luz Adriana Amaya-Bower, Central State Connecticut University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

findings show that the current Page 26.343.2methodology can be expanded to other classes throughout the curriculum.1 IntroductionThe main goal of an educator is to provide knowledge and experience to the students throughdifferent teaching techniques. Developing and improving these techniques is an area that has beenstudied for many decades and will continue evolving for many years to come. As an educator, onehas to find teaching methods which best fit the subject matter and provide a learning experiencethat eventually will improve the professional practice 1 . In recent years, studies have shown thatfor engineering, mathematics and science there

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Technical Session: Potpourri

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Benjamin B. Wheatley, Bucknell University; Elif Miskioğlu, Bucknell University; Eliana Christou, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Nicholas Tymvios, Bucknell University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

, Anopheles gambiae. As a result, her diverse background also includes experience in infectious disease and epidemiology, providing crucial exposure to the broader context of engineering problems and their subsequent solutions. These diverse experiences and a growing passion for improving engineering edu- cation prompted Dr. Miskio˘glu to change her career path and become a scholar of engineering education. As an educator, she is committed to challenging her students to uncover new perspectives and dig deeper into the context of the societal problems engineering is intended to solve. As a scholar, she seeks to not only contribute original theoretical research to the field, but work to bridge the theory-to-practice gap in

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 6

Collection

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Louis Reis, Louisiana Tech University; Samira Fazel Anvaryazdi, Louisiana Tech University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

classroom, mostfollow this simple formula: events that traditionally take place in the classroom such as lecturingand note taking are done outside of the class and are replaced with more practice exercises andindividual and group-based problem solving [1]. Active learning, where students are engaged inthe learning process through activities such as group-based problem solving or hands-onactivities, has been recognized as an effective means to educating students in comparison totraditional lectures with many independent studies showing improvement in student learninggoals [2]. By shifting the dissemination of class notes to a period outside of the designated classtime, the flipped classroom allows for students to have more meaningful interactions

Conference Session

Mechanical Division Poster Session

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Satyajeet P. Deshpande, Kolano and Saha Engineers, Inc.; Mohan D. Rao, Tennessee Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

for educational use in emerging countries. An impedance tube capable of measuringabsorption coefficient and transmission loss is designed and built under a budget of $1500suitable for educational institutions in developing countries. The design, development andfabrication of the low-cost impedance tube along with measurement results demonstrating itsaccuracy is presented. Using a calibrated acoustic sample, data obtained from the low-costimpedance tube were compared with those from a standard commercial tube with encouragingresults. A parametric study was conducted showing the effects of various parameters on theaccuracy of the measured results. These include tube material, tube dimensions, frequency range,source transducer, pressure

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 9

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Scott Pierce P.E., Western Carolina University; Rungun Nathan, Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus; William E. Howard, East Carolina University; Brian Sylcott, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

suggested that this extra time to graduation acts as a barrier to entry and that theprofession would be best-served by curricula that could be completed in four years.The curricula of all three of the universities that we have studied reflect these changes. Todiffering degrees, all three have molded their curriculum to include practice-based skills. AtWCU this has resulted in the adoption of a project-based learning curriculum and a strong focuson engineering practice. Both ECU and WCU offer the Bachelor of Science in Engineeringdegree. Curricula of these programs were designed so that students could realistically expect tograduate in four years.At all three universities, room in the curriculum for practice-based skills has been created byreducing

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

George Youssef, San Diego State University; Vladimir Arutyunov, California State University Northridge

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

structural boundary conditions. This systemsapproach was adopted by graduating mechanical engineering senior design students who electedto compete in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aero Design Competition, duringwhich they developed a system level diagram for their system. They initially developed a layoutof the RC aircraft system, then continuously updated the system level diagram throughout thedesign and the realization processes. The system level diagram was proven to be instrumentalduring the synthesis, tradeoff, analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing phases of the project.The system diagram was also used for management, supply chain, and quality assurance aspectsof the project. Overall, students reported substantial gain in

