Seattle, Washington
June 28, 1998
June 28, 1998
July 1, 1998
2153-5965
7
3.67.1 - 3.67.7
10.18260/1-2--6906
https://peer.asee.org/6906
714
Session 1526
ACTIVE MATERIALS & MICROCONTROLLER APPLICATIONS IN DESIGN OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
Hossein Moini California State University, Fullerton
ABSTRACT Active materials have created new opportunities for designing more effective sensors and actuators. The integration of microprocessors and active materials is considered a leap towards development of a new generation of intelligent structures/electromechanical systems. For this purpose, the Intelligent Systems Laboratory (ISL) at California State University, Fullerton is being developed to provide hands-on training to mechanical engineering students on the integrated design and manufacturing of intelligent systems. Specifically, students become familiar with microprocessors/microcontrollers and active materials as smart sensors/actuators that can be further interfaced with conventional mechanical systems. Experiments cover software and hardware development, interfacing electronic devices and mechanical mechanisms, and investigation of the adaptive capabilities of smart/active materials. In addition to the structured experiments, a design project is also part of the lab activities. The design project involves design, manufacturing/assembly, and testing of integrated microprocessor-based systems composed of analog sensors & actuators, digital electronic devices, and mechanical components. The paper gives a description of the above activities, discusses current challenges, and provides recommendations for future applications.
INTRODUCTION Intelligent Systems Laboratory (ISL) at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is being developed to provide hands-on training to mechanical engineering (ME) students on the integrated design and manufacturing of intelligent systems. Specifically, ME students become familiar with microcontrollers and active materials as smart sensors/actuators that can be further interfaced with conventional mechanical systems.
The development of ISL is a complementary addition to the laboratory structure of the ME Department at CSUF. It serves a new lab course, EGME 457L, to meet the needs of industry for engineers with multi-disciplinary education, and provides a supplementary background for the capstone design courses and projects involved with intelligent electromechanical systems.
One of the areas of emphasis in ISL is the application of active materials. With the demand for more compact and miniaturized electromechanical systems, utilization of actuators and sensors made of active materials is an attractive option. Active materials have adaptive capabilities, deform by external stimuli, and create actuation due to their structural changes. Furthermore, the utilization of embedded controllers (microcontrollers) in the design of intelligent
Moini, H. (1998, June), Active Materials & Microcontroller Applications In Design Of Intelligent Systems Paper presented at 1998 Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/1-2--6906
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