Engineering Commons^™

Motivation While Designing In Engineering And Technology Education Impacted By Academic Preparation, Nathan Mentzer, Kurt Becker

Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine if high school students’ academic preparation was correlated with change in motivation during an engineering design challenge. The research was conducted in a high school classroom in which elements of engineering design were taught in a technology education context to eleventh-grade student from diverse academic backgrounds (measured by grade point average [GPA]). Participant motivation was assessed by the California Measure of Mental Motivation (CM3). The CM3 measures student motivation to apply critical thinking skills and reasoning to solve problems in five subscales: mental focus, learning orientation, creative problem solving, cognitive integrity, and …

Singular Superposition/Boundary Element Method For Reconstruction Of Multi-Dimensional Heat Flux Distributions With Application To Film Cooling Holes, Mahmood Silieti, Eduardo Divo, Alain J. Kassab

Publications

A hybrid singularity superposition/boundary element-based inverse problem method for the reconstruction of multi-dimensional heat flux distributions is developed. Cauchy conditions are imposed at exposed surfaces that are readily reached for measurements while convective boundary conditions are unknown at surfaces that are not amenable to measurements such as the walls of the cooling holes. The purpose of the inverse analysis is to determine the heat flux distribution along cooling hole surfaces. This is accomplished in an iterative process by distributing a set of singularities (sinks) inside the physical boundaries of the cooling hole (usually along cooling hole centerline) with a given …

Analyzing The Impact Of A Virtual Machine On A Host Machine, Greg Dorn, Chris Marberry, Scott Conrad, Philip Craiger

Publications

As virtualization becomes more prevalent in the enterprise and in personal computing, there is a great need to understand the technology as well as its ramifications for recovering digital evidence. This paper focuses on trace evidence related to the installation and execution of virtual machines (VMs) on a host machine. It provides useful information regarding the types and locations of files installed by VM applications, the processes created by running VMs and the structure and identity of VMs, ancillary files and associated artifacts.

Invited Article: Data Analysis Of The Floating Potential Measurement Unit Aboard The International Space Station, Aroh Barjatya, Charles M. Swenson, Donald C. Thompson, Kenneth H. Wright

Publications

We present data from the Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU) that is deployed on the starboard truss of the International Space Station. The FPMU is a suite of instruments capable of redundant measurements of various plasma parameters. The instrument suite consists of a floating potential probe, a wide-sweeping spherical Langmuir probe, a narrow-sweeping cylindrical Langmuir probe, and a plasma impedance probe. This paper gives a brief overview of the instrumentation and the received data quality, and then presents the algorithm used to reduce I-V curves to plasma parameters. Several hours of data are presented from August 5, 2006 and March …

Hydraulic Actuated Automotive Cooling Systems - Nonlinear Control And Test, John Wagner, M H. Salah, P M. Frick, D M. Dawson

Publications

The replacement of traditional automotive mechanical cooling system components with computer controlled servo-motor driven actuators can improve temperature tracking and reduce parasitic losses. The integration of hydraulic actuators in the engine cooling circuit offers greater power density in a smaller package space when compared with electric actuators. In this paper, a comprehensive nonlinear backstepping robust control technique is developed to regulate the engine coolant temperature by controlling a hydraulic coolant pump and radiator fan. An experimental test bench has been assembled to investigate the hydraulic automotive thermal system performance. Representative numerical and experimental results are presented and discussed. Overall, the …

A Three-Dimensional Pattern-Space Representation For Volumetric Arrays, William C. Barott, Paul G. Steffes

Publications

A three-dimensional pattern-space representation is presented for volumetric arrays. In this representation, the radiation pattern of an array is formed by the evaluation of the three-dimensional pattern-space on a spherical surface. The scan angle of the array determines the position of this surface within the pattern-space. This pattern-space representation is used in conjunction with a genetic algorithm to minimize the sidelobe levels exhibited by a thinned volumetric array during scanning.

