Conference Session

Approaches to Active Learning

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Yim, University of Pennsylvania; Katherine Kuchenbecker, University of Pennsylvania; Paulo Arratia, University of Pennsylvania; Vijay Kumar, University of Pennsylvania; John Bassani, University of Pennsylvania; Jonathan Fiene, University of Pennsylvania; Jennifer Lukes, University of Pennsylvania

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the University of Pennsylvania and other universities typically parts of two orthree courses learning how to deal with integration, the practical aspects of teamwork, interactingwith project sponsors from business or research, and how to apply theoretical concepts to realengineering problems often in the context of a senior design project. We believe that thisapproach is too little too late.Of course, it is not feasible to have a senior design project during the freshman year; first yearstudents don’t yet have the knowledge or skills that are required to succeed at such an endeavor.However, a progressive methodology can be incorporated early in a curriculum to enablestudents to build project-based experience and skills over their

Conference Session

Statics and Dynamics: What's New?

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Marisa Orr, Clemson University; Lisa Benson, Clemson University; Matthew Ohland, Purdue Engineering Education; Sherrill Biggers, Clemson University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

University, and has been on the faculty at Clemson since 1989, after 8 years on the faculty at the University of Kentucky and 11 years in the aerospace industry. He is an associate fellow of AIAA and a registered Professional Engineer (PE). Page 13.1111.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 Student Study Habits and their Effectiveness in an Integrated Statics and Dynamics ClassAbstractIntegrated Statics and Dynamics is a required five-credit course that was offered for MechanicalEngineering students at Clemson University for the first time in Fall 2006. The large

Conference Session

Trends in Mechanical Engineering

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Patricia Campbell, Campbell-Kibler Associates, Inc; Eann Patterson, Michigan State University; Ilene Busch-Vishniac, McMaster University; Tom Kibler, Campbell-Kibler Associates, Inc

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Integrating Applications in the Teaching of Fundamental ConceptsIntroductionStudent retention through to the successful completion of an undergraduate degree in engineeringis of increasing concern to educators, policy makers, and, of course, students. It has beenestimated that only half of those entering an undergraduate engineering program go on tocomplete the degree.1 This is particularly low when one considers that the bar to enter anengineering program is often higher than for other programs.2 By 2007, Dean, Anthony, andVahala reported that the retention of engineering students had become a major undertaking formost institutions.3 As one of the largest engineering disciplines, awarding 21% of the 2007engineering bachelor’s degrees,4 retention is

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids and Heat Transfer - II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jesse Huguet, University of Alabama; Keith Woodbury, University of Alabama; Robert Taylor, University of Alabama

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

AC 2008-1751: DEVELOPMENT OF EXCEL ADD-IN MODULES FOR USE INTHERMODYNAMICS CURRICULUM: STEAM AND IDEAL GAS PROPERTIESJesse Huguet, University of AlabamaKeith Woodbury, University of AlabamaRobert Taylor, University of Alabama Page 13.431.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 DEVELOPMENT OF EXCEL ADD-IN MODULES FOR USE IN THERMODYNAMICS CURRICULUM: STEAM AND IDEAL GAS PROPERTIESAbstractFor engineering graduates entering the job market, experience with appropriate computationaltools and techniques is increasingly necessary. Therefore, the University of Alabama’sMechanical Engineering Department is introducing students to

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions to ME Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Bannerot, University of Houston

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

projects over a five-yearperiod from 2002 to 2006 in an early mechanical engineering design course. All ten,semester-long team projects are hands-on and require the design, fabrication and testingof an artifact. Of the six individual projects described: two are experimental; onerequires reverse engineering; one is hands-on; and two are related to design evaluationand the design process. Example results are given for two of the team projects and twoof the individual projects. Student surveys indicate that engineering students enjoyworking on these projects and learn from the experience.IntroductionEarly, hands-on, design experiences in the BSME curriculum have become morecommon recently even though providing “hands-on” experiences in an

Conference Session

Innovations in ME Laboratory Instruction

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Widmann, California Polytechnic State University; Charles Birdsong, California Polytechnic State University; John Ridgely, California Polytechnic State University; Frank Owen, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

