Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Lawrence G. Boyer

An Incremental Measurements and Data Acquisition Project Lawrence G. Boyer Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department Saint Louis UniversityAbstractIn the junior level Measurements course for Mechanical Engineering students, an incrementalproject forms the backbone of the course wherein several practical and theoretical topics areembodied. The goal is to familiarize Mechanical Engineering students with several electricaland electronics concepts and components used in measurement systems. The students areintroduced to LabView and build their first Virtual Instrument which generates a signal in theBlock Diagram and plots it on the Front

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Christi Patton Luks; Laura P. Ford; Weston Kightlinger

Solar Water Heaters for Showers and Sinks: An EWB-USA Project Christi Patton Luks, Laura P. Ford and Weston Kightlinger The University of TulsaAbstractThe University of Tulsa Engineers Without Borders USA chapter brought smiles to a smallcommunity in the Altiplano of Bolivia with their recently completed project: solar water heatersfor showers and sinks. The heaters warm the spring water from a bone-chilling 37°F to morethan 100°F in ambient air temperatures that do not exceed 62°F. The design and implementationwere completed by a team of university freshmen and sophomores. The heaters are constructedof PVC pipe that is painted black to promote heating and to prevent degradation. The

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Shannon L. Servoss; Edgar C. Clausen

Incorporating Inquiry-Based Projects into the Early Lab Experience Shannon L. Servoss and Edgar C. Clausen Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering University of ArkansasAbstractIn using the traditional approach for teaching laboratory, the instructor provides detailedinstructions for completing the lab and, after performing the lab, students report results in eithera written or oral report. This approach effectively introduces the techniques and technicalwriting skills required of all engineers, but the process also has a tendency to become a bitredundant for both the instructor and the students

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

J. Brighter; W. Childs; D. Mobbs; Z. Ross

mechanicscourses but students often have a hard time visualizing the concept. In order to provide a ready,visible demonstration of this phenomenon, a project was undertaken to design and construct anexperimental device which can be used to demonstrate the phenomenon of cavitation using apump, piping, control valve, and a heating element. It is anticipated that this device can be usedin fluids labs/classes to demonstrate cavitation and its results.Technical Accomplishments The design and completion of the pump cavitation demonstration device accomplishedthe task the group set out to do. Cavitation can be a vague concept, but the department will nowbe able to demonstrate the phenomenon by observation to future students. The clear acrylicfacing

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Kellie Schneider; Heath A. Schluterman; C. Richard Cassady

Designing a Theme-Based Introduction to Engineering Course SequenceKellie Schneider, Heath A. Schluterman, Ph.D., C. Richard Cassady, Ph.D.University of ArkansasAbstractIn order to increase attendance and engagement of first-year engineering students in anIntroduction to Engineering course, the course curriculum is being redesigned to include hands-on, theme-based projects. The first part of the course content revision is to determine the themesfor investigation and the number of course sections allocated to each theme. The next part of therevision is to determine which topics that are currently a part of the course are essential andshould remain. Once those topics are identified, they need to be distributed across the

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Clark Shaver; Crayton Caldwell; Jim Lookadoo

engineering design problem. The objectives of most capstone courses areprimarily design and design implementation. Additional objectives are typically included.Common objectives include teamwork, professionalism, decision making, and communication.Most capstone course structures make these objectives a natural part of the course [1-2]. Forinstance, communication, both written and oral is often an inherent aspect of the course.Programs may also include additional, non-traditional objectives to the course [3]. For instance,many capstone courses focus on interdisciplinary team aspects to help students adapt to workingwith colleagues from differing backgrounds. An intertwined aspect of capstone objectives is thesource from which the capstone projects are

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Michael Bouchard; Kristen M. Donnell

accomplishment of the MRDT, a Prototype Project, is also discussed. Introduction One advantage of establishing any organization is the opportunity to rethink the accepted structures and implement innovative programs. The Student Design Teams of Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) strive to create an analog for real world design and construction problems by creating an experiential learning environment. In early 2012, the Mars Rover Design Team (MRDT) became the newest addition to their number. The MRDT structure is organized like an engineering firm and operates like a small business with principle technical and administrative branches. The technical branch is run by a Chief Technical Officer who is

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Douglas K. Ludlow

Using student-produced videos to enhance learning engagement in a Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Course Douglas K. Ludlow Department of Chemical Engineering Missouri University of Science and Technology ABSTRACT The traditional term research project report and presentation in the first chemicalengineering thermodynamics course has been replaced with an assignment in which studentsproduce short “YouTube” type videos that describe and demonstrate some underlying principlesfrom thermodynamics. The students participate in this active learning project which allows themto further

