bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Harmonics and Symmetrical Components
Authors: Atkinson-Hope G.
Published: February 2013

New terminology is introduced to make clear the relationship between harmonics and symmetrical components. Three-phase sets are classified in terms of symmetrical sets and asymmetrical sets. Subclasses are introduced with the names symmetrical balanced sets, symmetrical unbalanced sets, asymmetrical balanced sets and asymmetrical unbalanced sets to show that a three-phase set can resolve to either one, two or three symmetrical component sets. The results from four case studies show that these subclasses and their resolution to symmetrical component sets improve understanding of harmonic analysis of systems having balanced and unbalanced harmonic sources and loads.
Conceptualising Educational Approaches in Introductory Robotics
Authors: Verner Igor M. , Ahlgren David J.
Published: February 2013

This paper considers ‘Introduction to Engineering Design–Mobile Robotics,’ a first year course in the undergraduate engineering programme at Trinity College. A highlight of the course is a team-based semester-long project in which students design and build fire-fighting robots and participate in the international robot competition. Course contents, hands-on learning experiences, and assessment methods are described. Course assessment and evaluation showed that it exposed first-year students to practical and philosophical dimensions of engineering design, successfully addressed many basic ABET outcomes, and elicited a positive student reaction.
Visualising Complex Engineering Concepts Using Modern Imaging Techniques
Authors: Casey A. J.
Published: February 2013

A number of concepts in engineering are difficult to illustrate using conventional teaching aids, for example, thermal conduction and convection in mechanical, electrical or even computer systems. Of special interest is the design and placement of heat sinks on electronic circuit boards. This paper describes a project in which a thermal imaging camera is used to enhance high-precision engineering education.
Staff and Student Perceptions of the Teaching—Learning Environment: A Case Study
Authors: Nisbet J. B. , Entwistle N. J. , McQuillin B. , Robinson I. M.
Published: February 2013

This case study forms part of a large-scale project on Enhancing Teaching-Learning Environments in Undergraduate Courses ( http://www.ed.ac.uk/etl ). It is based on questionnaires and interviews with students and staff in a post-1992 university, on a final-year module in analogue electronics. Both staff and students highlight the importance of coherence, continuity and connectedness in teaching and learning over the course of the degree.
Quality Assessment of BSc Engineering Honours Projects at Glasgow Caledonian University
Authors: Stewart Brian G. , Nesbitt Alan
Published: February 2013

This paper discusses the quality assessment of final-year BSc Engineering Honours projects within the School of Engineering, Science and Design at Glasgow Caledonian University. The issues of objectives and outcomes, assessment instruments and tools, marking criteria, methods of good practice, honours classifications, awarding creativity and innovation, and addressing plagiarism are all discussed.
Telematics Education I: Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Postgraduate Level
Authors: Vaezi-Nejad S. M. , Cullinan M. , Bishop P.
Published: February 2013

In the context of recent developments in the Department of Computing, Communications Technology and Mathematics at London Metropolitan University, telematics describes the discipline resulting from the coming together of computing, communications technology, electronics, multimedia and information technology. The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to outline the research and development projects undertaken by the Telematics Research Group. Secondly, to describe our new MSc programme with its dual pathways of digital communication networks and data communications and industrial applications. Thirdly, to discuss the group's approach to teaching, learning and assessing our postgraduate students who are studying telematics-related subjects.
Telematics Education II: Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Foundation Level
Authors: Vaezi-Nejad S. M. , Olabiran Y.
Published: February 2013

The newly formed Telematics Research Group in the School of Computing, Comunications Technology and Mathematics (CCTM) at London Metropolitan University is involved with delivering a number of modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level leading to BSc, BEng and MSc degrees in Electronics, Computer Networks & Communications. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to describe our successful Higher Introductory Technology and Engineering Conversion Course (HITECC), also known as the Foundation Year of the BSc (Sciences) Extended Degree programme and secondly, to outline our approach in teaching, learning and assessing telematics-related subjects at the HITECC level by describing a few specific modules.
Teaching Genetic Algorithms in Electrical Engineering Education: A Problem-Based Learning Approach
Authors: Bütün Erhan
Published: February 2013

In this paper we discuss how to set up an electrical problem through a problem-based learning (PBL) constructivist approach. PBL is the learning which results from the process of working towards the understanding and the resolution of a problem. Our aim is to show that PBL can be used effectively in teaching electrical engineering. To put this process into effect, two groups were formed at the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering at Kocaeli University and the students were asked to sort out an ill-defined problem. In our paper, we explain how the groups conducted the study and arrived at the resolution of the problem through PBL.
Student-Driven Module: Promoting Independent Learning
Authors: Nortcliffe Anne
Published: February 2013

