Engineering Commons^™

Mechatronics Education At Kettering University: Development Of Learning- Specific Hardware And Software, Jeffrey Hargrove, Theodore J. Stokes

Jeffrey Hargrove

A series of learning-specific electronic circuit boards and associated software has been developed to support mechatronics education in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Kettering University. The boards are designed to interface to the Toshiba TLCS-900H Microprocessor Trainer and Evaluation Board. The purpose of these boards is to provide mechanical engineering students of mechatronics with robust hardware that readily permits interfacing of sensors and actuators to microcontrollers used in mechatronic applications. Further, the boards feature signal conditioning circuits for use in conjunction with sensors, and driver circuits for operating high-current actuating devices. Supporting software has been written to permit ready use …

Development And Implementation Of Mechatronics Education At Kettering University, Jeffrey Hargrove

Jeffrey Hargrove

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Kettering University has completed development of a significant new component of education in mechatronics. The work began in the fall of 1997 as the principal part of an award for “Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement” by the Division of Undergraduate Education of the National Science Foundation. It has culminated with the successful implementation of two undergraduate courses in mechatronics, two mechatronics laboratories and a website to support the educational endeavors of the mechatronics students. As will be described in this paper, the first course and its laboratory exercises are designed specifically to provide the students with …

Educating The Space Scientists At Embry-Riddle Through Design, Build And Fly Rocketry Experience, Pedro Llanos, Robert E. Haley, Sathya Gangadharan

Pedro J. Llanos (www.AstronauticsLlanos.com)

“Whole-Brained” Engineering Education In Undergraduate Studies At The University Of Dayton, Kylie Moellering

Kylie Moellering

Can We Teach A Programming Language As A Second Language?, Lulu Sun, Christina Frederick, Paula Sanjuan Espejo, Rachel Cunningham

Lulu Sun

This paper describes a design and implementation of a NSF sponsored project in 2015. This study will test the hypothesis that the use of cognitive frameworks in second language acquisition for the development of a blended learning of programming languages can improve engagement and the learning experience of engineering students. Using this approach will place greater emphasis on problem solving techniques that can be utilized in all courses. The online module consists of a series of short videos (10-20 minutes), online quizzes with tiered questions, and topic specified discussion board led by student researchers. Students’ demographic data, course-related behaviors such …

27-10-15 Wigan Ieee Smart Cities Guadalajara Education Workshop Presentatation, Marcus R. Wigan

Marcus R Wigan

Lessons Learned From A Simulation Project In Construction Education, Saeed Rokooei, James Goedert

Saeed Rokooei

Visual Error Augmentation For Enhancing Motor Learning And Rehabilitative Relearning, Yejun Wei, Preeti Bajaj, Robert A. Scheidt, James L. Patton

Robert Scheidt

We developed a real-time controller for a 2 degree-of-freedom robotic system using xPC Target. This system was used to investigate how different methods of performance error feedback can lead to faster and more complete motor learning in individuals asked to compensate for a novel visuo-motor transformation (a 30 degree rotation). Four groups of normal human subjects were asked to reach with their unseen arm to visual targets surrounding a central starting location. A cursor tracking hand motion was provided during each reach. For one group of subjects, deviations from the "ideal" compensatory hand movement (i.e. trajectory errors) were amplified with …

Integrating Games To Teach A First Programming Course, Soumia Ichoua

Soumia Ichoua

In the past few years, there has been an increased interest in game-based learning as a powerful tool to stimulate students’ interest and promote their engagement in the learning process. In this paper, we discuss our experience in integrating gaming to teach a first programming course. The course is restructured and redesigned to allow teaching the basics of programming through games. Students actively use fundamental programming concepts learned to modify and create two dimension games using C# and XNA with .Net framework. This is an on-going work. Surveys and worksheets are developed to be used in assessing the effectiveness of …

Using Simulated Virtual Interactivity In Construction Education, Saeed Rokooei, James Goedert

Saeed Rokooei

Flipped Technological Training And Development Using Quality Systems Management In The Public Services Field, Dustin Bessette, Sharon Burton, Maurice Dawson

Maurice Dawson

Training and development is ideal for businesses process improvements in many public service fields. Education, development, and training tools are not new concepts, but are ideal, crucial, and responsive in the central utilization of employee training systems for public service fields. The need for public workforce has increased and demanded accelerated technological training and development process that have positive value and achievable gains. One method to surge this problem is to flip the technological training and development tools that have been issued and over used in the past. These tools not only hold back vicious potential from employees, but employees …

Apparatus For Studying Wave Motion And Sound At The University Of Nebraska– Lincoln's “Historical Scientific Instrument Gallery”, Lily M. Wang, M. Eugene Rudd

Lily M Wang

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's “Historical Scientific Instrument Gallery,'' compiled by the second author in 1998, contains approximately 700 inventoried items and may be visited on-line at http://physics.unl.edu/outreach/histinstr/. Amidst the collection are several acoustical instruments that were used in the early 1900s. These include equipment that demonstrate wave motion (traveling wave machine, mercury ripple dish, vibration microscope), wave interference (interference machine), resonance conditions (Helmholtz resonators, vibrating rods, singing flames, sonometer), and sound generation (Galton's whistles, high-frequency tuning forks, large tuning forks, organ pipes, siren saw). A review of the equipment and the history of their use at the University of Nebraska …

