The ability to use tables to determine properties of pure substances has been regarded as an essential component of knowledge of thermodynamics in both introductory and advanced courses. This ability was essential when there was no other reasonably convenient method to represent the complicated functional behavior of these properties. However, with the advent in the last decade of user-friendly computer programs such as Engineering Equation Solver (EES) 1 , it is no longer necessary for students to master the skills of table look-ups in order to develop a good understanding of property behavior in thermodynamic applications. EES has thermophysical property functions built into a powerful equation solver program which allows students to consider a wider variety of problems and applications than would be feasible with table look-ups alone. This paper discusses the pedagogical pros and cons of emphasizing the use of tables in introductory thermodynamics courses and the possibilities for minimizing or eliminating the tedium of using tables. The experience of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in trying different approaches indicates that a "no tables" introductory course has the potential for increasing student understanding of basic principles and giving them a better appreciation for applications to practical engineering systems. Eliminating tables also helps combat the student perception that thermodynamics is an archaic science which is not amenable to the use of computer-based analytical tools.
The Mechanical Engineering Section at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy has developed a comprehensive activity based course to introduce second year students to mechanical engineering design. The culminating design activity for the course requires students to design, construct and test robotic devices to solve an engineering challenge. Teams of students are provided with a standard kit of parts consisting of metal hardware and fasteners, motors, connecting wires and a programmable remote control system. The teams use these materials to design and construct robotic devices that accomplish a simulated maritime mission. The kit of parts is reusable each year and requires little machine-shop work to create machines, thereby making this project ideal for repeated use. The experience is modeled on the capstone design activity and contains many attributes of the final design experience. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has been the only program using this commercially available kit of parts and has worked with the vendors to improve the system as a tool for engineering design education.
Several schools have recognized the value of build-to-spec construction projects to familiarize students with manufacturing methods and computer-aided-design applications. At the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we have introduced a project in which students in a sophomore level design course produce CAD drawings and then build a small air engine shown in Figure 1 below. The project requires students to use a variety of manufacturing tools including a lathe, milling machine, drill press, grinder, and various hand and woodworking tools. Students with no prior manufacturing experience can develop reasonable proficiency and familiarity with manufacturing processes. The students having prior experience with these processes find the project outcomes attractive enough to hold their interest. Before building the engine, students produce CAD drawings of all of the individual parts and assemble them into an animated solid model. Thus, this project provides a vehicle for students to learn how to use CAD software.
Each summer, minority students from across the country receive scholarships to attend a week long introduction to engineering program at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. During the week, these talented high school seniors participate in a variety of engineering design projects including boat building, bridge building, and robot design/construction. The robotics construction project, originally designed by Dr. Joseph Johnson (of Delphi Interior Lighting in Pontiac, Michigan) has been used as a tool to motivate students to consider engineering as a career option. This paper discusses the rationale behind using engineering games as a motivation tool for students and details the experience of using the game concept for this group of minority students. In brief, the high school students responded to the challenge of the project, experienced the design process first hand, and favored the competition as an activity to introduce the engineering profession.
An undergraduate gas turbine laboratory facility was designed and installed by four senior Mechanical Engineering students for their capstone design project at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy. The seniors instrumented a 65 horsepower gas turbine auxiliary power unit from an HH-3F Pelican helicopter and installed it in the existing engine laboratory. The objective of this project was to provide an opportunity for engineering students to better understand thermodynamic principles of gas turbine operation through hands-on experimentation. The laboratory facility was designed to allow students to determine the performance characteristics of the T-62-16B gas turbine and relate them to a Brayton cycle model. This paper details the installation and instrumentation of the gas turbine, the design of the data acquisition system, the results obtained with initial system tests, and future experimental plans.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.