Programming courses can, by their nature, be very dry. One question this raises is: can a student-driven course provide an opportunity for a higher level of learning? This paper intends to present the results and analysis of such an innovative approach and the students' reactions to taking responsibility for a module in network programming.
Powerful Pedagogical Approaches for Finding Thevenin and Norton Equivalent Circuits for Linear Electric Circuits
Authors: Chatzarakis George E. , Cottis P. G. , Tortoreli Marina D. , Malatestas P. B. , Kolliopoulos N. J. , Livieratos Spiros N.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents two powerful pedagogical approaches for finding Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits for d.c. linear electric circuits. These approaches are based solely on mesh analysis (for planar circuits) and on nodal analysis (for planar or nonplanar circuits) and simultaneously provide all equivalent circuit parameters from one circuit.
State Space Analysis of a Ladder Network Representing a Transmission Line
Authors: Indulkar C. S.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the state space analysis of a ladder network representing a transmission line is used to determine the transient voltage and current distribution along the line following the impact of a step function of voltage at the input terminal.
Distributed Generator Placement to Maximize the Loadability of a Distribution System
Authors: Mithulananthan N. , Oo Than
Published: February 2013

Recently, there has been a great interest in the integration of distributed generation units at the distribution level. This requires new analytical tools for understanding system performance. This paper presents a simple methodology for placing a distributed generator with a view to increasing the loadability of the distribution system. The effectiveness of the proposed placement technique is demonstrated in a test distribution system that consists of 30 nodes and 32 segments. Other technical benefits of the distributed generator at that location and other locations are also studied and compared.
A Transient Stability Tool Combining the SIME Method with MATLAB and SIMULINK
Authors: Bhat S. , Glavic M. , Pavella M. , Bhatti T. S. , Kothari D. P.
Published: February 2013

This paper proposes an efficient educational tool for evaluating the transient stability of multi-machine electric power systems with possible future extensions to control (stabilisation). It uses the Single Machine Equivalent (SIME) transient stability method combined with SIMULINK to model transient stability phenomena, and the GUIDE (Graphical User Interface Design Environment) software of MATLAB. The resulting package validates the data and simulates the results by executing the SIMULINK model in the background in a user-transparent manner. It also provides the user with an extremely flexible tool, which enables him or her to enter, modify, and/or add on complexity to the existing model, thanks to the powerful hierarchical structure of SIMULINK. Considering the popularity and availability of MATLAB at the university level, this package should prove useful for pedagogical and research purposes, while at the same time having the look and feel of commercial packages.
Instrumentation and Measurement Course for Non-Electrical Engineering Students
Authors: El Kashlan Ahmed , El Kashlan Shady
Published: February 2013

The focus of the paper is on implementation of a core undergraduate course offered to nonelectrical engineering students. The course provides a foundation and an avenue for physical system modelling and applying a system approach to problem solving. It is a prerequisite course for the automatic control course offered in the seventh semester. The logical sequence of the course follows the flow of data from sensing element, transduction, signal conditioning and digital conversion. Several specially tailored experiments are designed to motivate students and inculcate professional attitudes. Based on students' questionnaires, they are more interested in laboratory work, and in using problem solving skills, than in theories and analysis.
The Exemplary Group Design Project?
Authors: Edward Norrie S.
Published: February 2013

Design activities have become a feature of most undergraduate engineering courses, but their use begs the question: What do we expect from our students? The approach taken here is that students must demonstrate effective project management coupled with realistic but imaginative engineering practice. Information should be sourced and used effectively with experimentation to justify the devised solution. This paper dissects the conduct of a design project which ranks high in the author's experience and includes analysis of the students' perceptions of the activity.
A Methodology for the Teaching of Dynamical Systems Using Analogous Electronic Circuits
Authors: Rocha Ronilson , Martins-Filho Luiz S. , MacHado Romuel F.
Published: February 2013

The behaviour of dynamical systems can be reproduced from analogous electronic circuits, which allows the study of many interesting phenomena associated with them using inexpensive and versatile electronic components easily found on the market. This paper proposes a methodology to develop didactic platforms for the study of dynamical systems based on analogous electronic circuits. Presented here are the design and implementation of three electronic circuits that mimic natural chaotic systems: the forced Duffing system, the Lorenz system and the Rössler system.
Finite Element Analysis in Unbounded Two-Dimensional Regions Using Schwarz-Christoffel Transformation
Authors: Chaudhry Maqsood A.
Published: February 2013

