Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ali Moazed; Richard L Roberts; Xiaobin Le P.E.; Anthony William Duva P.E.

Teaching Finite Element Analysis in Undergraduate Technology Curriculum Ali R. Moazed, Richard Roberts, Xiaobin Le, Anthony Duva Session: Tools, techniques, and best practices of engineering education for the digital generationI. AbstractTypically, FEA courses are offered at a graduate level, covering the theoretical basis with littleor no effort to apply this technology to real problems. In some institutions, this course is offeredto seniors, but the content is also mostly theoretical. At Wentworth, we have designed an FEAcourse based on our industrial experience which could be labeled “Applied Finite ElementAnalysis”. This paper describes the methodology followed in the development of this course,along

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Kara Cokeley; Claire Mockler; Min Feng Zheng; James Patrick Abulencia

Teaching Alternative Energy through Biodiesel from Algae Kara Cokeley1, Claire Mockler1, Min Feng Zheng1, and James Patrick Abulencia1 1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY, 10463, USA Session 5: Interdisciplinary programs, sustainability and alternative energy as related to engineering educationAbstract: As the world’s energy demands continually increase, the sources of today’s energy aredrastically depleting and the search for renewable fuel is growing. Biofuels are desirablebecause the carbon dioxide released when combusted is ultimately captured by photosyntheticplants, thus making the emissions process essentially carbon neutral. The

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Chiara Silvestri; Adriana Hera; Malcolm H. Ray; Siamak Najafi

]. It canbe used for numeric computation, data analysis, data visualization and algorithm developmentfor a wide range of applications. Since, as its name suggests (MATrix LABoratory), Matlab isespecially designed for matrix operations, we found this software as the appropriate tool fornumeric computation to be integrated in a “Matrix Analysis of Structures” course. ANSYS is a family of products used to numerically solve, by using finite element (FE)method, a wide variety of engineering problem in the field of structural mechanics, heat transfer,fluid dynamics, as well as acoustic and electromagnetic and coupled field analyses [2]. ANSYSis one of the standard Finite Element Analysis (FEA) teaching tools in many universities. In“Matrix

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Lisa Shatz

Incorporating design into a class teaching technical communication skills Lisa Shatz Suffolk University Session 8: Other topics relevant to engineering education AbstractA technical writing class is a perfect vehicle for giving students the opportunity to be creativedesigners and to learn more about the engineering profession as well.In order for our students to have more experience in brainstorming, teamwork, and productdevelopment, we have incorporated into our technical communication class participation inSuffolk University’s Business School’s New Product

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Vijay Kanabar; Robert Schudy

,and other areas while at BBN Technologies, Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, TASC, and Symbolics. Hisbusiness experience includes IT director, CEO, and chief scientist. He can be reached atrschudy@bu.edu.References 1. Vijay Kanabar, “INTRODUCING KNOWLEDGE-BASED PROJECTS IN A SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT COURSE”, ACM SIGCSE Proceedings, 1988, p 114-118 2. Manual for Preparing and Teaching Courses in the Online MSCIS Program November 8, 2005 3. Documentation and Product references to the various vendors – Microsoft, Google, Iocom, Twitter, Gantter.com, Blogger, Vista, Blackboard, Wimba.

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Siben Dasgupta

Teaching Digital Signal Processing with MATLAB,Simulink and DSP Kits A Practical, Cohesive, and Hands-On Approach Siben Dasgupta Associate Professor, Wentworth Institute of TechnologyAbstractThis paper provides an introduction to Digital Signal Processing topics taught in the undergraduateelectronics /computer engineering programs at Wentworth Institute of Technology. This paper describeshow Wentworth Institute of Technology provides “hands on” experience with real signals by using a“laboratory” based on MATLAB and SIMULINK running on PC’s. In addition, an innovative approach isprovided in this paper for integrating DSP course in to the graduate program

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Antonio F. Mondragon-Torres

system should have some of the following characteristics:ultra-low power, security, robust, reliable, accurate, cost-effective. Throughout theMicrocomputers course, the instructor emphasized and gave examples on how to use the availabletechnology to think in terms of energy awareness, making smart products, communicateinformation using secure techniques, and how to perform computations on demand rather thancontinuously in order to save power. Unfortunately on a single course, and with no previous knowledge of microprocessors andmicrocontroller systems, we were not able to fully teach and cover ultra-low power applications,other than couple laboratory exercises and lectures to show how the microcontroller can enter asleep state and just wake up

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Suxia Cui; John Fuller; Pamela Holland-Obiomon; Warsame H. Ali