Book Review: Tourists In Space: A Practical Guide, T. D. Oswalt

Publications

This document is Dr. Oswalt’s review of Tourists in Space : a Practical Guide by Erik Seedhouse. Springer/Praxis, 2008 314p, 9780387746432 $34.95

The Status Of Women Faculty In Four-Year Aviation Higher Education Programs, David C. Ison

Publications

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the status of women's participation in full-time, non-engineering aviation baccalaureate programs in the United States. In addition, the involvement of women in academic aviation leadership positions (such as chair, dean, or director) was evaluated. Of 353 full-time aviation faculty members employed at 60 different aviation programs meeting the study's criteria, 36 (10.1 %) were female. Eighty faculty were identified in academic leadership positions, and of these faculty leaders, 8 (10%) were women. These participation rates were found to be slightly higher than those found among the pilot population and in the aviation …

Hypoelastic Modeling Of Reinforced Concrete Walls, Mohsen A. Shayanfar, Amir Safiey

Publications

This paper presents a new hypoelasticity model which was implemented in a nonlinear finite element formulation to analyze reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The model includes a new hypoelasticity constitutive relationship utilizing the rotation of material axis through successive iterations. The model can account for high nonlinearity of the stress-strain behavior of the concrete in the pre-peak regime, the softening behavior of the concrete in the post-peak regime and the irrecoverable volume dilatation at high levels of compressive load. This research introduces the modified version of the common application orthotropic stress-strain relation developed by Darwin and Pecknold. It is endeavored not …

A New Approach For Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis Of Reinforced Concrete Structures With Corroded Reinforcements, Mohsen A. Shayanfar, Amir Safiey

Publications

A new approach for nonlinear finite element analysis of corroded reinforcements in reinforced concrete (RC) structures is elaborated in the article. An algorithmic procedure for producing the tension-stiffening curve of

RC elements taking into consideration most of effective parameters, e.g.: the rate of steel bar corrosion, bond-slip behavior, concrete cover and amount of reinforcement, is illustrated. This has been established on both experimental and analytical bases. This algorithm is implemented into a nonlinear finite element analysis program. The abilities of the resulted program have been studied by modeling some experimental specimens showing a reasonable agreement between the analytical and experimental …

Development Of Calcium Sulfate – Ggbs – Portland Cement Binders, Brian O'Rourke, Ciaran Mcnally, Mark G. Richardson

Publications

Binders manufactured using a blend of gypsum, ground granulated blast furnace slag and Portland cements are technically viable and possess considerable environmental and economic advantages when compared to binders manufactured using Portland cement alone. As such, the evaluation of binders made from these materials offers a promising research focus in the quest to produce technically sound, environmental and economical binders for specialist uses as an alternative to traditional concrete binders of higher carbon footprint. The aim of the test programme was to investigate the viability of a series of binders designed to fulfil particular user needs while having significantly decreased …

Open-Loop Velocity Planning To Mitigate The Stiction Effect In Pushing Positioning, Laine Mears, Thomas Kurfess

Publications

No abstract provided.

Resources: Staying In Touch - Gone Global, Todd R. Kelley

Publications

The article highlights two classroom activities that help classrooms communicate globally using communication technologies. They include the pen-pal/classroom exchange program and the online exchange program using web cams and videoconferencing. Moreover, it discusses how the cited communication technologies enhance learning as well as the challenges inherent in using them in a classroom setting.

Join The Mission, Design A Patch, Nathan Mentzer, Fay Mentzer, Krista Jones

Publications

The article presents a classroom activity designed for third grade and up that requires students to design their own mission patch. The activity references the patches developed and designed by the U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration. Moreover, the article discusses the design of the activity, the available resources, the evaluation process and interdisciplinary connections.

Design Activity: Students Designing Their Own Video Games, Steve Shumway

Publications

The article presents a school activity helping students to design their own computer video games. In the past, advanced programming using Java or C++ was used to design video games. At present, there are many free, easy-to-use software programs available to help elementary-age children create their own video games. The article suggests that teachers download a free version of this software and begin the tutorial.

