Duke University
Mechanical
Engineering
Freshmen –
EGR 20: Engineering Innovation plus
Physics, Math, Chem, Computing (Matlab)
Sophomore -
Foundational Engineering Courses: Solid Mechanics, Dynamics,
Thermo, Circuits (1st Mechatronics course)
Junior -
Analysis for Mechanical Design plus
Fluids, Controls (2nd Mechatronics course), Materials, Heat
Transfer
Senior -
Mechanical Engineering Design + Mechanical Systems Design
2 Upper level electives: Aerodynamics, Aircraft Performance &
Control, Energy & Environment, Compressible Fluids, Research
Projects, Vibrations, Intermediate Dynamics, Manufacturing,
Aeroelasticity, etc.
“CDIO” Course
Descriptions
• Engineering Innovation – ~5 “hands on” design challenges (1
reverse engineering, 4 design & build prototypes), teamwork,
SolidWorks, sensors & microchips, RapidPrototyping, written reports
& presentations
• Analysis for Mechanical Design – Adv. Solid Mechanics topics,
Fatigue, Fracture, Analysis for displacement & strength,
CosmosWorks (FEA), “failure analysis” of components
• Mechanical Engineering Design – Components: Bearings, Gears,
Cams & Mechanisms, Bolts, Belts, Shafts, etc. Project work in
teams w/ machining. Written reports & presentations required.
Often involves a class competition.
• Mechanical Systems Design – Design, Analysis & Testing of an
entire system to meet a “client’s needs.” Team-work, machining,
realistic constraints, etc.
Engineering Innovation Examples
Above: Save the Astronauts (Eggs). Device
needed to rescue without killing the astronauts. It
“landed” on one table & astronauts were on other
table. Device could only be powered by potential
energy & started with the cutting of a string. Extra
points gained from lighting LED’s using magnetic
sensors.
Right: Chain Reaction Design Challenge. 4 sub-groups design a separate component which is
started by the previous one and ends by starting the next. Must have action & a common theme.
Mechanical Engineering Design Examples
“Mrs. Smith’s Apple Pie Helper”
“Skeeball” Competition
Using an Apple Slicer – Design a
“machine” to slice the apple, remove
the core & transport apple slices 1 foot
away into a dish for apple pie. Can
only use rotary mechanical motion to
power the device.
Design a machine, powered by a
cordless screwdriver to throw/launch
plastic air-filled balls at a target 6 feet
away. Pts for accuracy & quantity.
Mechanical Systems Design Example - RAT
Ram Air Turbine -- RAT
Projects include: Solid Modeling (CAD),
RapidPrototyping, Machining, Analysis
(FEA), Testing in Wind Tunnel
Team work, Written & Oral Reports
Energy & Environment Design
“Greenback Team” – A&S + Engineering “Sustainable Neighborhood Vehicle” –
Interdisciplinary Team
Solar Energy used to charge bank of
batteries for back-up power during a
Solar Energy to power the vehicle
blackout .. Design of cabinet + system
electronics, etc. … testing, stress
analysis…
Future Projects ???
From Lockheed Martin:
Spin chute
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QSST Door/Stairs
JSF Insulating Material
Landing Gear Deployment and Storage
Front Landing Gear Shimmy Damper
Emergency Arresting Hook
Other “customers”:
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Water ingestion test bed
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Design of an Integrated Crew Health Care System for
Lunar Outpost Missions
www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=221)
NASA
(education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/Sr_Design.htm)
• Non-Prehensile Mobile Manipulation
• Thermal Control System for Lunar (or Mars) Rovers
• Hand-held magnetic lunar dust removal brush
• Freeze Back Radiator
• Vacuum Cleaner for Spacecraft Cabin Housekeeping
for Lunar Surface Missions
FAA (www.faa.gov/runwaysafety/design_competition.htm)