Charles F. Yokomoto

Control of hybrid-electric vehicles

Develops nonlinear models for diesel-electric powertrains used in medium- and heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicles, and describes a new method for designing optimal controllers for highly coupled drivetrains. Current applications of heavy loaded, heavy-duty drives call for the use of comprehensive, innovative ways of handling a large variety of nonlinear phenomena in order to optimize performance and energy conversion, to shape steady-state characteristics, and to meet other desired specifications. The paper demonstrates the application of derived nonlinear models of drivetrain components (diesel, synchronous generator, and traction motor), and an innovative design method is developed to control these highly nonlinear diesel-electric drives.

Optimum academic performance and its relation to emotional intelligence

In Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman (1995) discusses the effect of emotional competence on optimum performance. He describes the state of flow in which optimum performance occurs. Literature from coaching sports talks about this state of total concentration, as well. Our goal as teachers is to provide an atmosphere where flow occurs easily and the students are totally engaged in learning. This paper reviews the elements of flow and describes educational activities and programs which promote flow. It suggests how these can be tied to self-directed learning strategies to prepare professionals for lifelong learning.

A new electronic manufacturing course for the electrical engineering curriculum

In this paper, an innovative model for course development that promotes a cooperation of educational institutions and a manufacturing company is described. This linkage, which provides state-of-the art technical education for senior students, resulted from the collaboration between the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the Electronic Manufacturing Productivity Facility (EMPF) and brings together the theoretical study, laboratory design, and actual product manufacturing of surface-mount printed-circuit assemblies. The impact of the course on electrical engineering graduates is discussed.

Modeling the process of writing measurable outcomes for EC 2000

This paper presents a model that can help an organization work through the complex process of writing measurable outcomes for ABET/EACs newly developed outcomes-based accreditation process. A visual representation of the model in the form of a pyramid is presented to demonstrate the relationship between measurable outcomes and other elements of an outcomes assessment process such as mission statements, goals and objectives, ABETs Criterion 3 for EAC instructional objectives, and course outcomes. This paper also describes three different approaches that one can use to write their programs measurable outcomes.

Development of a school wide assessment plan-questions answered and questions raised

In this paper, the authors describe the process that has transformed the attitudes of their faculty toward outcomes assessment from one of resistance to one of cooperation and action, an important precursor to buy in. They describe the questions that they have had to answer, the arguments that faculty used to defend their initial resistance, the transformation process and the organization structure of the school-wide committee that made the transformation possible. In addition, they discuss some of the questions that they have yet to answer, and give suggestions of ways that deans and chairpersons of school-wide committees can influence faculty buy in.

A new EE curriculum in electric vehicle applications

In this paper, we present a curriculum development plan in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indianapolis that proposes a major area of emphasis in electric and hybrid electric vehicles. In addition to describing the plan, we present an overview of a feasibility study that is drawn from our recent experiences in teaching a course on the design of electronics for electric vehicles. This course, which was developed under a grant from the Department of Educations Fund for Improvements in Post Secondary Education (FIPSE) program, represents the coordinated efforts of a team of faculty from the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Technology. Details of the educational and technical features of the proposed curriculum and the university-industry partnership are described. Student feedback from the trial course is also reported.

Problem solving: an assessment of student attitudes, expectations, and beliefs

We describe a study of student attitudes, expectations, and beliefs about problem solving in the electrical engineering technology classroom as they relate to learning strategies for problem solving based examinations. We have developed an assessment instrument which asks students to respond to four kinds of items: their expectations about problem solving; their strategies for preparing for exams; their self-assessment of their problem solving skills; and their appreciation of mathematics, physics, algebra word problems, and puzzles. Student responses were analyzed statistically to determine if there were any significant relationships among the items.

Assessing student attitudes toward design and innovation

The authors present the results of a research project that investigated student attitudes toward design and innovation. The study was conducted using students from an engineering program and an engineering technology program. Of the ten items in the survey, engineering majors and technology majors differed significantly on three items. A personality assessment instrument was also used to determine if personality factors influenced student attitudes and beliefs within the major. The data show that personality factors do contribute to attitudes and beliefs.<<ETX>>

Design your outcomes assessment process as an exercise in open-ended problem solving

In this paper, the authors present a way of representing the development of an outcomes assessment process as an exercise in open-ended problem solving, where asking the right questions and understanding your options play significant roles. The purpose of this presentation is to show that the existence of viable options for each question can lead to different designs for different cultures and organizations. While this paper is written for ABET/EAC accreditation, the basic principles may apply to ABET/TAC accreditation.

Nonlinear dynamics, control, and stability analysis of power systems

Considers nonlinear analysis and design for highly nonlinear power systems. These nonlinear features are addressed in terms of the Lyapunov stability theory. The current trends in application of heavily loaded power systems motivate the use of a nonlinear framework to handle a large variety of nonlinear phenomena. To ensure a complete understanding of the power system dynamics, as well as to tackle nonlinear control problems, this paper offers an integrated perspective. In particular, analysis and design are performed by using nonlinear augmented models of power systems (generation system-transmission line-load). All aspects of nonlinear dynamics and controls are explored by applying the Lyapunov stability theory. By using the Lyapunov second method, new results are offered, and examples demonstrate the proposed analysis and design procedures.