AC 2008-1786: INTEGRATING EXPERIMENT, MODELING AND DESIGN USINGA HANDS ON HYDRAULIC POSITIONING LABORATORY FOR MECHANICALCONTROL SYSTEMS EDUCATIONJames Widmann, California Polytechnic State University Jim Widmann is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He received his Ph.D. in 1994 from Stanford University. Currently he teaches mechanics and design courses. He conducts research in the areas of design optimization, machine design, fluid power control and engineering education.Charles Birdsong, California Polytechnic State University Charles Birdsong has expertise in vibrations, controls, signal processing, instrumentation

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Megan Arnold, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Aman Yadav, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Gregory Shaver, Purdue University; Eric Nauman, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Education:Designing an Adaptive System; Restructuring Engineering Education: A focus on Change;Shaping the Future; Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Math, Engineering, andTechnology; Reinventing Undergraduate Education) have called for a curriculum that is studentcentered and teaches problem solving, leadership, ethics, communication, and cooperation inteams.8 One way to incorporate learner-centered methodologies is through the use of case studiesto help students develop better conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills.Case-based instruction is an instructional technique that has been hypothesized to increasestudents’ critical thinking skills by allowing faculty to provide opportunities for students toengage in active learning

Conference Session

Mechanics of Materials

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Vince Prantil, Milwaukee School of Engineering; William Howard, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

software for solving these same boundary value problems. Atthe Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), the undergraduate curriculum culminatesin a senior-level capstone design experience wherein students integrate their accumulatedlearning with design intent foremost in mind. While all students have been exposed to the Page 13.730.2Manuscript Submission for the 2008 ASEE Annual Conference and ExpositionJune 22-25, 2008 Pittsburgh, PAcommercial finite element software, as many as half of these students exercise itsubstantially in some element of their capstone design projects.Recently, Chalice Engineering [2

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

X. Chang Li, Lamar University; Kendrick Aung, Lamar University; Jiang Zhou, Lamar University; Xuejun Fan, Lamar University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the reference point. An arrow from the reference point to the left is labeled ascooling and to the right as heating. An alternative is to make an arrow to the reference pointfrom the left as heating and from the right as cooling. In this way, the reference point willrepresent the desired conditions, and all the arrows to the reference point will be the tasks to bedone for different surrounding conditions. Different groups of students are surveyed to assessthe improvement, and the students’ feedback is included in this paper. Additional considerationto reinforce the teaching/learning process is also covered.IntroductionThermodynamics is an important curriculum for undergraduates in Mechanical Engineering, andit is often taught in two semesters

Conference Session

Materials in Design and Manufacturing

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Zhiqiang Hu, University of Missouri - Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

modernengineering tools necessary for engineering practice.” Undergraduate engineering students willface these significant challenges and their education and training must adapt in order toadequately prepare the next generation of engineers for these new realities.Engineering faculty at MU started to develop an sustainable nanotechnology program forundergraduate students. We are developing a new course and laboratory modules throughenvironmental nanotechnology research to integrate them into the existing engineeringcurriculum. Research activities related to sustainable nanotechnology and challenges insustainable engineering education were discussed. By integrating the sustainable nanotechnologyresearch into the undergraduate curriculum, students will

Conference Session

Innovations in ME Laboratory Instruction

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Guido Lopez, Old Dominion University; Ilya Leipunsky, Russian Academy of Science; Nadezda Berezkina, Russian Academy of Sciences

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

discussed in detail, as well as, the academic benefits and educational potentialderived from the inclusion of CDM in engineering academic curriculum. Mathematical,graphical and numerical documentation are presented in order to substantiate the suitability ofCDM as an educational tool to teach Nondestructive Testing in engineering programs such as:Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering, Civil engineering, Aeronautical, Aerospaceengineering, Power Plant Engineering, and Nuclear engineering.IntroductionNondestructive testing and evaluation of materials is an ancient practice. Early metalworkers, forexample, report the use of “visual” or “sonic” techniques to determine the quality and usefulnessof their products. Today, Nondestructive Testing