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Eric C. Dierks, University of Texas, Austin; Jason M. Weaver, University of Texas, Austin; Kristin L. Wood, University of Texas, Austin; Kendra Crider, U.S. Air Force Academy; Daniel D. Jensen, U.S. Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

students to design and develop an energy harvesting prototype that will be used to power health monitoring systems.Daniel D. Jensen, U.S. Air Force Academy Dr. Dan Jensen is a Professor of Engineering Mechanics at the U.S. Air Force Academy where he has been since 1997. He received his B.S. (Mechanical Engineering), M.S. (Applied Mechanics) and Ph.D. (Aerospace Engineering Science) from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has worked for Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, NASA, University of the Pacific, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and MSC Software Corp. His research includes development of innovative design methodologies and en- hancement of engineering education

Conference Session

Teaching Mechanical Systems: What's New

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Arun Chintalapati, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Hong Sheng, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Richard Hall, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Robert Landers, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the impact of engineering solutions in a globaland societal context. Page 15.541.7(i)A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary forengineering practice.(m) An ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus and differentialequations(n) Familiarity with statistics and linear algebra.RDS was introduced to the students as lab assignment to simulate the controller that wasdesigned by them as part of the course requirement.VII. Research ProcedureA total of 34 students participated in the complete experiment. All

Conference Session

Learning and Assessment in ME 1

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Canino, Trine University; Brett Batson, Trine University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

practice problems, and took a group quiz at the end of the week.Groups were changed each week. Assessment was by comparing changes in exam performance between the control and studygroups and through a survey. Comments in the survey indicated a change in student attitude when assigned to a group.Students revealed a desire to be supportive in their groups, and said they prepared accordingly –an encouraging result. However, less encouraging, students confessed to preparing less for groupquizzes, knowing others in their groups would provide what they lacked. Exam scores did notindicate a significant difference between the control groups and the test groups.IntroductionThe flipped or inverted classroom has been widely researched and continues to be

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids and Heat Transfer I

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Devshikha Bose, Boise State University; Krishna Pakala, Boise State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

thesurvey. Twenty one students out of a class of fifty one, voluntarily participated in the FocusGroup meetings. One of the researchers (who was not the instructor of the course) met with theparticipants face-to-face in an on-campus location and audio-recorded their verbal responses.The following paragraphs summarize participant responses under themes, which best reflect theguiding questions used during the Focus Group meetings.Engagement with course materialsThe use of mobile devices to create content for the e-portfolio reportedly increased studentengagement with course materials. The act of creating videos, verbalizing and demonstratingeach step of a problem solution helped students, review course materials, to think deeply and toretain

Conference Session

New Teaching Pedagogies: Methods and Assessments

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Susan B. Swithenbank, US Coast Guard Academy; Thomas William DeNucci, U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics

Paper ID #8918Using a ”Flipped Classroom” Model in Undergraduate Newtonian DynamicsProf. Susan B Swithenbank, US Coast Guard Academy Dr. Swithenbank is an Assistant Professor at the US Coast Guard Academy in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Prior to working at the USCGA, she was a researcher at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim Norway. She has a PhD from MIT in Ocean Engineering.Prof. Thomas William DeNucci, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Thomas DeNucci is an Assistant Professor of Ship Design at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New

Conference Session

Design Throughout the Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David C. Jensen, University of Arkansas; Dennis Beck, University of Arkansas

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

directly observe what happens in engineering design, model the practiceof their teacher, and reflect on the ideas they learn, including addressing any relatedmisconceptions. Teachers encourage the development of their learners by making tacit knowledgeexplicit, modeling effective strategies for completing tasks, providing scaffolded support whenlearners are practicing new tasks, and offering specific feedback for improvement15. Thisapprenticeship is vitally important for the transferability of what is assumed to be learned in anorientation or training session to become actual practice. As part of this research, additive manufacturing is being explored as a means of implementingthe theoretical cognitive learning concepts. Research on the use of

Conference Session

Learning and Assessment in ME 2

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert J. Rabb P.E., The Citadel; Patrick Bass, The Citadel; Monika Bubacz, The Citadel; Kevin Skenes, The Citadel

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

SolidWorks every year. Instead, the instructor assigned an “e-text” (SolidProfessor)for the course. This research explores using commercially-produced content to teach thesoftware program portion of a computer-aided design course.Research QuestionsOne goal of the new mechanical engineering program is to identify best practices throughassessment of the courses and program. Another goal of the faculty is to ensure the studentshave a positive experience in each course. After every semester, student evaluations are assessedfor trends and opportunities to improve the course. Most recently for this course, the instructorswanted to gage the students’ opinions regarding the hybrid classroom approach and evaluate howit impacted their learning. Results of an

