Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Hyun Seop Lee; Y. D. Kim; Edwin Thomas

Integrated Educational Project of Theoretical, Experimental, and Computational Analyses Hyun Seop Lee1,*, Y. D. Kim2, and Edwin Thomas3 1,3 Engineering Technology, Grambling State University 403 Main Street, Grambling, Louisiana, 71245, USA * E-mail: leehy@gram.edu 2 Engineering and Technology, Texas A&M University – Commerce P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX, 75429, USA Abstract ability to understand

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Xiaohua Li

Immersion Wort Chiller Optimization: Project-Based Learning in Undergraduate Heat Transfer Xiaohua Li University of North Texas Mechanical & Energy Engineering, 3940 N Elm St, Suite F101, Denton, TX, 76207, USA E-mail: Xiaohua.li@unt.edu Abstract decades are problem-based learning (PBL) [2-6], and Project-Based Learning (PjBL) has been adopted as a project-based learning (PjBL) [7-10]. In problem-basedhighly effective teaching-learning style worldwide in the learning, students gain knowledge and skills bylast few

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Raj Desai

Projects for Pallet Recycling in a Solid Modeling Course Raj Desai Midwestern State University, McCoy School of Engineering 3410 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, Texas, 76308, USA E-mail: raj.desai@mwsu.edu Abstract 2. Innovation The main objective of the projects in our solid modeling Project based learning is a good way to introducecourse was to find innovative ways of recycling pallets. innovation in a solid modeling course. Innovation can bePallets are the single largest consumer of hardwood lumber

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2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Heather S. Rose; Charles R. Upshaw; Joshua D. Rhodes; Yuval Edrey; Michael E. Webber

Development of a Rooftop Collaborative Experimental Space through Experiential Learning Projects Heather S. Rose, Charles R. Upshaw, Joshua D. Rhodes, Yuval Edrey, Michael E. Webber University of Texas at Austin, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering 204 E. Dean Keeton St. Austin TX, 78752 E-mail: heatherrose@utexas.edu, crupshaw@utexas.edu Abstract This paper provides the motivation of the lab, anThe Solar, Water, Energy, and Thermal Laboratory accounting of the equipment and systems that are included,(SWEAT Lab) is a rooftop experimental space at the and a

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2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Cynthia C. Fry; Steven P. Potter

The Design and Development of a Multi-Disciplinary Project in Embedded Systems Design Cynthia C. Fry, Steven P. Potter Baylor University, School of Engineering & Computer Science, One Bear Place #97141, Waco, Texas 76798-7141 E-mail: cindy_fry@baylor.edu, steven_p_potter@baylor.edu Abstract In today’s automotive industry, as each new vehicle design receives yet another control unit, “software complexity As has been noted over the past ten years, “The wall

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2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Colby Ryan; Alexis Crandall; Mitch Martinez; David Kennedy; Kristian Ecolango; Jay Porter; Joseph Morgan

. areas has on recruiting and retention. To this end, the Capstone is designed to prepare future engineers degree program has required course work in four areas:by bridging the gap between the classroom and industry. analog and digital electronics, wired and wirelessStudents are required to form teams of two to six members communications, embedded hardware and software, andwhich allows them to develop the skills necessary to system level design of monitoring and control applications.succeed in a diverse industry setting. Each team is required In addition, the curriculum is augmented through courses into use their knowledge and skills to design, develop, industry-applicable skills including project

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Kenneth Van Treuren

to modify thisturbine engines from a design perspective. This past fall course project to reflect the company setting for the gassemester additional active learning modules were turbine engine design process.introduced to make the course more interactive. Students This course, Analysis and Design of Propulsionformed teams of four and each team was designated a Systems, is an elective for the B.S. in Mechanicalcompany. The task was to design a replacement engine for Engineering degree. Typically taught in the fall semester,the B-52H which served as the basis for learning about gas the course is for seniors who have previously takenturbine engine design. The companies picked a name

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2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

John Attia; Mahamadou tembely; Lisa Hobson; Pamela Obiomon

], labThe paper describes the hands-on learning experiences of settings [5], and homework/project activities [4].students who used the ADB in multiple courses. Thepaper discusses (i) the various laboratory experiments and Several portable hands-on learning equipment tools areclass projects performed by the students, (ii) the available, such as Analog Discovery [12], MyDaq [13],knowledge and skills learnt by the students and (iii) the Lab-in-a-Box [14, 15], Tessal [ 16], and mobile studio [7].lessons learnt by the instructors while introducing ADB A portable equipment device that is being used to engageinto freshman and junior level courses in the electrical and and inspire electrical and