Cognitive Processes Of Students Participating In Engineering-Focused Design Instruction, Todd R. Kelley

Publications

Since the publication of the Standards for Technological Literacy in 2000 (ITEA), there have been a number of new programs developed that are designed to teach pre-engineering. Project Lead the Way is one such program. Project Lead the Way boasts serving over 1250 schools in 44 states and teaching over 160,000 students (McVearry, 2003). Efforts are also being made to infuse engineering design into technology education programs. One example of this is the work of the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) partnering with high school technology educators in summer inservice workshops to help teachers develop activities and …

Nonlinear Control Strategy For Advanced Vehicle Thermal Management Systmes, John Wagner, M H. Salah, T H. Mitchell, D M. Dawson

Publications

Advanced thermal management systems for internal combustion engines can improve coolant temperature regulation and servomotor power consumption by better regulating the combustion process with multiple computer controlled electromechanical components. The traditional thermostat valve, coolant pump, and clutch-driven radiator fan are upgraded with servomotor actuators. When the system components function harmoniously, desired thermal conditions can be accomplished in a power efficient manner. In this paper, a comprehensive nonlinear control architecture is proposed for transient temperature tracking. An experimental system has been fabricated and assembled which features a variable position smart valve, variable speed electric water pump, variable speed electric radiator fan, …

Analogical Reasoning In The Engineering Design Process And Technology Education Applications, Jenny Daugherty, Nathan Mentzer

Publications

This synthesis paper discusses the research exploring analogical reasoning, the role of analogies in the engineering design process, and educational applications for analogical reasoning. Researchers have discovered that analogical reasoning is often a fundamental cognitive tool in design problem solving. Regarding the possible role of analogical reasoning in the context of technology education; analogies may be a useful tool to develop student’s design skills, teach abstract or complex concepts, and build students’ analogical reasoning skills for general problem solving. The positive and negative educational implications of analogical reasoning being explored by researchers are also discussed.

Resources: Handheld Computing Devices, Cameron Denson

Publications

The article features a valuable resource to aid teachers in their effort to satisfy the need to implement modern instructional technology and their students' need to access green technology. It states that handheld computing devices are currently being widely used in many classrooms and technology savvy educators can manifest to the benefits of these data-collection systems. It believes that handheld units can offer students with an all-inclusive technological device that caters to all learners.

Engineering Student Outcomes For Grades 9 - 12, Vincent W. Childress, Craig Rhodes

Publications

The article focuses on a study by Dearing and Daughtry about postsecondary engineering education. The study used a modified Delphi technique that they conducted with technology teachers, technology teacher educators, and engineering educators to identify engineering outcomes for high school pre-engineering students. The purpose of the study was to identify those concepts that are necessary to teach high school students in order to prepare them for postsecondary engineering education, while preserving the mission of teaching technological literacy.

Quality And Characteristics Of Recent Research In Technology Education, Scott D. Johnson, Jenny Daugherty

Publications

The focus of research in technology education has evolved throughout its history as the field changed from industrial arts to technology education (Spencer & Rogers, 2006). With the move to technology education, the field has begun to broaden its focus to better understand the teaching, learning, curriculum, and policy implications of preparing the next generation of technological thinkers. Although a complete “paradigm shift” may not have occurred completely within all technology-oriented programs (Sanders, 2001), the current emphasis on engineering within technology education indicates a need to examine and assess the status of technology education research over the past ten years …

Resources: E-Book Readers, Daniel Brenner, Todd R. Kelley

Publications

The article provides information on the resources of electronic book (e-book) reader. It cites that an e-book reader is a device where people can download, store, and read printed materials. However, e-book readers are not applicable in educational setting because textbooks are not yet available for download. There are funding programs for e-books readers in schools emerged like Target Early Childhood Reading Grants, HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative, and EDS Technology Grant Program.

Resources: Getting There - Space, Todd R. Kelley

Publications

The article presents a school activity about transportation concepts using the DVD "Black Sky: The Race for Space & Winning the X-Prize." The article describes the video as a good resource to explore novel ideas in space travel with students. It suggests that the video inspires students to learn more about space transportation and the science and technology of modern rocketry.