(NNSA) withinthe Department of Energy specifies its national security missions including increasing publicawareness of nuclear security and reducing the threaten of global nuclear proliferation. Alignedwith the above mentioned NNSA missions, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) launched acollaboration project to conduct research on the sensor and detector applications to nuclearmaterials sponsored by the Department of Energy. PVAMU is the second oldest institution ofhigher education in the state of Texas and an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities).With the support from national research laboratories, this collaborative project brings togetherseveral departments within the College of Engineering at PVAMU, which include

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Peter S. Rourke

numerical control (CNC), oreven computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software and machine simulators. Indeed, most equipmentin an advanced machine laboratory does not have any actual handles at all, only virtual ones.This paper discusses how the exciting world of advanced manufacturing machine control can beintroduced when algebra topics are being studied at high school. While teaching the basics of theCartesian coordinate system a few simple numerical control machine codes are also explained. Thisenables students to compose the code required to complete simple movements of a cutter andunderstand concepts of computer related manufacturing. Free, easy to use simulation software allowsthe students to test their code.This approach has been used in a

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Tom Goulding

Lessons from Socrates and the Online Classroom: Achieving Exceptional Performance in Project-Based Classroom Tom Goulding Division of Computer Science and Systems Wentworth Institute of Technology Session : Teaching Project Based Courses..ABSTRACT Programming exercises, called GM-Games are non-traditional exercises that were created by theBoth Online teaching and Socratic pedagogy

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Salah Badjou

typically from 3 to 5. Much ofthe work involves testing and prototype development in the labs and therefore requires thestudents’ presence on campus. On the other hand, a substantial amount of work does not requireactual physical meetings. This includes reports writing (proposal, 2 progress reports, weeklymemos, and a final report), sharing research work and other communication. The author hasbeen teaching this course for the last 4 years. End-of-semester assessment from carefullydesigned surveys consistently indicated student difficulties managing their time. This is partlydue to demanding coursework, and work outside. Typically, students try to use the week ofSpring Break to “catch up.” However, many of them are then off campus. As a

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Gautham Das; Rishi Cariappa

investigations where undertaken and various geotechnicaltests were conducted. Students assisted in obtaining soil samples and were involved in both thefield and laboratory geotechnical testing.Student Activities and InnovationsStudents were involved from preliminary investigations to all aspects of design and constructionof the road. One of the initial activities was to survey the existing ground surface and make surethat the road blend into the existing ground. Certain parts of the road were laid out previouslyhowever the road had to be modified to meet the existing requirements as set by MOST.Students were involved in all surveying activities; a rotary level was used to determine theground surface elevations. Once the elevations were identified and

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Douglas E. Dow; Stephanie Cheney

auditory, the struggle to learn fromthe traditional lecture and textbook reading format inhibits learning. Educational methods existto reach more of these students and provide an engaging, relevant learning experience for theclass as a whole. Interactive delivery of content and assessment enhance learning for manystudents. Additionally, utilizing a variety of assessment methods provides a more holistic viewof a student's mastery of concepts. Interactive web sites can be integrated into learning modulesutilized as homework or laboratory assignments within a traditional course. Another approachcould involve interacting with large databases that are accessible on the web, such as databasesrelated to patents, journal articles, genomic sequences

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Andrew C. Foley; Eben H. Phillips

Immediate linking of tolerance theory to hardware fabrication in a sophomore design course. Dr. Andrew C. Foley P.E. LCDR Eben H. Phillips P.E. U.S Coast Guard Academy, New London, CTAbstract This paper describes a teaching methodology where in order to bring a sense ofimportance to the potentially “dry topic” of tolerances, classroom theory is linkedimmediately to practical machining and assembly exercises. An introductory sophomoredesign course at the U.S Coast Guard Academy involves a substantial laboratory elementembracing basic drafting and more advanced 3D CAD instruction followed by

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Chitra N. Javdekar

although inadequate preparation in Mathematics and Sciences in thehigh school is one of the major reasons for switching, it does not mean that the non-switchers whoremain in the programs might be more comfortable with their level of preparation and the reasons fortheir “staying the course” may be different than a perceived lack of preparation. Other reasons forswitching cited were related to poor teaching, and difficulty in getting help for academic problems(Seymour, 2001). In an ethnographic study (Seymour and Hewitt, 1997) additional reasons forswitching to non-SME disciplines: lack or loss of interest in science; belief that a non-SME major holdsmore interest or offers a better education; and feeling overwhelmed pace and load of the

