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Investigations into Engineering Dynamics Theory: A Student-Led Project to Utilize Smartphone Technology

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Conference

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Columbus, Ohio

Publication Date

June 24, 2017

Start Date

June 24, 2017

End Date

June 28, 2017

Conference Session

Programming, Virtual Reality, and Dynamic Systems

Tagged Division

Mechanical Engineering

Page Count

13

DOI

10.18260/1-2--28590

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/28590

Download Count

464

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Paper Authors

biography

Dennis O'Connor California State University, Chico

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Dennis M. O’Connor
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0789
dmoconnor@csuchico.edu

Professional Preparation
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, August 2004
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, May 2007
Ph.D. Engineering Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, May 2014

Academic Appointments
Lab Manager, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Aug 2005 - Aug 2015
Assistant Professor, California State University Chico, August 2015 - Present

Journal Publications
1. Luo, Albert C.J. and O’Connor, Dennis (2014), “On periodic motions in a parametric hardening Mathieu Duffing oscillator”, International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 24, 1430004.
2. Luo, Albert C.J. and O’Connor, Dennis (2009), “Periodic Motions with Impacting Chatter and Stick in a Gear Transmission System”, ASME Journal of Vibration and Acoustics, 131, 041013.
3. Luo, Albert C.J. and O’Connor, Dennis (2009), “Impact Chatter in a gear transmission system with two oscillators”, IMeChe Part K: Journal of Multi-body Dynamics, 223, 159-188.
4. Luo, Albert C.J. and O’Connor, Dennis (2009), “Mechanism of impacting chatter with stick in a gear transmission system”, International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 19, 1975-1994
5. Luo, Albert C.J. and O’Connor, Dennis (2009), “Periodic motions and chaos with impacting chatter with stick in a gear transmission system”, International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos, 19, 2093-2105.

Book
1. Luo, Albert C.J. and Dennis O’Connor, System Dynamics with Interaction Discontinuity, Springer 2015.

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Abstract

Due to the technological advancements and proliferation of the mobile-phone industry, smartphones are increasingly being utilized as an educational tool to improve student learning. The paper herein considers the use of smartphones as a ready-made tool for engineering dynamics students to design and conduct real-world experiments to increase both their excitement and knowledge of course material. In the past, large class sizes and the cost of measurement instrumentation made student-led experiments cost prohibitive. However, with the vast majority of students now owning a smartphone, most students now have access to an instrument with remarkable capabilities to measure and record engineering data. In particular, the on-board three-axis accelerometer allows students to measure experimental acceleration for comparison to theoretical calculations. Based on relevant course content and with instructor approval, students designed and conducted an experiment to investigate and measure the dynamics within the proposed study. The topics were open to the students’ imagination and concerns as long as they considered acceleration measurement and comparison. Examples included swinging, driving, flying, tumbling, dancing, impacting, free-falling, etc. Groups of two to three students worked together and submitted a single report. According to ABET accreditation guidelines, this project could be utilized to assess the categories of (b) the ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data and (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. Based on a detailed project report analysis, these categories were assessed and the results provided herein. Finally, a class survey was conducted to gauge the students’ level of excitement for the course material as well as their increased sense of understanding resulting from the project.

O'Connor, D. (2017, June), Investigations into Engineering Dynamics Theory: A Student-Led Project to Utilize Smartphone Technology Paper presented at 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, Ohio. 10.18260/1-2--28590

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