Conference Session

Innovations in ME Laboratory Instruction

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gregory Davis, Kettering University; Craig Hoff, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

integration, yet few engineering undergraduates understand thisprocess.2 Bokulich [2] adds “the state of education in this country, especially in science,engineering and technology, has become a matter of increasing concern to many of us inAmerican industry.”At the graduate level, industry and universities actively collaborate in research and developmentprograms. This results in a supply of highly qualified technical specialists which industry uses tocontinue the process of development. This collaboration is not typical at the undergraduate level,and industry simply “accepts the ‘output’ from university with the knowledge that they have tocomplete the training process through in-house training programs.”3 In an increasing

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Smith, University of Southern Maine

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

curriculumwas somewhat skewed in favor of integrated circuit-related courses because of thegrowing importance of this industry in the region. The offerings included severalmechanical engineering courses which were given both as service courses and as part ofthe electrical engineering curriculum. Faculty were added, one per year, for a total of sixfull-time tenure-track. In addition, specialists in local industries were used as adjunctfaculty. The program began in 1989 and received ABET accreditation in 1994.For the most part the department offered a basic curriculum tailored to the needs of thelocal industrial community which, in turn, provided much-needed monetary assistance,equipment and political support. The latter was particularly important in a

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Frassica, University of South Carolina; Jed Lyons, University of South Carolina; Philip Voglewede, Marquette University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

? 6. Did you feel constrained with the requirements? 7. Does it matter what the system you are trying to control is? 8. Do you recommend this project and laboratory be done in the future?Overall, students were pleased with the integration of a controls project into the bioengineeringlaboratory. They appreciated being able to apply lessons learned in class to an experimentalsetup outside of their expertise. Many statements were made during a post interview about howmuch they learned during this segment of the curriculum. Ultimately, the students realized theconnection between the mathematical concepts taught in class and how they physically relate to acontrol system.For example, a typical response to the question “What is

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Erik Bardy, Grove City College; Erik Anderson, Grove City College

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

student survey.IntroductionExperimental demonstrations of heat transfer are an important part of the undergraduateMechanical Engineering curriculum. Students at Grove City College entering their junior yearhave little experience with advanced data acquisition systems and comparing the data theycollect to theories learned in class. Mechanical Engineering students take a laboratory course (1credit, MECE 352) in the spring term of the junior year in thermal/fluid sciences. Althougheducational laboratory equipment and experiments built by companies such as P.A. Hilton andTurbine Technologies LTD are great additions to this course they can be very expensive.Building heat transfer experiments in-house can result in considerable savings. A number

Conference Session

Accreditation Issues

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth Van Treuren, Baylor University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

world news. More specifically, if contemporary issues pertain to thediscipline of engineering, students will do little to maintain their knowledge apart from what isdiscussed in the classroom context. In reality, this topic must be more intentionally interjectedinto the curriculum to show application of engineering principles.Two categories of courses come to mind that should adequately support “soft” outcomes. Onesuch course would be a senior capstone design course. Berg and Nasr discuss such a course.1 Itis true that the capstone design course should be the pinnacle of an engineering program, wherestudents are able to integrate all aspects of their education into a challenging project. It is anatural place to discuss topics in the

Conference Session

Approaches to Active Learning

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Emilia Bratschitsch, Joanneum Univeristy of Applied Sciences; Annette Casey, Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Department of Automotive Engineering,; Michael Trzesniowski

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

the previous ASEE World Congress we presented an overview of our 3-phase multi subjectdidactical method as an integrative part of our degree program Vehicle Engineering1,2. Our workhas shown that the first part of the 3-phase method helps sophomores learn to workautonomously, but also to be able to work in teams, and to present engineering results clearly andimpressively.The second phase of the multi subject PBL starts in the third academic year and encompasses thefifth and sixth semesters. A set of project topics is defined, based on different specializedtechnical subjects, with an emphasis on the development of real products. One of the mostimportant projects is the design, assembly and testing of a real racing car. To cope with theproject