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

David Potter

A context for unstructured experimentation: What resources are available to the student tinkerer? David Potter Northeastern University College of Engineering Session 2: Tools, techniques, and best practices of engineering education for the digital generation “What I hear, I forget; What I see, I remember; What I do, I understand.” – Old Chinese proverb Abstract: Education for the digital generation can be thought of as a process of classroom and laboratory learning

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ronald C. Lasky

Iteach, whether they be at a university or at a technical conference.Overall, I believe that the students of today are much better prepared for the world ofengineering than I was at their age. However, in teaching them over these past few years, I haveuncovered some weaknesses in their math skills, that I had initially missed. These weaknesses, Ibelieve are the result of the availability and use of power math tools, such as Excel®,MATLAB®, MINITAB®, etc. This paper is not to suggest that these tools are not useful, on thecontrary, they form a foundation for modern engineering and science. However, theiravailability and power may be some of the cause of the math weaknesses I observed. This paperalso does not suggest that these students are less

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ismail I. Orabi

these projects and the entiredesign program. It has been rewarding experience for the students and the faculty advisor. Thestudent learning experience has been enhanced by interacting with practical engineers andmanagers. The experience has been a Win-Win scenario for the students and the Industrypartner. The students have the opportunity to work on a practical design project and to interactwith outside engineers. The companies also have the ability to work directly with some of ourbrightest and most capable students, providing them an opportunity to identify potential newhires.Bibliography[ 1] Dym, C. L., A. M. Agogino, O. Eris, D. D. Frey, and L. J. Leifer. (2005). “Engineering Design Thinking,Teaching, and Learning.” Journal of Engineering

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Kevin John McDonnell; Anne Joan Caraccio; Nithin Susan Abraham; Nicholas Alexander Ruffini; Susan Gallardo; James Patrick Abulencia

waterborne infections and diseases. It is therefore necessary thatsomething be done to help those in need. One way is through the use of Service Learning. This method of teaching is meant tohave a two-fold outcome. First, it gives students the opportunity to help others in need, whilehelping them become more aware of serious socio-economic and quality of life issues. 1Secondly, it helps the students to continue to learn with hands on experience, by taking what theyhave been taught, and applying it to real world situations. To initiate this Service-Learning project, students and professors from two schools:Manhattan College in Bronx, NY

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Ryan Ferguson; Richard Lupa; Bradford Powers; Henry Whitney; Salah Badjou

A Low-Cost Lightweight, Low-Profile Portable Solar Tracker Ryan Ferguson Richard Lupa Bradford Powers Henry Whitney Salah Badjou, Ph.D. Department of Electronics and Mechanical Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA 02115 Session Topic: Teaching project based courses and design courses, including senior design course AbstractThis paper describes the design and construction of a novel lightweight, low-profile solar

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Daniel Domato; Marco Castaldi; James Patrick Abulencia

materials such as wood andMunicipal Solid Waste, and has been identified as a potential source of energy because it isrenewable and abundant. Gasification is one process that can be used to extract energy out ofthis biomass. Typically used with fossil fuels such as coal, gasification of biomass can generatesyngas, which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Despite the increasing popularity of green engineering, full stand-alone coursesaddressing this topic would be difficult to insert into the already full chemical engineeringcurriculum. One potential way to expose students to green engineering is through the seniorlevel unit-operations laboratory. To this end, a new unit-operations lab experiment centered on the biomass

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

GLENN E. VALLEE; RICHARD P. BENIOT

Springfield, MA. Dr. Vallee currently teaches graduate andundergraduate courses in engineering mechanics, experimental mechanics and machine design,and has published in the areas of nonlinear finite element analysis, experimental mechanics andthe experimental determination of dynamic material properties. Dr. Vallee received a BS inMechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 1985 and began working for theFastening Systems Division of the Stanley Works in East Greenwich Rhode Island soon after.Beginning as an Engineering Lab Technician, he received a number of promotions, serving as aTest Engineer, Design Engineer, Product Development Engineer and finally as the Manager ofthe largest Engineering Laboratory at Stanley. He received both

Collection

2010 ASEE Zone 1 Conference

Authors

Dan Brosnan; Dana Hawes; Max Nielsen; Salah Badjou

Autonomous Garbage Removal System Dan Brosnan Dana Hawes Max Nielsen Salah Badjou, Ph.D. Department of Electronics and Mechanical Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA 02115 Session Topic: Teaching project based courses and design courses, including senior design course AbstractThis paper reports on the design, construction and testing of an automated garbage removalsystem. This project was undertaken in the course of junior-level