The finite element method is one of the most widely used methods available to educators to compute electric potential fields in two dimensional geometries that can be described by partial differential equations such as Laplace's equation. However, it can not easily be applied to unbounded regions. This paper describes a hybrid method that relies on conformal transformations, including the Schwarz-Christoffel (S-C) transformation (without having to compute the transformation functions) to map the original boundaries, including those at infinity, to a bounded region and only then applies the finite element method. Testing this approach by means of an example for which an exact solution is obtainable, the hybrid method is applied to determine the electrical potential at a specific point in the field of an integrated circuit (IC) microstrip line. The results are in agreement with analytically derived results and can be used in graduate research as well as by professional engineers.
The Double Diploma Project: A New Higher Education Concept in a United Europe
Authors: Smieja Tomasz , Rudion Krzysztof , Styczynski Zbigniew , Szafran Janusz
Published: February 2013

Due to today's highly competitive and unstable job market the educational process of young people is more important than ever. New possibilities to improve both qualifications and the level of education are needed. After the expansion of the European Union the process of exchange and studying abroad in EU countries has become much easier. This increased mobility of students has created a need to standardise the structure of higher education. Student exchange programmes, e.g. SOCRATES-ERASMUS, provide the possibility of studying for one or two semesters at a partner university abroad, after which the student returns to his/her mother university. However, under this type of exchange programme the student can neither write the diploma thesis at the partner university abroad nor receive his/her degree from this university. In 2002, a new concept in educational cooperation began between the Otto-von-Guericke University in Magdeburg, Germany, and the Wroclaw University of Technology — Poland, called the Double Diploma, which offers such possibilities. Prerequisites for participation are good grades during studies at the mother university (Wroclaw University of Technology) and knowledge of the German language. The qualified persons go to the partner university (Otto-von-Guericke University) and study there for two years. After passing all examinations and defending his or her thesis, the student receives a Masters diploma in Engineering from both partner universities.
Computer-Assisted Assembly Language Programming Laboratory
Authors: Rodríguez Santiago , Pedraza José L. , García Antonio , Rosales Francisco , Méndez Rafael
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a new approach for managing laboratory work mini-projects that is used in the Computer Architecture Department of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM). The approach is based on a chain of tools (a Delivery Agent; an Automatic Project Evaluator; and a Plagiarism Detection Assistant) that a small number of teachers can use to efficiently manage a course with a large number of students (400 each year). Students use this tool chain to complete the Assembly Language Programming laboratory assignments using an MC88110 simulator built in our department. Jointly, these tools have demonstrated over the last decade what important benefits can be gained from the exploitation of a global laboratory work management system. Some of the benefits may have a continuation in an area of growing importance that we have not yet explored, such as distance learning environments for technical subjects.
LC Sine-Wave Oscillators Using General-Purpose Voltage Operational-Amplifiers
Authors: Jakas M. M. , Llopis F.
Published: February 2013

It has been found that some textbooks on basic electronics show LC oscillators that may not work as assumed. According to the results in this paper, such a difficulty stems from the fact that LC oscillators are normally designed to work with transconductance- not with voltage-amplifiers. This problem, however, can be readily solved by connecting a resistor in series with the so-called frequency-determining network.
Development of a Fibre Optic Impulse Current Sensor for High Voltage Equipment Tests
Authors: Petričevié Slobodan , Stojković Zlatan , Mihailović Pedja , Radunović Jovan
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the procedure for design and testing of the Fibre Optic Impulse Current Sensor (FOICS) based on the Faraday effect. A laboratory prototype based on the Bi12GeO20 Faraday crystal is realised. Experimentally determined 8/20 μs standard impulse current waveforms for different magnitudes obtained by applying FOICS and a conventional shunt sensing system are discussed. The results indicate that FOICS is suitable for the accurate and safe masurement of impulse current. This paper can aid engineers and PhD students in learning the comprehensive application of an attractive fibre optic technique for measurements in high voltage power systems. During the past three academic years, the FOICS development project has received favourable comments from students.
An Electrical Model of the Heart
Authors: Norian K. H.
Published: February 2013

The paper uses electrical principles and the electrophysiology of the heart to develop an electrical model of the heart that is suitable for lectures on bioelectrical engineering. The model computes the electrocardiogram (ECG) that is in agreement with that from the normal heart.
The Field of a Rotating Cylindrical Magnet
Authors: Rajaraman K. C.
Published: February 2013

The source of each component of a magnetic field is always a material object. If it moves, it can be treated as carrying its field with it. Also, by applying Maxwell's equations to relevant situations, it is argued that the field of a rotating cylindrical magnet does rotate with the magnet.
Web-Enabled Laboratory on the Implementation of Industrial Controllers
Authors: Leva Alberto , Donida Filippo
Published: February 2013