San Marcos University, Lima, Peru, Fathi Habashi

Fathi Habashi

Open Source Software To Enhance The Stem Learning Environment, Maurice E. Dawson Jr., Imad Al Saeed, Jorja Wright, Festus Onyegbula

Maurice Dawson

This chapter examines the use of Open Source Software (OSS) technologies that can be used to improve the learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Explored are the various methods that can be utilized to improve the percentage of STEM majors in the American educational system with resources such as: Open Source as Alternative (OSALT), virtualization, cloud computing, Linux distributions, open source programming, and open source hardware platforms. Increasing the amount of students that pursue STEM majors is important because the projected job growth in the STEM field compared to non-STEM jobs is 33%. OSALT provides cost-effective alternatives to …

Educating The Next Generation Of Cyberforensic Professionals, Mark Pollitt, Philip Craiger

J. Philip Craiger, Ph.D.

A Proposed Learner-Centered Mechatronics Engineering Instructional Program, Patrick N. Currier, Richard Goff, Janis Terpenny

Patrick N. Currier

This paper examines the need and requirements for a mechatronics degree program. The results of a survey of the few existing programs in this field are provided. Then, using a case study example for Virginia Tech, a proposed mechatronics curriculum based on a learner-centered paradigm is described. The curriculum combines existing courses in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering with new, hands-on courses to provide students with a chance to practice and explore the subject matter in ways consistent with the demands of both industry and accreditation. This program, if implemented, could provide a university with a unique offering to attract …

National Infrastructure Protection Priorities For Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (Emp) And Solar Storm Geomagnetic Disturbance Catastrophes, George H. Baker Iii

George H Baker

The Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack has provided a compelling case for protecting civilian infrastructure against the effects of EMP and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) caused by severe solar storms. Similar to protecting critical infrastructure against any hazard, it will be important to take a risk-based priority approach for these two electromagnetic threats, recognizing that it will be fiscally impracticable to protect everything. In this regard, EMP and GMD are particularly challenging in that they interfere with electrical and electronic data, control, transmission, and communication systems organic to nearly all critical infrastructures, simultaneously, …

Protecting The Electric Power Grid From Electromagnetic Pulse: Legal And Policy Aspects, George H. Baker Iii, William R. Harris, Thomas S. Popik

George H Baker

Since the release of the 2004 and 2008 reports of the congressionally-authorized Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack (“EMP Commission”), there has been a growing societal realization that civilian infrastructure is vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats. And among the DHS list of critical infrastructure sectors, the electric power grid is both the most vulnerable, because EMP couples most efficiently to long power lines, and the most critical, because the grid is the keystone infrastructure upon which all other infrastructures depend. Simply put, grid failure is an existential threat to national governance and …

Transferring Advanced Physics Research Tools To Education: How To Teach Simulation Tools Used In Radiation Physics Research To University Students, Susanna Guatelli, Catherine Anne Layton, Dean L. Cutajar, Anatoly B. Rosenfeld

Susanna Guatelli

At the Centre of Medical Radiation Physics (CMRP), School of Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, at the University of Wollongong (UOW), we are implementing a hands-on computing laboratory, commencing in autumn 2010, to teach scientific computing methods and modern, advanced research tools for radiation physics to postgraduate and undergraduate students. Engaging undergraduates and postgraduates together in work with a tool widely used in research laboratories is a unique development, and represents the articulation of the University’s commitment to the enhancement of the teaching/research nexus, and to the development of learning communities. The object of the laboratory is to teach students …

Practical Guide To Write A Phd Thesis, Nader Ale Ebrahim

Nader Ale Ebrahim

This presentation is a practical guide on how to write a PhD thesis based on personal experiences and existing literature . It is aimed at all PhD students. A thesis writing may be falling into six rules: Identifying the research problem Start thesis writing from a day after registration Writing a Thesis Plan Ask your supervisors: What are their expectations? and maintain regular contact with your supervisors directly/indirectly Expand networking Continuously write/revise and Publish Besides of the six rules, the thesis structure, logical coherence and style are also important. This presentation lead how to consider reader’s expectations during the writing …

Transferring Advanced Physics Research Tools To Education: How To Teach Simulation Tools Used In Radiation Physics Research To University Students, Susanna Guatelli, Catherine Anne Layton, Dean L. Cutajar, Anatoly B. Rosenfeld

Anatoly Rozenfeld

At the Centre of Medical Radiation Physics (CMRP), School of Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, at the University of Wollongong (UOW), we are implementing a hands-on computing laboratory, commencing in autumn 2010, to teach scientific computing methods and modern, advanced research tools for radiation physics to postgraduate and undergraduate students. Engaging undergraduates and postgraduates together in work with a tool widely used in research laboratories is a unique development, and represents the articulation of the University’s commitment to the enhancement of the teaching/research nexus, and to the development of learning communities. The object of the laboratory is to teach students …

Educating Cyber-Ready Professionals: Securing Cyber-Space And Building Resiliency, Debra Larson, Ignatios Vakalis, Beth Brenner

Debra Larson

California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) aspires to become the leading supplier of cyber-ready professionals through a comprehensive and collaborative program that spans our polytechnic university and partners with public and private organizations. Our goal is to educate:

• Thousands of Cal Poly students in a basic level of cyber-security awareness (readiness) as part of their educational requirements – Cal Poly graduates will then carry this readiness forward as they become the next generation of industry and agency professionals.

