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 21st 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.
Biomechanics. This
laboratory is designed to teach the fundamental principles and methods
involved in biosolid and biofluid mechanics. The students get hands-on
experience in performing tests and making clinical interpretations of
the tests. These experiments include two material (bone and device)
construct tests, bone porosity tests, soft tissue tests, arterial
resistance biofluid test, and bifurcation biofluid experiment. These
experiments are linked to the biomechanical option courses offered by
the department.
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
computer-aided drafting, 3-D solid modeling and parametric design,
simulation of kinematic and dynamic problems, and stress analysis using
finite element methods. Extensive software is available, including
AutoCAD, Inventor, Pro/Engineer, ANSYS, Matlab, Maple, and programming
in C/C++ and Fortran. Exposure to advanced manufacturing techniques is
provided through machine-shop training as well as utilization of two
Rapid Prototyping (RP) machines (3-D Viper System and Stratasys Fused
Deposition 3000 System). CAD and RP are available on the Internet and
the design iteration cycles have been reduced significantly. A complete
design cycle experience from concept to fabrication, followed by
evaluation, has been implemented.
Dynamics and Controls. 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.
Material Characterization. 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.
Nanomaterials. Nanostructured
materials synthesis and characterization are examined in the
laboratories. Facilities include flame-based chemical vapor
condensation/deposition chambers and plasma reactors. Laboratory
exercises involve synthesis of nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes,
probing of the processing flow field using laser-based spectroscopic
techniques, and characterization of the properties of the resulting
nanomaterials. The lab courses include introduction to atomic force
microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and
scanning mobility particle sizing. These dual-purpose
educational/research laboratories engage significant undergraduate
independent research, as well as high school outreach through
internships.
Robotics and Mechatronics. Critical
concepts in system control as well as advanced theories of robotics and
mechatronics are investigated using a series of industrial robots
including a three-axis SCARA robot (Adept Cobra s600), a three-axis
planar transportation system (Genmark AVR-3000), and two five-axis
general purpose robots (Mitsubishi RV-M2). Kinematics, motion planning,
hybrid force/position control for object manipulation, and automated
assembly operations are the topics addressed in the laboratory
exercises. This dual-purpose educational/ research laboratory enjoys a
particularly high degree of undergraduate student participation in the
research component.
Thermal Sciences. A variety
of energy-related experiments are 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 partnership with local industry to design the applied
engineering laboratories has provided students with realistic
simulations of actual engineering problems and scenarios.