A web-enabled simulation laboratory is presented. The users can experiment with various control structures and interact with the code, learning how control functions are implemented in industrial regulators and control structures. The laboratory is based on LabVIEW web server technology. It allows remote experiments, involving both simulated and physical control systems. All the experiments are accessible with a browser, and the code realising the experiments is available for download.
A New Teamwork-Based PBL Problem Design for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Education: A Systems Approach
Authors: Butun Erhan , Erkin H. Cenk , Altintas Levent
Published: February 2013

Engineers today are required both to have traditional technological skills and to be competent with a variety of soft skills such as team-working and the ability to present or sell their ideas. Changes in professional requirements impose demands on the teaching methods in universities. In this day of mass information, the ability to find and filter out the right information is a necessity in all walks of life. Success in professional life requires one to be able to work independently and as part of a team, always being ready to take the initiative, and to acquire new knowledge. Acquiring these professional skills requires good social skills and learning abilities, which employers emphasise. A good engineer is able to identify and define a problem and find a working solution. Our paper shows that the problem-based learning (PBL) approach is an effective method to cope with these changes and demands.
Audio-Band Software-Defined-Radio Approach to Communication System Design Course
Authors: Hwang Jeng-Kuang , Chiu Yu-Lun , Chung Rhi-Lung , Chen Chen-Yu , Chen Wei-Ming , Liao Chia-Shu
Published: February 2013

An innovative audio-band software-defined-radio (AB-SDR) approach is proposed for a design-oriented lab course on communication systems. By using a full-duplex sound card and Matlab software, the versatile AB-SDR platform facilitates the canonical top-down design flow at minimum cost. Illustrated by an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transceiver design example, it is shown that almost every kind of communication system can be practically designed, simulated, realised, and tested in a systematic and flexible way. Since bandpass signals in audio band are generated in the real world, important design issues like receiver synchronisation and channel effects can be physically observed and tackled. Hence, the AB-SDR lab course can help students to put abstract communication principles into practice, and gain an overview of communication systems design.
The Inclusive-AND (Equivalence, Exclusive-NOR (EXNOR, XNOR)) and Exclusive-OR (EXOR, XOR) Gates in Mixed Logic
Authors: Al-Alaoui Mohamad Adnan
Published: February 2013

Mixed logic notation simplifies the analysis and design of digital circuits and supports self-documenting gate level circuits. Additionally, it provides alternative implementations which could result in reducing the number of gates. The current symbol of the Equivalence gate as an Exclusive OR with the output ASSERTED LOW (Exclusive NOR) is troubling when we want to think of the output ASSERTED HIGH. This had impeded extending the mixed logic approach to Exclusive OR. We suggest introducing an alternative distinct symbol for the Equivalence (Inclusive-AND) gate to facilitate the application of the mixed logic concepts to both the Exclusive-OR and the Inclusive-AND gates.
Comparative Experiences in Remote Automation Laboratories with Real Plants
Authors: Boix Oriol , Gomis Oriol , Montesinos Daniel , Galceran Samuel , Sudriá Antoni
Published: February 2013

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in remote learning courses. In some disciplines, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) automation, doing laboratory practice ‘at home’ with all the required material is difficult. In these cases, the possibility of doing laboratory practice remotely is of especial interest. We can use simulators to make an applet that simulates a PLC, but we discarded this because the students saw the practices as very artificial and unrealistic and hence their motivation decreased. In this paper, we describe how we have tried several possibilities of remote PLC programming and how their advantages and drawbacks have been analysed.
Nonlinear PD Regulation for Ball and Beam System
Authors: Yu Wen
Published: February 2013

The ball and beam system is one of the most popular laboratory experiments for control education. There are two problems for ball and beam control: (1) many laboratories use simple controllers such as PD control, but theory analysis is based on linear models, and (2) nonlinear controllers for the ball and beam system have good theory results, but they are seldom used in laboratories. Little effort has been made to analyse PD control with nonlinear models. In this paper we modify the normal PD control in two ways for the ball and beam system: parallel and serial PD regulations; then we analyse the stability of these types of PD regulations with the complete nonlinear model. Real experiments are applied to test our theory results. This paper gives a good example of how to apply nonlinear theory in the laboratory for control education.
Experiential Learning of Electromagnetic Concepts through Designing, Building and Calibrating a Broad-Spectrum Suite of Sensors in a Capstone Course
Authors: Schroeder Mark J. , Kottsick Andrew , Lee Jeremy , Newell Michael , Purcell Jeremy , Nelson Robert M.
Published: February 2013

An electromagnetics-based design project was offered to a group of students as their final year (capstone) design project. Their objective was to create a suite of sensors to measure electromagnetic fields over a large range of frequencies. The project resulted in the design, fabrication and calibration of a field mill, fluxgate magnetometer, tuned search coils and a log-periodic dipole array antenna. The open-ended, experiential learning process exposed the students to numerous electromagnetic concepts, skills and learning methods not commonly found in traditional electromagnetic classroom settings. This paper provides an overview of the theory, design and output of the sensors.
Teaching Hardware Description Languages to Satisfy Industry Expectations
Authors: Greenwood Garrison W.
Published: February 2013