• Hundreds of students in engineering, science, and business, can study cyber technologies and systems (experts) …

Emp And Geomagnetic Storm Protection Of Critical Infrastructure, George H. Baker Iii

George H Baker

EMP and solar storm wide geographic coverage and ubiquitous system effects beg the question of “Where to begin?” with protection efforts. Thus, in addressing these “wide area electromagnetic (EM) effects,” we must be clever in deciding where to invest limited resources. Based on simple risk analysis, the electric power and communication infrastructures emerge as the highest priority for EM protection. Programs focused on these highest risk infrastructures will go a long way in lessoning societal impact. Given the national scope of the effects, such programs must be coordinated at the national level but implemented at local level. Because wide-area EM …

Globalization Of Engineering Education Via A Virtual University, Devi P. Saini

Devi Saini

Fierce international competition in engineering services including engineering education has resulted in a number of attempts for globalization of education delivery. Establishment of virtual universities where infrastructure costs are significantly low, have been envisaged as one strategic way of succeeding in educational markets of developing countries. Quite often the perception is that the virtual university is a freeway via which any student in any country can be enrolled and educated. However, the scenario is not that simple. The success of a global virtual university depends on a number of factors including cultural aspects of various societies, government regulations, division of …

Risk-Based Critical Infrastructure Priorities For Emp And Solar Storms, George H. Baker Iii

George H Baker

Two electromagnetic phenomena have the potential to create continental-scale disasters. The first, nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP), results from a nuclear detonation high above the tropopause. The second, a major solar storm, or "solar tsunami" occurs naturally when an intense wave of charged particles from the sun perturbs the earth's magnetic field. Both phenomena can debilitate electrical and electronic systems necessary for the operation of infrastructure systems and services. One reason why a U.S. protection program has yet to be initiated is that policy makers continue to wrestle with the question of where to begin, given the Department of Homeland Security’s …

Collaboration Tools For Education - "Learn And Teach Online”, Nader Ale Ebrahim

Nader Ale Ebrahim

No abstract provided.

Emp: A Brief Tutorial, George H. Baker Iii

George H Baker

A nuclear detonation at altitudes from about 30 to 500 kilometers generates a strong electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that propagates to points on the ground within the line-of-sight of the burst. For bursts above 100 kilometers, electronics can be affected over continental scale areas. The EMP induces large voltages and currents in antennas and cables of electronic systems that will upset operation or damage circuit components if protection measures are not present. The article provides a brief tutorial on EMP environments, effects and protection.

High Power Electromagnetic Weapons: A Brief Tutorial, George H. Baker Iii

George H Baker

High power electromagnetic weapons, also referred to as high power radiofrequency (HPRF) weapons, are a type of directed energy weapons. The system effects of high power electromagnetic environments are well recognized by world scientific and military communities. Former CIA Director John Deutch has said that, "the electron is the ultimate precision-guided weapon." In the course of the investigation ofnuclear EMP effects on electronics during the Cold War period, it became evident that garden variety, unprotected electronics would malfunction, in some cases burn out, in the presence of electromagnetic fields in the hundreds to thousands of volts per meter. The EMP …

Virtual R&D Teams: A Potential Growth Of Education-Industry Collaboration, Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Zahari Taha

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Introduction: With the advent of the global economy and high-speed Internet, online collaboration is fast becoming the norm in education and industry [1]. Information technology (IT) creates many new inter-relationships among businesses, expands the scope of industries in which a company must compete to achieve the competitive advantage. Information systems and technology allow companies to coordinate their activities in distant geographic locations [2]. IT is providing the infrastructure necessary to support the development of new collaboration forms among industry and education. Virtual research and development (R&D) teams represent one such relational form, one that could revolutionize the workplace and provide …

Virtual R&D Teams: A Potential Growth Of Education-Industry Collaboration, Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid, Zahari Taha

Nader Ale Ebrahim

In this paper, we present our more than two years research experiences on virtual R&D teams in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and draws conclusions, giving special attention to the structure of virtual teams required to support education-industry collaboration. We report the relevant results of an online survey study. The online questionnaire was emailed by using a simple random sampling method to 947 manufacturing SMEs. The findings of this study show that SMEs in Malaysia and Iran are willing to use virtual teams for collaboration and the platform for industry-education collaboration is ready and distance between team members or differences …