ME 107A Experimentation and Measurement (3 units)
ONLINE RESOURCES
Course website
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Methods and procedures for experimental investigation of mechanical engineering phenomena and systems. Experimental design, measurement systems, data acquisition, and data analysis. Modeling of measurement and experimental systems.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
104, 105, 106, Electrical Engineering 100, Engineering 190. Co-requisite 109.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER REQUIRED MATERIAL
Text: Introduction to Mechatronics
and Measurement Systems, 3rd Editions, David G. Alciatore
and Michael B. Histand, McGraw Hill, New York, 2006.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Introduce students to modern experimental techniques for mechanical engineering;
provide exposure to and experience with a variety of sensors
used in thermo-mechanical systems, including sensors to measure
temperature, pressure, displacement, velocity, acceleration and strain;
examine the role of error and uncertainty in measurements and analysis;
exposure to and experience in using commercial software
for data acquisition and analysis;
discuss the role and limitations of spectral analysis of digital data;
provide experience in working in a team in all aspects of the
laboratory exercises, including set-up, data collection,
analysis and report writing.
DESIRED COURSE OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students should:
Know how to use, what can be measured with, and what the limitations
are of the basic instruments found in the laboratory:
oscilloscope, multimeter, counter/timer, analog-to-digital converter;
know how to write a summary laboratory report;
understand the relevance of uncertainty in measurements,
and the propagation of uncertainty in calculations involving measurements;
understand the physics behind the instruments and systems used in the laboratory;
know how to program effectively using LabVIEW for data acquisition and analysis;
understand the use of spectral analysis for characterizing the dynamic
response of an instrument or of a system.
TOPICS COVERED
Introduction to probability and statistics;
error analysis;
uncertainty analysis;
analog and digital signal processing;
discretization of data using analog-to-digital converters;
spectral analysis of discrete data;
dynamic response of sensors and systems;
operating principles for selected sensors;
review of basic material from prerequisite courses
(including circuits, wave propagation, fluid dynamics,
strength of materials and heat transfer);
report writing.
CLASS/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO MEETING
THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
This course exposes students to key elements of
the profession such as team work and
effective communication through a series of
laboratory exercises and subsequent reports.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES
These are that our graduates have:
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to
analyze and interpret data.
An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
An ability to communicate effectively.
A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering
tools necessary for engineering practice.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS TOWARD COURSE OBJECTIVES
Homework assignments;
laboratory reports (5 during the semester);
lab practical exam;
final written exam on lecture material.
PERSON(S) WHO PREPARED THIS DESCRIPTION:
George Johnson