Industry demands that computer engineers have expertise in FPGA prototyping. A broad knowledge of a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL is no longer sufficient. Industry expects engineers to write RTL-synthesizable code. Unfortunately, many colleges do not teach this material because the HDL is taught as a secondary topic in a digital design course. That approach does not allow sufficient time to cover efficient coding practices, the use of third-party IP and other essential topics. This paper describes an FPGA prototyping course, based on the Verilog HDL, that is completely separate from any digital design course. The prototyping course is supplemented with FPGA vendor application notes, uses industry-standard EDA tools and fully meets industry expectations.
Characterising Virtual Power Plants
Authors: Newman Guy , Mutale Joseph
Published: February 2013

The use of small-scale generation based on disparate new and renewable technologies is becoming more prevalent due to the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are thought to be the chief cause of climate change. As penetration of these distributed elements increases, displacing central generation, there is a growing need to understand the composite behaviour of groups of Distributed Generation (DG) devices, also known as Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). This paper presents an overview of the mathematical modelling of the VPP leading to the development of a user-friendly tool that can be used as a power system engineering teaching aid to demonstrate the characteristics of VPPs.
Understanding Low-Frequency Oscillation in Power Systems
Authors: Prasertwong K. , Mithulananthan N. , Thakur D.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a complete overview of low-frequency oscillation phenomena in power systems. The definition of low-frequency oscillation and its classification are clearly explained. Some power system blackout incidents due to low-frequency oscillation and the lesson learned from those incidents are also reported in the paper. Widely used methodology for studying low-frequency oscillation among power utilities is presented. Methods for oscillation damping, at both the operational and the planning stages of a power system, are briefly discussed. A comprehensive case study of low-frequency oscillation in a simple system is presented using eigenvalue analysis. Time domain results are presented to support the eigenvalue analysis. Conclusions are duly drawn.
True Front-to-Back Analogue IC Designers' Training
Authors: Lakshmanan Senthil Kumar , König Andreas
Published: February 2013

Analogue and mixed-signal sensor electronics comprise a small yet essential fraction of a large variety of embedded and integrated systems in industrial application systems. While the number of devices is considerably smaller than in massively parallel digital systems, the design of each device requires much more care, time and experience; moreover, learning the skills required for analogue and mixed-signal sensor electronics can be tedious, and these challenges are not taken up by a sufficient number of students to meet industry demands, in particular of the booming sensor and microelectromechanical systems industries. To attract more students to this topic, we offer design courses that combine theoretical and practical skills based on state-of-the-art tools and technologies. Students undertake (individually or in small groups) analogue/mixed signal design projects, but, due to the time constraints common in engineering courses, they are often unable to test to their designs. Drawing from research work and results on dynamically reconfigurable sensor electronics, we have tackled this problem by giving students an opportunity to download their dimensioning solution into certain reconfigurable devices and to carry out testing and measurement to characterise their designs. To this end, we introduced the true front-to-back (TFB) analogue IC designers training kit, used in the CAD laboratory at the Institute of Integrated Sensor Systems (ISE) in TU-Kaiserslautern for various engineering curricula. This paper gives the details of the teaching concepts and state of implementation, the reconfigurable hardware platform and typical results for student design and measurement activities. Finally, we give an outlook on upcoming reconfigurable chips.
Laboratory Work in Teaching Basic Three-Phase Electrical Circuits
Authors: Bachiller-Soler Alfonso , Martínez-Lacañina Pedro J. , Monroy-Berjillos Darío
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a laboratory-based teaching proposal for the understanding of three-phase circuits at the undergraduate level of engineering degrees. The practical content of the proposed activities is oriented towards easing the students' understanding of the main concepts involved in three-phase circuits. The subject of three-phase circuits forms the basis for an elementary undergraduate course on circuit analysis. This work proposes simple and didactic laboratory lessons for the long-term understanding of many concepts involved in three-phase circuits which are often covered by only theory or simulation. The practical teaching proposed has been successfully implemented in the Industrial School of Engineering of the University of Seville and can easily be included in the laboratory curriculum of other Engineering schools.
Students' Interest in Their Misconceptions in First-Year Electrical Circuits and Mathematics Courses
Authors: Bull Susan , Jackson Tim J. , Lancaster Michael J.
Published: February 2013

