Design a cost-effective Bending/Compression educational laboratory test apparatus

Chandika Annasiwatta; Sandra Soto-Caban

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Conference: 2020 ASEE North Central Section conference
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Publication Date: March 27, 2020
Start Date: March 27, 2020
End Date: May 20, 2020
Page Count: 8
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--35730
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/35730
Download Count: 333

Paper Authors

biography

Chandika Annasiwatta Muskingum University

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Chandika Annasiwatta received his B.S. degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, in 2008, and Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University, Lubbock Texas, in 2017. He is an Assistant Professor of Engineering in Department of Physics and Engineering, Muskingum University. His research interests include mathematical modeling, hysteresis and mechatronics. He has over 10 years of experience in teaching engineering undergraduates. His teaching interests and experience are in areas of dynamics and controls, mechatronics, computer integrated manufacturing, and automation.

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Sandra Soto-Caban Muskingum University

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Dr. Sandra Soto-Cabán received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, and her Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Currently, she is Associate Professor of Engineering and Chair of the Department of Physics and Engineering at Muskingum University, New Concord, OH. At Muskingum, she teaches several engineering courses and conducts research in the fields of electromagnetics and engineering education. As a member of an underrepresented group in her field, she is a strong advocate for women participation in STEM. Dr. Soto-Cabán is a Senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and member of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE). She is also member of the engineering honor societies Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu.

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Abstract

Abstract—This paper is focused on an undergraduate design project on designing and implementation of a dual-purpose test apparatus that can be used as both a Bending test apparatus to determine the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and a compression test apparatus to determine the Compressive strength of a material. During this project, students will also satisfy the writing unit requirement of the General Education curriculum of the Institution. This project was introduced as a part of the junior Material Science course and aimed to facilitate student learning through self-learning team activity. Students tasked to design an apparatus that should be able to convert between two configurations easily, and one of the main objectives of this project is to design a cost effective, educational laboratory apparatus. Throughout the project execution period, students could apply their knowledge in hands-on activity, develop their technical writing and documentation, and gain knowledge through addressing new challenges. The enthusiasm of the students throughout the project is evidence of the importance of on hands-on learning in Engineering. This paper describes the details of the project, how engineering report writing and documentation are addressed, and how the students participate and benefit from project-based learning.

Citation
Format

Annasiwatta, C., & Soto-Caban, S. (2020, March), Design a cost-effective Bending/Compression educational laboratory test apparatus Paper presented at 2020 ASEE North Central Section conference, Morgantown, West Virginia. 10.18260/1-2--35730