Transportation Security Framework For A Medium-Sized City, Ryan Fries, Mashrur Chowdhury, Anne Dunning

Publications

Terrorist attacks have made security preparedness unquestionably necessary in all cities. While major metropolitan areas have long recognized that their global visibility has required strong security operations, many medium-sized cities, specifically those of the U.S. and European Union, now face the need to establish transportation security frameworks for the first time. This paper assesses the resources available to help medium-sized cities begin the task of creating such systems. This assessment presents infrastructure risk assessment tools, identifies infrastructure and funding resources, and creates a process for developing a security framework to connect agencies responsible for transportation security in these metropolitan areas. …

Ergonomic Analysis Of A Hair Salon, Joseph Keebler, David Schuster, Scott Ososky

Publications

Cosmetology involves a number of diverse tasks that have been implicated in cumulative trauma disorders and in other workplace injuries. This case study presents an analysis of injury risk and prevalence in a salon. Individual, occupational, and organizational factors are considered, and potential areas where risk can be reduced are presented.

A Process Plan For Consensus Building In The Evaluation Of Nsgc & Epscor Native American Outreach Program, Jocelyn S. Nickerson, Brent D. Bowen, Henry R. Lehrer

Publications

The NASA Nebraska Space Grant (NSGC) & EPSCoR Programs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha have embarked on a unique educational journey known as the Nebraska Native American Outreach program (NNAOP). The NNAOP’s main objective is to encourage and motivate Native American students to be more competitive in mathematics and science. This program has allowed for a variety of educational and public outreach activities to take place. However, in order to continually provide effective support to Nebraska’s Native American community, NSGC & EPSCoR sought an evaluation technique for the NNAOP. To execute such an evaluation, NSGC organized the first …

Classification And Analysis Of Errors Reported In Aircraft Maintenance Manuals, Bonnie Lida Rogers, Christopher J. Hamblin, Alex Chaparro

Publications

Previous research has identified maintenance information as one of the primary causal factors of maintenance error. Incorrect maintenance information has also been cited as a contributing factor in a number of recent aircraft mishaps. To date no one has studied the types of errors found in aircraft maintenance manuals published by manufacturers. The purpose of this research is to analyze Publication Change Requests (PCRs) to document the most frequently reported types of errors found in aircraft maintenance manual, to identify how errors vary across Air Transport Association (ATA) chapters, and identify the corrective actions required to address the cited problem. …

Quality And Inspection Of Machining Operations: Review Of Condition Monitoring And Cmm Inspection Techniques 2000 To Present, John T. Roth, Laine Mears, Dragan Djurdjanovic, Xiaping Yang, Thomas Kurfess

Publications

In order to consistently produce quality parts, many aspects of the manufacturing process must be carefully monitored, controlled, and measured. The methods and techniques by which to accomplish these tasks has been the focus of numerous studies in recent years. With the rapid advances in computing technology, the complexity and overhead that can be feasibly incorporated in any developed technique has dramatically improved. Thus, techniques that would have been impractical for implementation just a few years ago can now be realistically applied.

This rapid growth has resulted in a wealth of new capabilities for improving part and process quality and …

Corrosion Effects On Tension Stiffening Behavior Of Reinforced Concrete, M. A. Shayanfar, M. Ghalehnovi, Amir Safiey

Publications

The investigation of corrosion effects on the tensile behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) members is very important in region prone to high corrosion conditions. In this article, an experimental study concerning corrosion effects on tensile behavior of RC members is presented. For this purpose, a comprehensive experimental program including 58 cylindrical reinforced concrete specimens under various levels of corrosion is conducted. Some of the specimens (44) are located in large tub containing water and salt (5% salt solution); an electrical supplier has been utilized for the accelerated corrosion program. Afterwards, the tensile behavior of the specimens was studied by means …

Space Suit Concepts And Vehicle Interfaces For The Constellation Program, D. M. Klaus, J. Metts, R. Kobrick, M. Mesloh, T. Monk, Et Al.

Publications

In carrying out NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration, a number of different environments will be encountered that will require the crew to wear a protective space suit. Specifically, four suited mission phases are identified as Launch, Entry & Abort profiles, Contingency 0g (orbital) Extravehicular Activity (EVA), Lunar Surface EVA and Martian Surface EVA. This study presents conceptual design solutions based on a previous architecture assessment that defined space suit operational requirements for four proposed space suit configuration options. In addition, a subset of vehicle interface requirements are defined for enabling umbilical and physical connections between the suits and the various …