Clifford Mirman

Experimental concepts in a cross-disciplinary capstone course for mechanical engineers

As todays engineering students enter the job market, they must be prepared to approach a wide range of interdisciplinary problems which blur the traditional boundaries within the mechanical engineering (ME) curriculum. To help students develop a broader view of the several ME disciplines, senior students at Wilkes University (USA) are required to take a capstone mechanical design laboratory. This course helps students learn experimental skills that are not introduced in previous laboratories and also provides a cross-disciplinary ME experience which combines design, analysis and testing. Several experiments are developed to cover topics which are not seen in subject-specific laboratory courses, including the use of strain gages, thermocouples and material testing equipment. Emphasis is placed on methodology and analysis to help students apply experimental concepts to their own designs. The culmination of this particular course is a comprehensive design project. The students must propose a project and then build, test, analyze and present their design.

Energy Conservation Projects to Benefit the Railroad Industry

The Energy Conservation Projects to benefit the railroad industry using the Norfolk Southern Company as a model for the railroad industry has five unique tasks which are in areas of importance within the rail industry, and specifically in the area of energy conservation. The Norther Illinois University (NIU) Engineering and Technology research team looked at five significant areas in which research and development work can provide unique solutions to the railroad industry in energy the conservation. (1) Alternate Fuels - An examination of various blends of bio-based diesel fuels for the railroad industry, using Norfolk Southern as a model for the industry. The team determined that bio-diesel fuel is a suitable alternative to using straight diesel fuel, however, the cost and availability across the country varies to a great extent. (2) Utilization of fuel cells for locomotive power systems - While the application of the fuel cell has been successfully demonstrated in the passenger car, this is a very advanced topic for the railroad industry. There are many safety and power issues that the research team examined. (3) Thermal and emission reduction for current large scale diesel engines - The current locomotive system generates large amount of heat through engine cooling and heat dissipation when the traction motors are used to decelerate the train. The research team evaluated thermal management systems to efficiently deal with large thermal loads developed by the operating engines. (4) Use of Composite and Exotic Replacement Materials - Research team redesigned various components using new materials, coatings, and processes to provide the needed protection. Through design, analysis, and testing, new parts that can withstand the hostile environments were developed. (5) Tribology Applications - Identification of tribology issues in the Railroad industry which play a significant role in the improvement of energy usage. Research team analyzed and developed solutions which resulted in friction modification to improve energy efficiency.

The involvement of the undergraduate student in academic-industrial projects

The role of the academic institution with respect to the undergraduate student has been changing over the recent years. As technology is advanced, the need for student introduction is amplified. During the last ten, or so, years, there has been a concerted push from academia, society, industry, and the accrediting bodies to introduce more practical applications into the engineering curriculum through academic-industrial projects. This paper deals with the success which Wilkes University (USA) has had in the past in their student involvement in these types of projects, and the types of contributions which the students have made to these projects.