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Kevin R. Lewelling

How a Sabbatical can be used to Improve Course(s) Instruction Kevin R. Lewelling University of Arkansas - Fort Smith 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649AbstractMost universities offer sabbatical leave to faculty for various purposes that range frompursuing in-depth research projects to updating professional knowledge. This paper willinvestigate the “who, why, and when” a sabbatical is applicable. Suggestions will also begiven on selecting an appropriate sabbatical topic that will improve course instruction. Anexample of this author’s sabbatical content used to improve student instruction is included.IntroductionThe University of Arkansas

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Melissa Miller; Randall Reynolds; Ed Pohl

Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 as a Performance Based Learning Tool Under Common Core State Standards for Middle School and High School Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) 2011 Melissa Miller, Randall Reynolds, Ed Pohl Science Teacher Lynch Middle School/Math Teacher Gravette Junior High School/Associate Professor University of ArkansasAbstractThe RET project for 2011 at the University of Arkansas was to continue research in the area ofcomputer simulation video games to provide students and teachers a meaningful method ofPerformance Based Learning (PBL) addressing Common Core State Standards (CCSS) whilemaintaining the previous objective of introducing and recruiting

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Brett Meyer; Timothy Wei; David Jones; Stuart Bernstein

projection of students onto the sidewall of its classroom counterpart extending the feelingof an inclusive classroom. The second function is to broadcast everything occurring in theteacher/content area of the contiguous classroom directly to the front of the distant classroomwhile maintaining a one-to-one video image. This video image delivers to distant learners aninclusive presence as being located in the same room as the instructor. Audio captured fromeach room was simultaneously broadcast to the each room with the intention of re-creating acohesive classroom. This case study reveals the obstacles and successes the authorsencountered in development and implementation of their system in an experimentalclassroom conducted at a Midwest university

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

David C. Macke; Adam Reab; Tyler Allen; Jeffery Keener; Steve E. Watkins

lifetime andalternative triggering approaches. The problem for this senior capstone project was a solarsystem design that could power an image recognition system and provide long life. An externalcompany defined the requirements for the image recognition system. The number of subsystemsthat interconnect to support this expanded functionality is challenging. The subsystems thatmake up this solar-powered camera system include a charging circuit, a heating circuit, a triggercircuit, a solar array, and batteries, Along with the challenges presented from designing thesubsystems, there were a number of lessons learned as a result of the project. Of the lessonslearned, the most notable were the challenge of getting parts for a prototype, the level of

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Christopher C. Arnold; Kevin T. Tran

optimized for energy efficiency in passenger vehicles and light weight delivery vehicles. This project continues to build a bridge between local business, industry, and the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith in motor development and specialized parts needed in this powertrain. As this technology matures, it is foreseeable that new businesses and industries could result. Battery Electric Vehicle Specifications The second generation BEV uses a 335 V system is powered by GBS LiFeMnPO4 batteries; these 60 Ah batteries are rated at 3 C to allow a constant output of 180 A for one hour and 600 A for 10 seconds. The prismatic battery set weights 550 pounds with an energy density of 100 Wh/kg. This second generation vehicle incorporates a

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Jianming Liu; Steven L. Grant

: http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/siri.html3. MMDAgent project team, “MMDAgent – Toolkit for building voice interaction systems,” (2012). Available WWW: http://www.mmdagent.jp/4. The University of Edinburgh, “The Festival Speech Synthesis System,” (2012). Available WWW: http://www.cstr.ed.ac.uk/projects/festival/5. Elizabeth Perreau, “Program O AIML Chatbot,” (2012). Available WWW: http://blog.program-o.com/6. MMD.js, “MMD on WebGL,” (2012). Available WWW: http://edv.sakura.ne.jp/mmd/7. Jianming Liu and Steven L. Grant, “MMDAvatar,” (2012). Available WWW: http://www.mmdavatar.com/ Proceedings of the 2012 Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering EducationBiographical InformationJianming Liu is a