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Alireza Yazdanshenas; Joseph Oyedele; Emilli Morrison; Chung Hyun Goh

Practicum of Systems Integration in Engineering Education Alireza Yazdanshenas, Joseph Oyedele, Emilli Morrison, Chung Hyun Goh* Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Tyler 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX, 75799, U.S.A. *cgoh@uttyler.edu Abstract desired product. Systems integration (SI) facilitates efficient delivery for the overarching This project asked engineering students to functionality in the product. This SI technique hasdevelop a multi-subsystem design that would been widely used in many companies, even thoughproduce electricity

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Miguel A. Angulo; Ozgur Aktunc

in their courses to publish coursedevelopers to manage their software development projects material, share code samples, and collect programmingand collaborate with each other. Recently, educators also assignments. In this study, our objective is to examine howstarted using GitHub as a teaching tool for programming GitHub is being used in academia and discuss thecourses by hosting code samples and managing student motivations and the benefits of using GitHub inassignments. In this study, we examine how GitHub is programming courses.being used in academia, and we discuss the motivations andthe benefits of using this platform. We also present authors’ 2. Use of GitHub in Educationexperience of using

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2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Jafar F. Al-Sharab; Curtis Desselles; Robert Dalling; Mauricio Escobar; Ariell Shield; Hoa Nguyen; McKenzie Cutrer; Will Heitman

experiential learning is to have a positive atmosphere, to allow students to make and learn1. Introduction from their mistakes, and to provide the freedom thatSince the 1960s there have been lots of efforts to develop students need to experiment during the task. A lot ofcurriculum projects for science and mathematics Efforts to students can and has benefited from experiential learning.improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics(STEM) education in grades K–12 are not new. Yet, In

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2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Jitendra Tate; Craig Hanks; Harold Stern; Walt Trybula

still-new Ingram School of under the guidance of an advisory council made up ofEngineering. During work on an NSF funded grant, nanotechnology experts from academia and industry.we were able to infuse ethics related modules in 13 One important goal of the project was to recruit,different courses, across three colleges and at all engage, prepare, and encourage students fromlevels of undergraduate study. Three members of our traditionally underrepresented groups into careers inteam (Hanks, Tate, Trybula) were PIs or Senior Science and Engineering. In our third year we revisedPersonnel on the NSF grant project, and the fourth the curricula in the introductory course to

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Gholam H. Massiha; Shelton L. Houston

Lafayette, there was no programengineering management is a calculus-based program in the state of Louisiana to meet their educational needs.which focuses on problem solutions and associated designs. All STEC applicants are admitted to the UniversityOften, the engineer is the project lead in assessing and Graduate School. Admission to the Master of Science ingenerating the solutions to complex problems. Engineering Systems Technology is based on assessment of theeducation integrates problem identification, design, applicant’s score on the Graduate Record Examination, theadvanced scientific concepts, project economics, and undergraduate academic record, and letters ofproject management

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Christine Julien

uninteresting, dry, or even “soft”. The IoT, on theThe course’s second segment introduces software engineering other hand is tactile, hands-on by nature, seen as “hard”practices, again primarily via hands-on practical tutorials. In engineering, and engaging to today’s students because they canthe third segment of the course, the students conceive of, immediately relate to the applications they create.design, and implement a project that uses the technologies Our concern is that early

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Vijaya Gopu; Ayman Okeil; Roger Seals

instrumentation model demonstration. Using a Research Center (LTRC), and out of state transportationpedagogical model developed during the project, the former research organizations. The three essential questions posedSubunit is implemented in two classes of a structural by the survey were: the current perceived importance ofanalysis course whereas the latter Subunit is implemented FMM; the future perceived importance of FMM; and thein two classes of a reinforced concrete design course. The

