The laboratory curriculum in mechanical and aerospace engineering
has been structured to help students integrate physical understanding
with theoretical knowledge, and to familiarize them with advanced
engineering systems and instrumentation for multidisciplinary problem
solving in the twenty-first century. Laboratory exercises begin with
introductions to basic measurement concepts and culminate in the
exploration of complex, open-ended engineering problems. Facilities are
continuously upgraded to provide an effective learning environment.
State-of-the-art facilities, which are integral parts of the
undergraduate laboratory experience, include a stereolithography rapid
prototyping machine, a Mach 4 supersonic wind tunnel, and a pair of
industrial-quality robotic arms. The undergraduate and research
laboratory space is integrated physically to provide personal, often
informal, contact and communication among undergraduate students,
graduate students, and faculty. Undergraduate participation in research
is widespread and strongly encouraged. A summary listing of facilities
comprising the undergraduate laboratories follows.
Design and Manufacturing. Mechanical
and aerospace engineering analysis, design, and synthesis problems are
investigated in the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) laboratory. Students
gain hands-on experience on CAD workstations through exercises in
automated drafting, simulation of kinematic and dynamic problems, and
stress analysis using finite element methods. Extensive software is
available, including CAE, Ideas, Pro/Engineer, Ansys, Simulink, Matlab,
Maple, Mips assembly language, and programming in C and Fortran.
Exposure to advanced manufacturing techniques is provided through
machine-shop training as well as use of a 3-D Systems stereolithography
machine. This state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facility operates
through the use of a UV laser to trace out layers of a finished CAD
drawing in a bath of liquid polymer resin. The resin cures wherever the
laser makes contact, making it possible to rapidly create a plastic
model of a design in only a few hours.
Dynamics and Vibrations. Prediction
and control of the response of structures subject to dynamic loadings
are a central component of mechanical and aerospace engineering design
and analysis. Experiments have been designed to illustrate dynamic
response of single- and multiple-degree of freedom systems, as well as
to carefully examine frequency and amplitude response of structural
components. Diagnostics are conducted using advanced laboratory
computers and digital spectrum analyzers, in addition to conventional
strain gages and impact hammers.
Fluid Dynamics. Fundamental
principles and advanced systems involving fluid flows, ranging from
demonstrating Bernoulli`s principle to assessing the lift and drag
characteristics of airfoil designs, are examined in the undergraduate
curriculum. Facilities include four low-speed wind tunnels and a Mach 4
supersonic wind tunnel; a large free surface water tunnel also is used
for undergraduate participation in independent or sponsored research.
Advanced instrumentation includes hot-film anemometry with
computerized data acquisition, and optical diagnostics techniques.
Robotics and Mechatronics. Critical concepts in
system control as well as advanced theories of robotics and
mechatronics are investigated using two five-axis Mitsubishi RV-M2
robots, each with a reach of 450 mm. Automated assembly operations,
trajectory planning, force control, and object manipulation are topics
that can be addressed in the laboratory exercises. This dual-purpose
educational/ research laboratory enjoys a particularly high degree of
undergraduate student participation in the research component.
Solid Mechanics. Mechanical
properties of materials are examined in the newly completed solid
mechanics laboratory. Facilities include three Instron tensile testing
machines with digital data acquisition and control, and three hardness
testing machines. Laboratory exercises have been structured to
highlight phenomena associated with deformation and failure of
engineering materials. Additional research-quality facilities available
to undergraduates include larger MTS and Instron testing machines.
These instruments are used in research on biomechanical systems and
composite materials, respectively. Undergraduate research also may be
conducted in a high pressure, ~100,000 psi, materials
testing/processing laboratory.
Thermal Sciences. A
variety of energy-related experiments is offered in the undergraduate
curriculum from basic sciences of thermodynamics and heat transfer, to
assessing the performance and environmental impact of a steam turbine
power generating system. Specific experiments include convection and
radiation heat transfer exercises, and experiments carried out in an
internal combustion engines laboratory and the steam power generator
facility. A partner- ship with local industry to design the applied
engineering laboratories has provided students with
realistic simulations of actual engineering problems and
scenarios.