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2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Charles Wright; Reza Ahmadi; Amshumaan Raghunatha Kashyap; Anagha Rayachoti; Alberto Berrueta Irigoyen; Jonathan W. Kimball

to flow bidirectionally, either from the solar array whenavailable, or from the grid otherwise, and simultaneously power both DC and AC loads in thehouse. A prototype converter system design has been implemented in hardware in a scaled-down(200W) version and is being optimized for maximum efficiency. When completed, the systemcan be scaled up and modularized to best match efficiency vs. system size vs. cost. This will alsoenable homeowners and businesses to improve the efficiencies of photovoltaic products that theyalready own.The project team began by developing a block diagram of a system to allow both an AC and aDC bus to be used simultaneously in a house utilizing photovoltaics. The converter incorporatesa SEPIC type converter for

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Hui Geng; Daryl G. Beetner; Yiyu Shi

projects. An example project – a 100 MHzoutput clock phase-lock loop (PLL) with 10 MHz input – will be discussed. In this lab,students use Virtuoso schematic editor to develop each portion of the PLL: the phase detector,charge pump, filter, voltage controlled oscillator, and a divider. The sizes of FETs aredetermined based on simulation results. Three kinds of divider structures are tested to find theone which provides the best performance. After the design passes front-end simulation, thestudents implement the layout of these modules in the layout editor, and DRC and LVS areexecuted to verify their design. Finally, post-simulation is used to prove the PLL works wellin a long time simulation in the presence of layout parasitics and noise

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Harvest Collier; Diane Hagni

to this successful project was the emergence of an office ofeducational technology in 2008 to assist faculty with technology that enhances teaching andlearning in the classroom.10After almost a decade of use, the most recent data shows that clicker technology has beenutilized by up to 14 of the campus’ 21 departments. Seventy-six unique instructors have usedclickers in their classrooms at any given time, and more than 49% of the student body nowcarries a clicker that can be used for multiple classes.11 The steady growth in the number ofclicker courses and instructors since 2005 is shown in Figure 1. 45 45 courses

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Ronny N. Galloway

provides incentive for diligence in therisk-free focus assignments. All of this assumes course delivery via a learning managementsystem of course.Of course, quizzes, exams, writing assignments or projects are employed during the semesterto help the student master the subject material. The LCD tablet and screen capture softwareexplained below is useful in all of these assignments except the writing or projectassignments.TechnologyA Boogie Board RipTM LCD electronic writing tablet with a USB connection to a Windows7TM computer is used for capture of writing. The tablet has about 6 by 4 inch useable areafor writing with a magnetic stylus. The device retailed for $129.99. The USB connectionand driver software makes a replica of the device on the

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Sarah Hatfield; Daniel Schultz; Kristen M. Donnell; Mohammad Tayeb Ghasr

the desired range of frequencies. The S11, or reflection coefficient characteristics, for both the simulation and prototype indicate a functional low frequency range down to 1.4 GHz. The design, simulation, optimization and prototyping of a single antenna having been successfully concluded, the next phase of this project involves building fifteen additional antennas for the completion of the bi- static linear array. When these are assembled, the entire device will be calibrated and tested by identifying conductive material in the lab environment. The calibrated array will finally be tested by field trials on known subsurface anomalies and structures. References [1] Balanis, Constantine A. (2005), Antenna Theory - Analysis and

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Robert M. O'Connell

that student-centered active learning can produce much deeperconceptual learning than can traditional lecturing [1], and that when active learning is conductedin an extensively group-based learning environment, such as in problem-based learning, project-based learning [2], or team-based learning [3], students also develop various professionalfunctioning knowledge skills, such as problem-solving, written and oral communication,independent learning, team work, etc [4].In order to develop self-directed independent learning and some professional problem-solvingand teamwork skills early in the curriculum, we have, for the past four semesters, been adaptingand using TBL in the required two-course electric circuit theory sequence, which is usually

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Eric D. Mead; Karen Reynolds; Lawrence Whitman

student creativity in pre-college programs at UMES," Proc. of the 32nd ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, Boston, MA, S4D-1-6. 2002. 7. Oppliger, D., "Using first LEGO league to enhance engineering education and to increase the pool of future engineering students (work in progress)," Proc. of the 32nd ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, Boston, MA, S4D-11-5. 2002. 8. Ferrari, M., Ferrari, G., and Hempel, R., “Building robots with LEGO MINDSTORMS – The ultimate tool for MINDSTORMS maniacs!,” Syngress Publishing, Inc., Rockland, MA. 2002. 9. Erwin, B., “Creative projects with LEGO MINDSTORMS,” Addison-Wesley, 2001. 10. Wilcher, D., “LEGO MINDSTORMS interfacing,” The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2003