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Matt Leonard; Joseph Morgan; Jeremy P. Coffelt

driver. board (and its C++-based programming language) with a TI Currently, the DSTR Robot is being used in STEM Nspire graphing calculator (and its Basic-basedworkshops, high school courses, college freshman programming language). Ultimately, the students wereengineering courses, a number of Capstone design projects, successful in meeting the challenge, while the DSTR wasand is also being considered for a lunar exploration mission. successful in demonstrating its versatility.DSTR is gaining recognition and interest across the state ofTexas and around the world. A DSTR workshop has beenoffered to engineering faculty in China and was the topic ofdiscussion during a recent

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Freddie Davis; Roy Issa; Kenneth Leitch; peter Hughes

by embedding phase changeTexas A&M University, students are exposed to a variety material (PCM) inside building walls. The purpose of thisof sustainability-oriented projects through senior design project is to have senior engineering students from both theand research courses. The projects are selected to provide mechanical and civil engineering programs design aan in-depth understanding of the investigated area through prototype composite residential wall that incorporatesanalytical and experimental studies. In this particular phase change material to optimize the temperature gradientproject, students in thermal design were asked to across the composite wall, and to compare the

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Timothy Urban; Margaret Baguio

growth of theworking with scientists and engineers in their chosen topic program going national: more projects were identified for morearea. This project addresses the national need to increase teams (4 in 2010 to 8 in 2017), and therefore more interns could bethe number of high school students, particularly under- accepted (11 in 2010 to 42 in 2017); the first two weeks of therepresented minorities and those from under-served areas, SEES program are now online with students working remotelythat will pursue STEM college degrees. with their scientist mentors; the program includes funding for housing interns at a dorm on the UT campus for

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Roman Taraban; William M. Marcy

and Impact on Society.” The purpose of this sensibilities in students.technology is to develop students’ awareness of cultural The Texas Tech course ENGR 2392 Engineeringdifferences in engineers’ approaches to ethical practice, and Ethics & Impact on Society, led by Dr. Wi lliamto develop students’ abilities to communicate in a global Marcy, and the websiteworkplace. These goals are being pursued through a http://ReflectiveChoices.ttu.edu are the primarywebsite that is publicly available, titled Reflective Choices channels through which this project is beinghttp://ReflectiveChoices.ttu.edu. We describe the developed and implemented. The project combinesdevelopment of the website

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Julio Alonso; Jesus Vargas; Daniel Li; Abraham Elizarraras; Tony Hoang; Khanh Vu; J. Patterson; Mohammad Palwala; Marco Maldonado; Masaki Isago; Mark Aranda; Lan Trinh; Tu Huynh; Tie Nguyen; Bao Ly; Jiao Huang; Heidar Malki; Xiaojing Yuan

Greater Houston Area covers a As part of the first/last mile transportation effort, theregion of more than 1,285 square miles. Its population is BikeShare@UH project focuses on creating and testingprojected to grow from 7 million in 2015 to 10 million in innovative and integrated system that will improve mobility2040 [1]. In particular, the transit mobility score of the in general and access to public transmit on a unique urbanHouston-Galveston metropolitan area is very low (2.9 out campus in particular. In this paper, we present the results ofof 10) based on a recent report released by the Center for the project from the customer discovery to the needNeighborhood Technology [2

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Myles Sloan; Chung Hyun Goh; Fredericka Brown

be laid, including recruiting and training atall of the necessary experience needed to perform the job every level. The university recognized all of the advantageswith a high level of competence. Simulating this real-world that the competition brought to the school as well as to theexperience in a classroom or lab becomes difficult when it students involved, so there were design projects available forhas to be squeezed into a class like senior design. While for seniors to receive credit

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Matthew Alexander

life-long learning. A fraction of these students have design sequence, known as Process Design II / ProcessEnglish as their second language, and development of oral Design III. The author has served as the primary instructorand written communication skills to the level of fluency for these two courses for the last 2½ years. This paperexpected of engineers in the United States is challenging. presents the instructor’s approach to improving studentThe students are tested in their oral communication skills performance in these areas.through delivery of six group-format project presentations The students in the senior design course sequencein the two course sequence. The course sequence also present

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Rochelle Williams; Sherri Frizell; Felecia Nave; Audie Thompson

of Texas at Austin April 4-6, 2018counselors at local area high schools were sent promotional participants to journal about not only what they learned thatmaterials, and the program was advertised on the day, but also consider the broader impacts of that activityUniversity’s website and other social media platforms. The on society. Projects focused on five areas of engineeringmost effective advertisement resulted from word-of-mouth (chemical, civil, computer and electrical engineer,promotion by PVAMU alumni. A particular focus was on mechanical) and computer science.Region 4 high schools in Houston, Texas that have a The mechanical

