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Session 2364

A Computer Application In Materials Engineering Technology Course

Seung H. Kim Manufacturing Technology Department Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499

ABSTRACT This paper describes the application of mathematical software, Mathcad™, in designing the heat treatment of steel. Such a software solution method is an effective teaching tool that finds many practical applications in engineering and technology. The Mathcad™ solution method assists engineering technology students, providing simplified solutions of complex diffusion equations and a graphical approach in modeling the heat treatment. The overall impression of the course from the student’s perspective was favorable to the mathematical software method.

INTRODUCTION Computer technology, as a tool for problem solving and data analysis, has been used in technical science curricula. To receive maximum benefit, students should be exposed to the use of computer technology and be encouraged to develop their competence in their field throughout the curriculum. This paper introduces diffusion mechanism in metals and present the most frequently encountered processing operation: the carburization of steels. Thus, the mathematical models in diffusion are presented along with practical examples in hypothetical carburization treatment. To minimize the mathematical difficulties, a graphical solution method in diffusion process is applied by the Mathcad™ software. This graphical solution method provides an effective tool to teach principles of diffusion for engineering technology students.

COMPUTER APPLICATION IN TEACHING Materials science, the study of materials engineering and technology, has become an important addition to mechanical engineering technology education for the past decade. However, engineering technology students have historically shown the deficiency of knowledge in mathematics and science, which are the building blocks of materials science and technology. This deficiency of knowledge has caused a frustration for instructor to teach materials science and technology courses in the engineering technology program.

The advancement of computer technology has geared to change the method of instructional delivery in teaching, so the computer aided instructional method has given a significant impact to redesign the course materials in engineering and technical science curricula. The computer and the application software (such as Mathcad or MathLab) have been easily accessible for students and professors in campus. Recently, the manu-driven application software has assisted the students to provide solutions for relatively complex problems assigned in

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Kim, S. H. (1997, June), A Computer Application In Materials Engineering Technology Course Paper presented at 1997 Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10.18260/1-2--6457