Conference Session

Statics and Dynamics in Mechanical Engineering

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Deboer, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Maria J. Gerschutz, Trine University; David A. Evenhouse, Purdue University; Nimit Patel, National Science Foundation; Edward J. Berger, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Nick Stites, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Craig Zywicki, Purdue University, West Lafayette; David B. Nelson, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Charles Morton Krousgrill, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Jeffrey F. Rhoads, Purdue University, West Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

, leading efforts in research and assisting product devel- opment and testing. As part of her term at WillowWood, she was a two time recipient of the prestigious Thranhardt Award for Prosthetic Research Dr. Gerschutz passion for teaching has drawn her away from industry towards the academic setting, but has left her enthusiasm for bettering the lives of others. She is currently the Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department at Trine University. Her focus areas of teaching include introduction to biomedical engineering, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation and dynamics.David A. Evenhouse, Purdue University David Evenhouse is a Graduate Student and Research Assistant in the Purdue School of Engineering Education. He

Conference Session

ME Demonstrations and Laboratories

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cody McKenzie, Clemson University; Todd Schweisinger, Clemson University; John R. Wagner P.E., Clemson University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

includingunderstanding of class content through the laboratory module, course impact on their attitudes,and integrating their learning. The students were also asked to identify the best thing about thelaboratory, how to improve it, and reasons for which they would recommend/not-recommendthis module to a friend. Of the 32 students, 94% stated they had developed a moderate to greatgain in collection of test data and analysis plus modeling of system behavior. In addition, 88%of the participants indicated a moderate to great gain in their confidence of materialunderstanding. The students’ written responses reported that they enjoyed the opportunity to gooutside while using their personal laptops to collect field data, perform signal processing inMATLAB, and use FEA

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions: Mechanical Engineering Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stephen R. Turns, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Peggy Noel Van Meter, Pennsyvlania State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the main principles students must learn in thermodynamics. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF PRACTICAL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS CONSERVATION OF MASS CONSERVATION OF ENERGY ENTROPY AND EXERGY (1st Law of Thermodynamics) BALANCES (2nd Law of Thermodynamics) PROPERTIES OF MATTER: STATE RELATIONS Figure 1. Key thermodynamic principles provide the basis for the analysis and design of practical devices and systems. Psychological research reveals significant differences in the knowledge organization ofexperts and novices in a domain. Expert’s knowledge is fused

Conference Session

Engineering Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

André J. Butler, Mercer University; William Moses, Mercer University; Stephen Hill, Mercer University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Paper ID #12434Revising Mechanical Engineering Laboratories for Improved Student Out-comesDr. Andr´e J. Butler, Mercer University Dr. Butler is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Environmental Engineering Department at Mercer University. His research interests include air pollution and public health.Dr. William Moses, Mercer University William Moses is an associate professor and former chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Mercer University. He earned a B.M.E. and M.S.M.E. in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. Research

Conference Session

Learning and Assessment in ME 2

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kathryn Anne Wingate, Georgia Institute of Technology; Robert Kadel, Georgia Institute of Technology; Amanda G. Madden, C21U

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

microelectronics on several defense satellite programs. In 2009 she left industry to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado, where her research focused on the development of novel biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering. At the GWW School of Mechanical Engineering, Kathryn teaches the junior level Machine Design and se- nior level Capstone Design courses, as well as advises the BSMS students. In October 2016 she will release a Machine Design MOOC on the Coursera platform, focusing on static and fatigue failure analysis techniques.Dr. Robert Kadel, Georgia Institute of Technology Dr. Rob Kadel is Assistant Director for Research in Education Innovation with the Center for 21st Century

Conference Session

New Teaching Pedagogies: Methods and Assessments

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Benjamin W. Caldwell, LeTourneau University; Colleen M. Halupa, LeTourneau University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics

. Caldwell’s primary research ex- periences included the development of design methods for lightweight systems (BMW Manufacturing Co.) and modeling the functionality and interactions of mechanical systems to support conceptual de- sign (National Science Foundation). Prior to his graduate work, Dr. Caldwell gained design experience working at Electrolux Major Appliances on a team designing and developing consumer bottom-mount refrigerators. Among other awards, Dr. Caldwell received the Graduate Teaching Fellowship from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Departmental Doctoral and Masters Awards in Me- chanical Engineering from Clemson University, and the R.C. Edwards Graduate Recruiting Fellowship from