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Dani Fadda P.E.; Oziel Rios

2. Problem Statement and Supportbuild prototypes [4], or studying the cooling effects of crushed An initial value problem is selected for this activity.or solid ice [5], or other experiments. Numerical assignments A sphere is specified to have a given diameter and initialusing Excel are used [6]. Numerical and experimental projects temperature. It is subjected to constant convection cooling andare also presented [7] where ANSYS was used for the numerical cools to room temperature over time following a temperaturesimulations. The benefit of these activities are in enhancing the versus time chart similar to the one shown in Fig. 1.student’s understanding [8] or in repairing

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

John Etringer; Stephen OÍBrien; Austin Updegraff; Timothy Langerhans; Andrew Nadjari; Chan Kim; Aaron Hill; Michael Campbell

members of the West Point Steel Bridge Team arefive undergraduate seniors working to design and build a enrolled in a fall and spring semester course designed tosteel bridge for the annual ASCE Steel Bridge Competition. provide them with an opportunity to apply and synthesizeThe purpose of our group’s research is to discover how their knowledge of structural engineering, constructionmultidisciplinary teams perform in academically management and engineering economics in an open-ended,competitive environments. This project provides a unique realistic, semester-long, capstone design experience. Theopportunity in the field of multidisciplinary collaborative remaining member, a junior, is only enrolled

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Sarah Seraj; June Young Park; Michael Pieratt

Teaching Engineering Ethics in the Classroom through a Town Hall Meeting Activity Sarah Seraj1*, June Young Park1, Michael Pieratt2 1 Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 301 E Dean Keeton St, Stop C1700, Austin, TX 78712 2 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., 14200 Kirkham Way, Poway, CA 92064 *E-mail: sarahseraj@utexas.eduAbstract nature of their projects, even a small mistake or misstep in Engineers often contribute to projects that impact many their work can endanger the health

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Chaoyi Wang; Michael Frye; Sreerenjini Nair

education lacks the years. 2015 was the first year when the AVS Lab hosted ahands-on laboratory in the formal middle school and high free five-day engineering camp. 25 middle school girlsschool curricula. The widespread gender gap in multiple from Title I school districts in San Antonio participated theSTEM disciplines causes middle-school aged girls have camp. Meanwhile, four engineering research assistantslower positive attitudes and interests towards STEM fields from the AVS Lab and three middle school teachers fromthan male students. In recent years, Science, Technology, the local school districts helped with the daily roboticsEngineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education projects and various

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Jorge Leon; Angie Hill Price; Mathew Kuttolamadom

university in Finlandpopular, especially since they offer a unique hands-on and [3]. Industry executives were interviewed, and consistentlyindustry-focused education at a graduate level that many identified project management, problem solving andregional employers seek. In this paper, the commonalities leadership as essential skills required in addition to theamong these currently offered programs were outlined and traditional engineering based technical competencies.discussed, especially in terms of the makeup of the program Upon a review of the program objectives for relevantstructure, courses, and learning objectives; these were then Master of Science programs across the US, a trend can becontrasted with aspects of

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Oziel Rios; Dani Fadda P.E.

to ensure their design satisfies the functional The activity is considered simple to implement, requirement and constraints.requiring only a computer station with CAD software In the rest of this paper, a more detailed description ofavailable in most engineering schools. Continuous the activity is provide as well as observations andimprovements to the project are made based on faculty assessments of the activity. Results from a student surveyobservations and assessments, as well as a survey are also presented.administered to the students. 2. Description of Project1. Introduction

Collection

2018 Gulf Southwest Section Conference

Authors

Okan Caglayan; Sreedevi Ande P.E.; Erik Coronado; Max Martinez; Samuel Handowski

student survey results and distribution of 2016 participants compared to last year’s attendees (nine and 2017 participants’ answers to survey questions. The students). The survey results, students’ written reports, and students also submitted a post-camp career goal evaluation their project presentations, also, reiterated the students’ during the last day of the camp. Pre-camp survey results strong interest in the camp. The participants were motivated indicated that about 82% of students came with zero and excited about starting their first year at the university, experience in using MATLAB