Based on deployment throughout a term, this paper suggests the potential of a computer-based approach to promote learner awareness of their knowledge states. We consider in particular the extent to which students are interested in finding out about their misconceptions in the context of independent study. It was found that many first-year students held misconceptions in introductory electrical circuits and mathematics courses at some stage of their learning, and most viewed information about their misconceptions to assist them in identifying their problems. We suggest, therefore, that an approach of highlighting an individual's misconceptions can be found useful by students to help them recognise their knowledge, difficulties and misconceptions to support self-assessment and facilitate their identification of an appropriate focus of their efforts, to meet their learning needs.
A New Approach to QPSK: Mechanism, Simulation and Implementation
Authors: Abuelmaatti Ali , Abuelma'atti Muhammad Taher , Thayne Iain , Beaumont Steve
Published: February 2013

The work reported in this paper serves two purposes. First, an alternative comprehensive approach is proposed for the understanding of the mechanism behind QPSK. This focuses on how a QPSK modulator decides to represent each pair of bits to be transmitted, by which of its four possible phase shifts. This approach is based entirely on the analysis of phasors and is completely mathematics-less. The second part of this work proposes a method by which complex modulation schemes, like QPSK, can be implemented using only first degree components in Simulink, avoiding all the hurdles of mathematically complicated blocks. The implementation, in the second part, confirms the viability of the approach in the first part of this work. Results show that the data received on the other end of a noiseless channel exactly matches the data sent despite a slight unavoidable delay. The proposed method for implementing QPSK can be used directly as a laboratory exercise for undergraduate students new to digital communication techniques.
A Mechatronics and Material Handling Systems Laboratory: Experiments and Case Studies
Authors: Shirley James , Wagner John , Collins Randy , Gramopadhye Anand , Schweisinger Todd
Published: February 2013

Industrial mechatronic systems integrate technologies from a variety of engineering disciplines to create solutions to challenging manufacturing problems. The material handling industry utilizes mechatronics to move, track, and manipulate items in factories and distribution centers. Material handling systems are a logical choice of study, due to their use of multiple mechatronic elements. This article describes mechatronic experiments and projects in a new course. Topical coverage includes sensors, actuators, PLCs, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, human factors, teamwork, leadership, and project management. A series of eight laboratory experiments have been created to introduce PLCs, robotics, electric circuits, and data acquisition fundamentals. In-depth case studies synthesize the technologies and interpersonal skills together to create a flexible material handling system. The most significant student outcome is the successful completion of a course project that required individuals to apply mechatronics concepts and technology in a multi-disciplinary team setting to solve industrial material handling tasks.
A New Model for Controlled Branch Impedance in Phasor-Based Transient Stability Programs
Authors: Bozorgi Farshad , Kouhsari Shahram Montaser
Published: February 2013

In transient stability (TS) studies, current injection models are widely used to present electrical power system elements. Such modelling causes divergence problems in some cases. This paper presents a new current injection model to solve this problem. This new approach could be incorporated into a power system analysis course at either undergraduate or postgraduate level to expand students' understanding of problems that may arise in TS studies. Finally, simulation results of a power system obtained by the proposed model are compared to those obtained by Simulink to show the effectiveness of the new approach.
Characteristic Equation-Based Determination of Eigenvalues of Linear Circuits
Authors: Yildiz Ali Bekir
Published: February 2013

The eigenvalues in the time-domain, indirectly the poles of system functions in the s-domain, are used to determine the dynamics of systems in circuit analysis courses. This paper proposes an efficient method to determine the eigenvalues of linear circuits. It is based on using the characteristic equation obtained by applying nodal and mesh analysis, conventional methods whose applications are simpler than the state-space representation. The examples of active and passive circuits are given to illustrate the method.
Which Technology Can Really Enhance Learning within Engineering?
Authors: Rossiter J. A.
Published: February 2013

This paper makes two main contributions: first it argues the case for a more proactive investigation into the potential of technology for enhancing the learning and teaching environment and secondly gives a number of examples with supporting student evaluations. The key contribution is to show several examples of how a little imagination and reflection on what and how to use technology can enable significant gains in the quality of student learning at relatively low cost in time, effort and expense to academic staff.
The Remote Laboratory as a European Educational Workspace
Authors: Scutaru Gheorghe , Cocorada Elena , Pavalache-Ilie Mariela
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study is to identify similarities in the learning needs of students who benefit from the use of remote laboratories, interconnected in a network comprising five European universities. The needs analysis is subordinated to the subsequent development of learning situations which should be appropriate for the users, exploiting the common elements. Even though the sub-samples belong to universities with various cultural peculiarities, there are statistically significant differences and there are numerous similarities as to the students' needs and preferences, a fact that favours the use of common learning scenarios and tools.
An Original Method Based on Simulink to Model and Simulate A.C.-D.C. Converters Taking into Account the Overlap Phenomenon
Authors: Batard Christophe , Poitiers Frederic , Millet Christophe , Ginot Nicolas
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a simple and original method to simulate the behaviour of a.c.-d.c. converters with Matlab-Simulink. This approach takes into account the overlap phenomenon with continuous and discontinuous conduction modes. The a.c. to d.c. converter is presented as a block (voltage input and voltage output) which can be inserted in a complex structure. The simplicity of the method makes it easy to understand and its short computing time makes it an interesting alternative to the Matlab SimPower Systems toolbox and PSIM software for teaching power electronics simulation. The method is designed in order to be user-friendly and easy to implement for students. In this paper, it is used for a six-pulse rectifier and extended to a twelve-pulse rectifier with delta/wye-delta transformer. Experimental results are provided to validate the proposed modelling method.
A Design-Build-Test Course in Electronics Based on the CDIO Framework for Engineering Education
Authors: Svensson Tomas , Gunnarsson Svante
Published: February 2013