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Technical Session: Mechatronics & Simulation

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Reihaneh Jamshidi, University of Hartford; Ivana Milanovic, University of Hartford

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

skills and decisionmaking in design problems.Students’ achievement was assessed by the project deliverables: status report, oral presentationand final report. Additionally, a survey was conducted on effectiveness of the simulation projectin developing students’ simulation skills and learning mechanical engineering concepts. I. IntroductionWhile use of advanced design tools and software is deemed imperative for engineers in bothresearch and industry settings, acquiring these skills is not typically embedded in theundergraduate curriculum. Some students may choose relevant professional electives; however,for majority, a steep learning curve is required to grasp and master the skills required forengineering career or graduate school [1]. There

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2018 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kathryn R. Gosselin, San Jose State University; Nicole Okamoto, San Jose State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the revised rubrics showed several benefits, including easeand accuracy of assessment. Additionally, the authors suggest best practices for ensuringassessment alignment with ABET objectives by working backward from PI’s to write rubrics forassessment tools.IntroductionSince the introduction of ABET’s EC2000 criteria (Lattuca, Terenzini, and Volkwein, 2006),engineering programs have taken a wide range of approaches to assessment of Student Outcomes(Criterion 3). The research literature is replete with studies that present good assessmentpractices. However, it can be challenging to find the time to study the relevant research, choosethe best practices for one’s own program, and integrate those practices effectively, particularlywhen there may

Conference Session

Improving ME instructional laboratories

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ralph Volino, U.S. Naval Academy; Andrew Smith, U.S. Naval Academy

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

information they would not have gained without the laboratory and retained it severalmonths after the course.IntroductionDirect familiarity with mechanical devices is highly desirable for engineering students. Manystudents entering engineering programs, however, lack such experience. There is a perceptionthat students today have less practical experience than those from past decades. After graduationmost engineers will at some point be designing or evaluating designs of actual equipment. Inorder to be effective they must be able to relate theory to hardware. Most engineering courses donot teach the workings of mechanical devices as complete systems integrated with otherconcepts. Piston-cylinder devices, for example, are considered extensively in

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids and Heat Transfer I

Collection

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Liping Liu, Lawrence Technological University; James A. Mynderse, Lawrence Technological University; Robert W. Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University; Andrew L. Gerhart, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

graduate level mechatronic design [10, 11].As a member school in the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), Lawrence Techdefines the entrepreneurial mindset in terms of the KEEN framework. The KEEN frameworkbegins with the “three Cs”: Curiosity, Connections, and Creating Value [12]. Each of the three Csis supported by example student behaviors. For instance, Curiosity is demonstrated by “explore acontrarian view of accepted solutions” and Creating Value is demonstrated by “identifyunexpected opportunities to create extraordinary value”. The framework continues from the threeCs to Engineering Thought and Action, Collaboration, Communication, and Character. As withthe three Cs, each concept is supported by example student behaviors. As

Conference Session

Statics and Finite Element Analysis

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kyle A. Watson, University of the Pacific; Ashland O. Brown, University of the Pacific; Jiancheng Liu, University of the Pacific

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Ashland O. Brown, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Pacific He has served as dean of engineering for ten years at both the University of the Pacific and South Carolina State University and headed engineering groups at Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. The engineering groups included a product design section composed of product analysis engineers finite element analysis experts and prod- uct development engineers. He has taught engineering courses for over twenty years in thermodynamics, solar engineering, graphics, dynamics, machine design, and finite elements methods at the University of the Pacific. He has over fifty referred technical research publications, and conference papers with

Conference Session

Improving ME education: Broad Topics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter Schuster, California Polytechnic State University; Andrew Davol, California Polytechnic State University; Joseph Mello, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

, Page 11.1155.2and SAE Supermileage. The authors all teach design and mechanics classes and are advisors ofthese four vehicle teams. Based on the authors’ different advising approaches—and observationsof advisors at other schools—a set of best practices is identified to improve the learningexperience. In addition, specific issues we have experienced with each of the listed competitionswill provide a basis for a set of suggested improvements for intercollegiate design competitionsin general.These competitions operate on a one-year development cycle. During that time, the team isexpected to design, analyze, built, test, and prepare reports on the project. Most competitionsrequire an all-new or mostly-new vehicle each year. A typical timetable is