scholarly journals CAPSTONE DESIGN PROJECTS: THEORY MEETS PRACTICE

Author(s):  
Raghu Echempati

This paper describes one example of an adjustable gooseneck trailer hitch assembly that was assigned as a senior capstone design project course at Kettering University, Flint, Michigan, USA to carry out their work from concept to testing phases of a real prototype – in short, following “Theory meets practice” concept. Typically at most other engineering colleges, students complete their capstone projects in one year, while at Kettering University, the students complete their capstone courses in one academic term that lasts only about 11 weeks. Using math and advanced Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools for analysis is expected. Three different groups of students enrolled in three separate courses over 3 academic terms developed two different trailer hitch devices. The first gooseneck hitch system briefly described here was the effort of a group of four students of the capstone course. They designed a manually adjustable device. However, due to time constraints, their fabricated device ended up being a rigid frame. These students carried out all the different tasks of the project more or less equitably. The second trailer hitch system described in this paper was the effort of a single student of the capstone course who designed and fabricated a compliant (adjustable) hitch system. However, due to time constraints, detailed finite element analysis (FEA) or testing of the device could not be done. A third group of two students enrolled in Applied Finite Element Analysis course in another academic term chose the compliant hitch design carried by the single student for their final class project, and attempted analysis by MatLab and FEA. Preliminary results obtained for both of these gooseneck trailer hitch systems are presented and discussed briefly in the paper. Majority of the capstone course projects carried out at Kettering University represent uniqueness in terms of completing them in one academic term.

Author(s):  
Steven Higbee ◽  
Sharon Miller

Abstract Insufficient engineering analysis is a common weakness of student capstone design projects. Efforts made earlier in a curriculum to introduce analysis techniques should improve student confidence in applying these important skills toward design. To address student shortcomings in design, we implemented a new design project assignment for second-year undergraduate biomedical engineering students. The project involves the iterative design of a fracture fixation plate and is part of a broader effort to integrate relevant hands-on projects throughout our curriculum. Students are tasked with (1) using computer-aided design (CAD) software to make design changes to a fixation plate, (2) creating and executing finite element models to assess performance after each change, (3) iterating through three design changes, and (4) performing mechanical testing of the final device to verify model results. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess student knowledge, confidence, and achievement in design. Students exhibited design knowledge gains and cognizance of prior coursework knowledge integration into their designs. Further, students self-reported confidence gains in approaching design, working with hardware and software, and communicating results. Finally, student self-assessments exceeded instructor assessment of student design reports, indicating that students have significant room for growth as they progress through the curriculum. Beyond the gains observed in design knowledge, confidence, and achievement, the fracture fixation project described here builds student experience with CAD, finite element analysis, 3D printing, mechanical testing, and design communication. These skills contribute to the growing toolbox that students ultimately bring to capstone design.


1983 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
P S Walker ◽  
D Nunamaker ◽  
R Huiskes ◽  
T Parchinski ◽  
D Greene

A significant problem with rigid prosthetic stems applied in the finger bones, as well as in other bones of the upper and lower extremity, is resorption of bone at the interface. An investigation was carried out using a plastic plug which would more evenly distribute the stresses to the bone, with fine ridges to produce enhanced fixation by bony ingrowth. A total knee prosthesis in the cat was used as the model, radiographic and histological studies being made at up to one year. A finite element analysis identified areas of high interface and material stresses. With a finely grooved plug, bone ingrowth occurred in all regions except for the region near the bone entry, where the finite element analysis showed the highest interface shear stresses and bone material stresses to occur.


2011 ◽  
Vol 05 (03) ◽  
pp. 283-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. NIE ◽  
J. S. FAN ◽  
Y. J. SHI

The composite steel–concrete rigid frame bridge is composed of steel or composite girders connecting rigidly to RC piers, and has advantages of lower maintenance costs, faster construction, and higher resistance and ductility during an earthquake. In this paper, a new type of steel–concrete composite rigid connection is developed and studied by finite element analysis. The comparison with other types of connections shows that this new type of connection has a good structural performance from the confining of concrete by steel and preventing the buckling of steel by concrete.


2011 ◽  
Vol 71-78 ◽  
pp. 4872-4875
Author(s):  
Heng Xu Qu

The rigid frame of some material storage was analyzed by the nonlinearity finite element method. The intensity and stability of the rigid frame acted by out side load and support settlement are calculated. The theory and suggestion are given for designing, reinforcing and maintaining the structure.


1997 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-194
Author(s):  
Flávio Fernando DEMARCO ◽  
Miriam Lacalle TURBINO ◽  
Edmir MATSON

The bond strength of dentin adhesives to dentin has increased after each generation. Although dentin substratum is part of the bonding process, little importance has been given to measure dentin cohesive strength. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cohesive strength of dentin in human canines. Seventeen non carious canines were selected. All of them had been extracted for more than one year. The teeth were ground until dentin square samples with approximately 2 X 2 mm were obtained. They were embedded in acrylic resin and subjected to shear stress, in a Wolpert Machine, at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The mean cohesive strength of dentin in shear mode was 33.95 (+-9.72) MPa. The fracture surfaces were observed under a X40 magnification. A finite element analysis was performed to observe the stress distribution as related to the shear test. The failure pattern was compatible with the shear test and also with the stress distribution in the finite element analysis


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