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Mativo, The University of Georgia; Nadia Kellam, University of Georgia

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

. The breakdown of the curriculum in 1955 is provided in Table 1, showing emphasisin Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, six engineering sciences, and an integrated study ofengineering analysis, design, and engineering systems for professional background15. Page 13.1044.5 Table 1: Summary of Time Distribution for Scientifically Oriented Engineering Curricula Item Curriculum Weight 1 Humanistic and Social Studies One fifth 2 Mathematics and Basic Sciences (about equal One fourth

Conference Session

Improving Mechanics & Structural Modeling Courses

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Junling Hu, University of Bridgeport; Linfeng Zhang, University of Bridgeport; Xingguo Xiong, University of Bridgeport

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

., “Combining Experiments with Numerical Simulations in the Teaching of Computational Fluid Dynamics,” Proc. 2003 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June, Nashville, Tennessee, 2003.7 K. Aung, “Design and Implementation of an Undergraduate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Course,” Proc. 2003 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June, Nashville, Tennessee, 2003.8 D. Pines, “Using Computational Fluid Dynamics to Excite Undergraduate Students about Fluid Mechanics”, Proc. 2004 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June, Lake City, Utah, 2004.9 R. Bhaskaran, L. Collins, “Integration of Simulation into the Undergraduate Fluid Mechanics Curriculum using FLUENT”, Proc. 2003 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, June

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gene Liao, Wayne State University; Chih-Ping Yeh, Wayne State University; James Sawyer, Macomb Community College

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Page 13.361.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 Design and Implementation of Virtual Hybrid Electric Vehicle Simulator for Educational PurposeAbstractThe objective of this paper is to describe the development of an educational purpose computer-based simulator for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) technology. The tremendous capitalinvestment, tedious and time-consuming tasks required to establish a full function of HEVlaboratory are convincing evidence that the HEV curriculum is in need of a low-cost, computer-based virtual HEV simulator. An interactive, LabVIEW-based simulation software wasdeveloped for different configurations of hybrid powertrains under several driving conditions.The developed

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Anca Sala, Baker College

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

areas of computer simulations,scholarly research, team work, and oral presentation.The course will be further improved by creating our own library of motions for analysis, andadding laboratory experiments to supplement the computer analyses. In the area of assessment, astudent survey will be prepared and given to students to gather detailed data on students’perceptions of the class.Bibliography1. U.S. Dept. of Labor, Occupations Outlook Handbook, accessible at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm2. R. Polikar, R.P. Ramachandran, L. Head, M. Tahamont, “Integrating BME into ECE Curriculum: An AlternateApproach”, 2005 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, paper AC2005-3993. D. Roberson, F. Hudson, “Biomechanics as a Tool for Teaching Minority Students

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions to ME Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ashland Brown, University of the Pacific; Joseph Rencis; Daniel Jensen, U.S. Air Force Academy; Chuan-Chiang Chen, Tuskegee University; Essam Ibrahim, Tuskegee University; Vladimir Labay, Gonzaga University; Paul Schimpf, Eastern Washington University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

provides a common step-by-step guide for solving a problem and also includes solutionverification. The learning modules will be accessible 24/7 on the World Wide Web later thisyear.Faculty at six private and publically supported universities collaborated in this research. Thesefaculty and their students have used and assessed the learning effectiveness of these modules.The development, educational, and analysis objectives are discussed for the finite elementlearning modules. The educational outcomes have been mapped to ABET Criterion 3 ProgramOutcomes for Engineering Programs41 so that an instructor can integrate an exercise into their in-house ABET assessment process. The primary assessment tool is a survey that studentscomplete after they have

Conference Session

Design Project Based Learning

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Choate, Western Kentucky University; Kevin Schmaltz, Western Kentucky University; Joel Lenoir, Western Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

are turbomachines, which convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energyby imposing a centripetal force on the liquid. In a centrifugal pump, the mechanical energy ofthe liquid is increased by this centripetal force or centrifugal action. The liquid enters through asuction connection concentric with the axis of an impeller. The impeller is a high-speed rotaryelement with radial vanes integrally cast into it. Liquid flows outward in the spaces between thevanes and leaves the impeller at a considerably greater velocity than at the entrance to theimpeller.The liquid leaving the outer periphery of the pump is collected in a spiral casing called a volute.It then leaves the pump through a tangential discharge connection. In the volute, the