A Design-Build-Test (DBT) course in electronics is presented. The course is designed based on the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) framework for engineering education. It is part of the curriculum of two engineering programs at Linköping University, Sweden, where it has been given successfully for a number of years. The cornerstones of the course consist of carefully designed learning outcomes based on the CDIO Syllabus, a structured project management model such that the project tasks are carried out according to professional and industry-like routines, with well-designed organisation of the staff supporting the course, and challenging project tasks.
Developments in Solid Mechanics
Authors: Rees D. W. A.
Published: February 2013

Developments in engineering solid mechanics (strength of materials) have occurred over many centuries. Engineering students today will meet the names of many men who laid the foundation of the system of SI units we now use and many of the techniques we employ. It is a fact that modern courses in statics, dynamics and thermodynamics do not reveal a great deal about their lives and achievements. We have become so used to quoting our physical measures in so many watts, hertz and kelvin etc. or referring to Hooke's law and Young's modulus when performing calculations, that one may never be made aware of the creative individuals that lie at their root. The purpose of this article is to shed a little light on the lives of men whose names have become inextricably linked to the essential building blocks of modern engineering courses with reference to solid mechanics in particular.
A Model for an Industry/University Strategic Alliance in the Classroom
Authors: Cairns D. S. , Mohaghegh M. , Cundy V. A. , Johnson K.
Published: February 2013

Modern engineering corporations build much of their engineering workforce from a few key engineering schools. Corporate support and interaction is focused on these key engineering schools, which provide engineers who perform particularly well in a given company. The authors explore the above strategies, and provide a model for a university/industry alliance in the classroom to enhance the future engineering workforce. This model is based on a collaboration between Montana State University and The Boeing Company in Seattle for the development of a course entitled ‘Aircraft Structures Design and Analysis’. The important elements for success are given, along with lessons learned from this experience. Similar industry/university collaborations are encouraged, based on the results.
Simulation Worksheet (LKS) for Development of Steady-State Simulation System of Equations
Authors: Halawa Edward E. H.
Published: February 2013

The simulation worksheet (LKS) is a customized worksheet devised for the development of a steady-state simulation system of equations. In a simulation worksheet, equations pertaining to simulations are systematically listed, quantities involved are clearly identified and put into specified columns. The development of a customized simulation worksheet is very useful in speeding up the development of a system of equations to be solved using the existing simulation technique such as the Newton—Raphson method which can be generalized to handle any simulation problem using a standard procedure.
Use of an Electronic Classroom in Instruction at Undergraduate Level
Authors: Cleghorn W. L.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes some results of recent efforts made to employ electronic classrooms in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto. Particular emphasis has been placed on using updated methods in teaching mechanisms to undergraduates. Examples of computer graphics displays and physical demonstration models are presented.
Container-Handling Crane: A First-Year Engineering Student Project
Authors: Carr M. A. , Brown J. S.
Published: February 2013

This paper describes a project suitable for first-year undergraduate engineering students, which integrates civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering concepts into an open-ended design and construction project. The project is a model crane, which simulates a shipping container handling system and is suitable for inter-team competition. The design criteria, materials, and competition rules are presented. As well, a series of short lecture topics, demonstrations, and facilitating homework assignments are outlined. This project and the associated supporting materials meet the goals of being relatively inexpensive while exposing the students to a broader perspective of the engineering profession and retaining their interest in engineering.
Implementation of a Momentum Method for Total Drag Determination for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Ahmed N. A.
Published: February 2013

In aerodynamics, progress has often been made through many inspired approaches to address practical problems. The commonly called momentum method for total drag determination is one such example. In this method, theoretical analysis and experimentation has been combined to produce a powerful tool for efficient and cost-effective aerodynamic investigation of total drag. A detailed description of the implementation of this technique for undergraduate students at the University of New South Wales is provided in this paper.
Thermodynamics of Radiation
Authors: Lewins Jeffery D.
Published: February 2013

