Integrated Design, Manufacturing and Materials Laboratory Improvement

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Through this project, the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department is developing an advanced Integrated Design, Manufacturing, and Materials Laboratory for the improvement of its undergraduate curriculum. The improvement plan includes the introduction of four experiments that will enhance eight required and two elective ME courses in computer graphics, computer-aided manufacturing, materials engineering, and concurrent- engineering-related courses. The ME and Art Departments together with private industry are implementing the experiments collaboratively. The experiments integrate design, manufacturing, materials, and concurrent engineering. The four selected experiments test: (1) the application of rapid prototyping and CAD to produce wax models for investment casting; (2) the use of investment casting to form Al-base alloy components (e.g., turbo impellers); (3) the use of tensile testing to evaluate material properties and optimize casting variables; and (4) the use of teamworking to satisfy user requirements for producing robust designs. The major new equipment includes a rapid prototyping machine and computers, investment casting equipment, and video-related equipment. This project is important because it will provide approximately 140 engineering students with practical skills in product design. This can improve their performance, increase their retention rate, and enhance their attitude toward the profession of engineering. The project is also significant because improved laboratory facilities can enhance the University's engineering curriculum and prepare a future generation of U.S. engineers to compete effectively in the global marketplace.