Recently added articles from International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education:
University/college cooperation in course development: synchronous collaborative teaching/learning in advanced engineering in Taiwan
Oct 01, 2006; ... Abstract A synchronous cooperation model between institutes of higher learning for course development was implemented at the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and at the Far East College (FEC) in Taiwan. Synchronous computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) tools such as videoconferencing, ...
Experimental determination of moments of inertia for an off-road vehicle in a regular engineering laboratory
Oct 01, 2006; ... Abstract Moments of inertia play a vital role in the motion of rigid bodies. Accurate information for moments of inertia is, however, not easily obtained for common bodies such as vehicles, aeroplanes, trains and humans. Presented in this text is a procedure, requiring minimal equipment ...
On the consistent use of sign convention in thermodynamics
Oct 01, 2006; ... Abstract In thermodynamics, various sign conventions are used for energy transfers in the form of heat and work. Regardless of the sign convention introduced, thermodynamics texts subsequently abandon their established conventions in favor of magnitudes or absolute values. This article ...
Integration of case study technical investigations in honours/masters engineering courses
Oct 01, 2006; ... Abstract The main aim of the development described in this paper is to establish a practice whereby undergraduate engineering students exercise their growing technical knowledge and analytical capability in the context of real engineering problems. This is done by setting 'technical ...
Innovative design of a variable intermittent slider-crank mechanism
Oct 01, 2006; ... Abstract This paper describes a method used to elaborate the design of a slider-crank mechanism. The TRIZ contradiction table method is used to select an appropriate innovation principle, here to connect, in series, n pneumatic cylinders to the connecting link of the mechanism, so that it will ...
Angular misalignment effect on the dynamic behavior of bearings
Jul 01, 2006; ... Abstract Dysfunction of rotating machines is often caused by shaft misalignment. This defect generates some important loads and vibrations, and can lead to a premature failure of a bearing, shaft or coupling. The objective of this study is to survey angular misalignment. The first part deals ...
Vibration of a Euler-Bernoulli uniform beam carrying a rigid body at each end
Jul 01, 2006; ... Abstract Publications on the vibration of a Euler-Bernoulli beam carrying thin discs at the ends are available. In this paper the thin discs are replaced with rigid bodies, whose axial width is included in the analysis. The centre of mass of the bodies is assumed to be on the beam axis but away ...
Correlation equation for heat transfer coefficients for circular pin fins
Jul 01, 2006; ... Abstract The objective of this study was to develop and present a correlation equation for the representative or 'average' heat transfer coefficient associated with horizontally oriented circular pin fins that accounts for the effect of both modes of heat transfer, convection and radiation. Four ...
Integrated graphical game and simulation-type problem-based learning in kinematics
Jul 01, 2006; ... Abstract Kinematics was taught effectively using an integrated graphical game and simulation-type problem-based learning (PBL) approach. 'Optimal routing of a sailboat' was the specific problem studied, incorporating aspects of applied mathematics and engineering analysis, numerical simulation ...
Use of frequency-domain concepts in the analysis and design of mechanical vibrating systems
Jul 01, 2006; ... Abstract This paper investigates the frequency-domain approach for some useful types of analysis and design related to problems of mechanical vibration. First, some attractive features of the frequency-domain analysis are noted. The possibility of a unified approach to analysis is indicated ...
Gibbs' thermodynamics of wetting
Jul 01, 2006; ... Abstract According to Gibbs, the interface between a solid and a fluid phase can be split into two parts, one belonging to the solid and the other to the fluid. Correspondingly, the work (ω) of forming the interface can be represented as the sum of the work (ω^sub s^) of forming the ...
On the formulation of Lagrange's equations with respect to moving coordinate systems: application to a point mass vibrating on a rotating base
Jul 01, 2006; ... Abstract Lagrange's equations are a well known tool for establishing equations of motion of discrete systems. Kinetic energy, which plays a central role in their use, has to be formulated with respect to an inertial system. Lagrange's equations can be formulated favorably with respect to a ...