Design of a Cross-curricular Circuits Laboratory Experiment

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop a laboratory module which introduces a mechanical engineering concept into an existing circuits laboratory module for a course taken by both mechanical and electrical students. This module was developed so mechanical engineering students would have a familiar concept they could relate to while conducting the circuits lab, making the lab more engaging for mechanical engineering students. For this module a Wheatstone bridge was paired with a strain gage to illustrate the mechanical concept of strain. To allow students to visualize this strain, the Wheatstone bridge was connected to an oscilloscope so that the change in voltage could be viewed and measured when the strain gage is deflected. This module allowed mechanical and electrical engineering students to learn concepts simultaneously from two very distinct fields of study. A student survey was developed and measured high student engagement in the topic of both circuits and Wheatstone bridge systems.