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Alexey Yamilov

online format.MotivationAn upper-level undergraduate course “Nanostructures: An Introduction” has been developed andlater adapted to an online form as an education and outreach component of grants DMR-  0704981 and DMR-1205223 sponsored by the National Science Foundation. These projects aretitled “Mesoscopic Transport and Localization in Active Random Media” and “AnomalousTransport and Wavefront Shaping in Complex Photonic Media”. Rapid advances innanotechnology have enabled the fabrication of micro- and nano-photonic structures with highdegree of precision. Joined experimental and theoretical effort aims to uncover unusual opticalproperties of the artificially designed and purposefully fabricated nano-structures. This courseprovided an

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Marcos Chu; Ruth-Miriam Garnett

discipline that looks into providing solutions toproblems that encompasses the whole lifecycle of the solution, starting with theconceptualization (brainstorming), developing a framework to analyze the alternatives (tradestudy), providing a non-optimized solution (prototyping) and developing metrics to determine ifa given solution is a balanced solution that satisfies the stakeholders of the given project (testing).Addressing the time constraints of a realistic engineering problem in a traditional classroom isnearly impossible, unless global engineering education is provided in a scaffolding framework. Proceedings of the 2012 Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering EducationThis ensures that the process learned by a first

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Lauren Cole; Lindsay R. Hoggatt; Jamie A. Sterrenberg; David R. Suttmiller; W. Roy Penney; Edgar C. Clausen

Curriculum for the 21st Century,” European Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 31-37, 2002. 4. Bjorklund, S.A., Parente, J.M., Sathianathan, D., “Effects of Faculty Interaction and Feedback on Gains in Student Skills,” Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 93, No. 2, pp. 153-160, 2004. 5. Colbeck, C.L., Campbell, S.E., Bjorklund, S.A., “Grouping in the Dark: What College Students Learn from Group Projects,” Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 71, No. 1, pp. 60-83, 2000. 6. Blair, B.F., Millea, M., Hammer, J., “The Impact of Cooperative Education on Academic Performance and Compensation of Engineering Majors,” Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 93, No. 4, pp. 333-338, 2004

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Darrin S. Muggli; Brian M. Tande

: Benedictine College Engineering Model to initiate engineering programsusing distance educationProceedings of the 2012 Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering Education 3The current project can serve as a template for other colleges that wish to offer engineeringdegrees, but may otherwise consider it cost-prohibitive to do so. Using distance education allowsflexibility of implementation: laboratories do not need to be established immediately as studentscan complete summer laboratories at UND (or other distance engineering education providersthat become available); colleges do not have to invest in a critical mass of engineering

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Justin Roark; Scott C. Smith

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Rodney M. Clayton

would like to thank his mentor, Bill Seufzer, for his an accelerating voltage of 30 kV. This test resulted in a 72.7% electron beam coupling efficiency. guidance during this project as well as running the simulations to Figure 1 also shows a simulation putting a similar amount of energy into a plate. Simulation did not1.  Determine electron beam coupling efficiency in 316L Stainless

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Takao Ichiko

verification process details in order to better meetProceedings of the 2012 Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering Education the needs for practical success. Looking back on the long-ranged projects, the one of greatest importance, one in which we have learned about our own teaching while using the resource, is as follows : The more highly educational a piece and/or the overall parts of content become, the more diverse the individual learning and mastering processes become, and consequently, there may be more opportunities to mutually share a domain for the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor ones with the advance of (re)confirmations, not only in

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

E. Carl Greco; Jim D. Reasoner

proficiency compared to a traditionalteam approach, additional data must be obtained to validate the results from this pilot study.Based on the data from the current current pilot study, it was projected that additional data fromProceedings of the 2012 Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering Education 10approximately 60 students would be required to yield an α = 0.05 and power = 0.75 for statisticalsignificance.The results from this study also imply that a full scale deployment of an individualizedlaboratory system potentially enhances the students' acquired laboratory proficiency. However,due to the independent

Collection

2012 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Christi Patton Luks

assignments are also frequently copied. On routineprogramming assignments, I check the file properties page to see who created their file, who lastsaved their file, when it was created, and when it was last saved. I frequently find that the filewas created a year earlier by a student in a previous course or that the same person created thefile for multiple submissions. Of course I look at their work also. This year a group of studentssubmitted very similar programs for the semester project. The programming was much moresophisticated than what I had taught them in that freshman-level course. By investigating theproperties page (see Figure 1), I learned that the students had hired Wipro, Ltd., an outsourcingcompany in India that will write software for