Introduction to the ME curriculum through product engineering case studies

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Abstract

Product engineering, through reverse engineering and team projects, is an effective way to introduce freshmen of diverse backgrounds to Mechanical Engineering (ME) and provide them with a world introductory exposure to product design, manufacturing and systems operation. This paper discusses several components of the "Engineering Experiences" course developed at Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT), which aims to provide entering students with hands-on experiences and exposures to the world of operating mechanical systems. Students from a variety of engineering majors work in teams to dissect products, analyze their function by applying appropriate operating principles, design alternatives by building simplified physical models of a system, develop technical drawings, exchange drawings with different groups to manufacture their product, test and operate the product. Examples of products studied in the class include gear pumps, sewing machines, engines, electric drills, electrical screw drivers, toys, etc. The range of products on the selection list provides a great deal of insight and helps students enhance their understanding of what the discipline has to offer. Student feedback confirms that the course helps them develop a clear overview of the different fields within ME, gives them a general idea of what mechanical engineering work is about, and how the upcoming curricular elements as they relate to especially engineering science contribute to the development of expertise especially important to the product engineering.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4720368
Pages (from-to)F1F21-F1F26
JournalProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Event38th ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2008 - Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
Duration: 22 Oct 200825 Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Freshman engineering curriculum
  • Introductory Mechanical Engineering education
  • Product dissection
  • Reverse engineering

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