Classical thermodynamics is combined with elementary electro-magnetic theory to analyse black-body radiant energy. This leads quickly to the Stefan—Boltzmann fourth-power radiation law and then to Wien's laws, including the ‘foundryman's law’. The student is warned, however, about certain fallacies arising from misapplying equilibrium theory to non-equilibrium situations and invited to consider some of the cosmological implications following from this re-enactment of the initiation of modern quantum theory. Points for examples or examination questions are indicated.
Utilization of the PSPICE Code for the Unsteady Thermal Response of Composite Walls in a Heat Transfer Course
Authors: Alhama Francisco , Campo Antonio
Published: February 2013

This paper on engineering education introduces a robust computational technique named the network simulation method (NSM) to undergraduate students on heat transfer courses for the simultaneous determination of temperature—time histories and heat flux—time histories inside layered walls easily, quickly, and accurately. NSM relies on the existing physical analogy between unsteady unidirectional conduction of heat and unsteady-state flow of electric current, the RC analogy. This unsteady analogy is a natural extension of the steady analogy that holds between unidirectional heat conduction and the flow of electric current, the R analogy. The implementation of NSM is carried out with the thermal analysis of a composite wall of the nozzle of an experimental rocket engine during a ground firing test. The composite wall of the nozzle comprises a metallic substrate and a ceramic coating. The NSM-based numerical simulations have been performed with the commercial code PSPICE.
Portable Experimental Apparatus for Demonstrating Thermodynamics Principles
Authors: Abu-Mulaweh Hosni I.
Published: February 2013

A refrigeration system for use as experimental apparatus was designed, developed and constructed. Its purpose was to demonstrate to mechanical engineering undergraduates the basic concepts of thermodynamics, such as the first and second laws. In addition, the apparatus demonstrates a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. This paper presents a set of experiments in which the first and second laws of thermodynamics are employed to determine the heat gained by the refrigerant in the evaporator, the heat rejected from the refrigerant in the condenser, and the isentropic efficiency of the compressor. The objective of these experiments is to help students understand the basic thermodynamics processes by utilizing real-life applications.
Avenues for Computing the Heat Transfer from a Circular Fin of Hyperbolic Cross-Sectional Profile
Authors: Campo Antonio , Kirkmam Richard D. , McNabb Gerald
Published: February 2013

The circular fin of hyperbolic profile with constant thermal conductivity and uniform convective coefficient is of remarkable importance in heat transfer engineering. This particular fin resembles the optimal circular fin of convex parabolic profile, which delivers the maximum heat transfer for a given volume of material. The circular fin of hyperbolic profile is governed by a two-term differential equation of second order with one variable coefficient which, via a transformation, can be converted into a Bessel equation. Setting aside the use of Bessel functions, the present paper addresses three elementary computational procedures that are amenable to heat transfer education: the power series method, the finite-difference technique and the shooting method. With the second technique, the system of algebraic equations was solved by the elimination of unknowns, or the Gauss elimination method. With the third method, a fourth-order Runge—Kutta integration algorithm was paired with a linear interpolation formula for solving the system of two differential equations of first order. The three computational procedures are capable of producing approximate temperature distributions and approximate heat transfer rates of high quality. All analytical and numerical calculations were carried out on a personal computer.
A Study of the Design, Manufacture and Remote Control of a Pneumatic Excavator
Authors: Lee Hsin-Sheng , Chang Shinn-Liang , Lin Kuo-Huang
Published: February 2013

In this study, a CAD/CAE/CAM and remote control integrated system for a pneumatic excavator mechanism was developed. The vector loop method and Visual C++ language were used to build the position analysis module. Pro/ENGINEER (Pro/E) was used to construct the parametric solid models. Pro/Mechanica was used to simulate the kinematic analysis. MasterCAM was used to implement the cutting simulation, and then the prototype was manufactured on a milling machine. An FB −28MC Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Visual Basic (VB) language were used to remote control the excavator. A demonstration example is presented to verify the design, analysis and control results. The project was useful as a supplementary teaching tool for practical computer-aided mechanism design and mechatronics courses. It was designed for educational purposes; it made use of low-cost and easy programming, and avoided the use of expensive industrial equipment.
Thermophysical Properties of Ice/Water/Steam from −20°C to 50°C
Authors: Liley P. E.
Published: February 2013

The properties of water substance (vapor pressure, enthalpy, specific heat capacities and their ratio, viscosity, thermal conductivity, Prandtl number, speed of sound, thermal expansivity and surface tension) are tabulated at close temperature increments from −20°C to 50°C. Simple equations which accurately fit these values are given.