Air Engine As A Manufacturing Project In An Introductory Design Course

Abstract

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.