Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mechatronics and Smart Structures

9619992拉奥摘要该项目的目标是为本科生开发机电一体化和智能结构的跨学科研究计划。密苏里大学罗拉分校(UMR)在吸引资金和在这些领域建立最先进的研究设施方面取得了相当成功的成就。UMR的研究人员目前正在与波多黎各图拉博大学(一所少数族裔本科大学)建立合作关系，在机电一体化和智能结构领域进行联合研究。拟议项目的总体目标是(I)向初级/高级本科生介绍机电一体化和智能结构的概念，(Ii)为参与不同学科学生的小组工作的学生发展跨学科教育经验，(Iii)为来自图拉博大学和其他学校的少数族裔学生提供在最先进的实验室进行研究的独特机会，以及(Iv)让本科生参与国家重要领域和技术的持续研究计划。为达致这些目标，我们的方针是(I)发展一个为期八星期的机电及智能结构暑期课程；(Ii)发展团队设计项目；(Iii)邀请研究生担任导师；及(Iv)提供有关机械系统的电脑辅助设计及控制的实践经验。这个项目的新特点是少数民族本科生参与了多学科研究体验的发展。***

9619992 Rao ABSTRACT The objective of this project is to develop an interdisciplinary research program in mechatronics and smart structures for the benefit of undergraduate students. The University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) has been quite successful in attracting grants and establishing a state-of-the-art research facility in these areas. The researchers at UMR are currently developing a collaborative relationship with the University of Turabo, Puerto Rico (a minority, undergraduate university) to conduct joint research in the field of mechatronics and smart structures. The overall goals of the project being proposed are (i) introduction of mechatronics and smart structures concepts to junior/senior undergraduate students, (ii) development of an interdisciplinary educational experience for students working in teams involving students from different disciplines, (iii) providing a unique opportunity to minority students from the University of Turabo and other schools to conduct research in state-of-the-art laboratories, and (iv) involving undergraduate students with ongoing research programs in areas and technologies of national importance. To accomplish these objectives, our approach will be to (i) develop a eight-week summer course on mechatronics and smart structures, (ii) develop team design projects, (iii) involve graduate students as mentors, and (iv) provide hands-on experience in the computer-aided design and control of mechanical systems. The novel feature of this project is the involvement of minority undergraduate students in the development of a multidisciplinary research experience. ***