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Greg Kremer, Ohio University-Athens

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

AC 2008-1040: RISK ASSESSMENT OF A MECHANICAL ENGINEERINGDEPARTMENTGreg Kremer, Ohio University-Athens Dr. Kremer is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Ohio University. He teaches in the Mechanical Design area and has primary responsibility for the Capstone Design Experience. His main research interests are Energy and the Environment, especially as related to vehicle systems, and engineering education, especially related to integrated learning and professional skills. Dr. Kremer received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1989, his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin Schmaltz, Western Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

areas: • Engineering Design16,17,18,19 • Professional Communications • Professional Tools • Engineering Ethics20Engineering Design Plan integrates design-and-build experiences with a structuredapproach to problem solving across all four years of the curriculum, culminating in a yearlong senior project. Professional Communications and Tools are concurrently introducedin the design courses throughout the four-year sequence to support the execution ofdesign projects. The Engineering Ethics component provides students with a frameworkfor understanding and accommodating professional expectations.The interdisciplinary greenhouse heating project with the WKU Agriculture Departmentprovided an excellent vehicle for this integration and

Conference Session

Improving Mechanics & Structural Modeling Courses

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Petru-Aurelian Simionescu, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

applications on the Working Model 2D installation CD, or on thecompanion CD of one of the Mechanisms textbooks listed in the Bibliography.Bibliography1. Boronkay T.G.; Caldwell L. and Earley, Ronald D. “Application of the Working Model software in mechanicalengineering technology,” Proc. of the 1999 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: Engineering Education toServe the World, Jun 20-23, 1999, Charlotte, NC, p 787-7942. Crown S.W., Freeman R.A.; Fuentes A., “Asynchronous computer based training as a means of integrating theuse of engineering software into the curriculum,” Computers in Education Journal, Vol. 14, 2004, p. 61-703. Ganatos, P. and Liaw, B, “Computer-animated teaching software for engineering dynamics and mechanicalvibration,” Journal of

Conference Session

Approaches to Active Learning

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Julie Linsey, Texas A&M University; Austin Talley, University of Texas at Austin; Kristin Wood, University of Texas at Austin; Daniel Jensen, U.S. Air Force Academy; Kathy Schmidt, University of Texas at Austin

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Review of the Research,” Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2004, pp. 223-231.[2] Carlson, L.E., “First Year Engineering Projects: An Interdisciplinary, Hands-on Introduction to Engineering,” Proceedings of the ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, pp. 2039-2043, 1995.[3] Aglan, H.A. and Ali, S.F., “Hands-on Experiences: An Integral Part of Engineering Curriculum Reform,” Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 85, no. 4, pp. 327-330, Oct., 1996.[4] Regan, M. and Sheppard, S., “Interactive Multimedia Courseware and the Hands-on Learning Experience: An Assessment,” Journal of Engineering Education, pp. 123-131, April, 1996.[5] Catalano, G.D. and Tonso, K.L., “The Sunrayce ‘95 Idea: Adding Hands-on Design to an

Conference Session

Thermodynamics, Fluids and Heat Transfer - II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Gerhart, Lawrence Technological University; Philip Gerhart, University of Evansville; Robert Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

Comparison of Differing Credit Hour Allotments for Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics CoursesAbstractEach institution determines how many credit hours will be allotted for each course.Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in an undergraduate Bachelor of Science MechanicalEngineering curriculum in the United States typically are allotted three or four credit hours. Fora semester system, this allows for 42-45 or 56-60 fifty-minute class sessions in three and fourcredit hour courses, respectively.Opinions vary whether thermodynamics and fluid mechanics should each be three credit hours,each be four credit hours, or one should be three and the other four. Two universities haveconducted a study to determine the advantages, disadvantages