Mechanical Engineering Disciplines Research Articles

MAGNO TUNE: ADVANCED ROAD SURFACE RECOGNITION & EMS OPTIMIZATION

Electromagnetic suspension systems represent a revolutionary technology in the automotive industry, offering unparalleled comfort, control, and safety in vehicle dynamics. This project delves into the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of electromagnetic suspension systems used in vehicles and road surface detection. This paper is an overview of traditional suspension systems and their limitations in providing a smooth ride quality while maintaining optimal handling characteristics. It then introduces electromagnetic suspension systems as an innovative solution to these challenges. Key components and principles of electromagnetic suspension systems are discussed, including electromagnetic actuators and sensors for road surface detection. The integration of these components into the vehicle chassis is explained, highlighting the synergy between mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. Furthermore, the project explores the benefits of electromagnetic suspension systems, such as enhanced ride comfort, improved stability, and adaptive damping capabilities. Overall, this project provides valuable insights into the advancements and applications of electromagnetic suspension systems, paving the way for the future of vehicle ride and handling dynamics.

The method of determining the parameters of the soil prism formed in front of the dump during digging

Problem. The studied dynamic process of digging, taking into account the variable total moving mass of wheeled ZTM equipped with a dump, is not sufficient for the development of recommendations for selecting rational parameters for the performance of such a technological operation. The issue of determining and analyzing the parameters of the variable mass and volume of the material prism moved by the dumper has not been sufficiently investigated. There in no engineering technique that allows you to determine the parameters of the material prism that is gradually forming before dumping. Methodology. The measures are aimed at determining the parameters of the soil prism before the dump in the digging process using analytical dependencies. Results. For the processes of development and analysis of dynamic models of machines with a shovel working body for the stages of digging and transportation of material, it is necessary to take into account its mass in the form of mass attached to the mass of the machine itself. Originality. The obtained dependencies allow to take into account the variable mass of the attached material when performing the analysis of the bulldozer movement in the process of digging the environment being developed. Practical value. The obtained results can be recommended when studying the disciplines of industrial mechanical engineering

Machine Learning in Precision Manufacturing: A Collaborative Computer and Mechanical Engineering Perspective

Precision manufacturing, characterized by the production of intricate components with stringent tolerances, has witnessed a paradigm shift with the integration of machine learning (ML) techniques. This research paper delves into the collaborative endeavors between computer and mechanical engineering disciplines, exploring how the fusion of expertise from both domains contributes to the optimization and advancement of precision manufacturing processes. [1] The motivation behind this research stems from the recognition of ML's transformative potential in revolutionizing precision manufacturing. This paper reviews the application of ML in key areas such as predictive maintenance, process optimization, quality control, and adaptive manufacturing strategies. It emphasizes the synergy between computer and mechanical engineers in designing and implementing intelligent algorithms that harness data from various sensors, enabling real-time adjustments to manufacturing parameters. Predictive maintenance emerges as a critical aspect of the collaborative efforts, where ML algorithms analyze sensor data to predict equipment failures, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Process optimization is explored through the integration of ML in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, highlighting how algorithms optimize tool paths and enhance machining precision. Quality control in precision manufacturing is addressed by intelligent systems that utilize computer vision and sensor technologies, providing real-time defect detection. [2] The collaborative approach presents challenges, including data security and privacy concerns and the need for skillset integration between computer and mechanical engineering disciplines. The paper concludes by exploring future directions, including the integration of emerging technologies such as edge computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for the successful implementation of ML techniques in achieving heightened precision, efficiency, and quality in precision manufacturing.

Model-based NVH optimization of a tractor drivetrain during different phases of a design adaption

The modern, ever shorter development process of powertrains incorporates many disciplines of mechanical engineering. Among these, the dynamic and acoustic behavior—which is often referred to as noise, vibration, harshness (NVH)—is becoming increasingly important for the consumer’s purchase decision. However, NVH is often only considered in the last steps of the product development as both experimental analysis methods and high-fidelity modeling approaches are time-consuming. In contrast, in early phases of the development process, fast iteration cycles are crucial. Thus, the engineer needs appropriate NVH models for each phase of the development process in order to evaluate design and concept decisions with respect to their NVH implications.This publication shows a methodological guide on how to apply suitable NVH models forward directed in different stages of the development process and thus efficiently implement optimizations. In the early, highly iterative phases of the development process, analytical determination of the excitation behavior as well as simplified finite element simulations are carried out in order to estimate the vibration behavior of the concept. For the first elaborated geometries, frequency response functions can then be determined and thus the influence of e.g. ribbings to NVH behavior can be evaluated. In the later phases, where advanced simulation models have to be set up, a fully parameterized eMBS model of the drivetrain enables an analysis of its operating behavior, from which further optimization potential of the system can be derived. The proposed method is demonstrated on the example of a tractor transaxle development process.

Frame Structure Fault Diagnosis Based on a High-Precision Convolution Neural Network

Structural health monitoring and fault diagnosis are important scientific issues in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and other disciplines. The basic premise of structural health work is to be able to accurately diagnose the fault in the structure. Therefore, the accurate fault diagnosis of structure can not only ensure the safe operation of mechanical equipment and the safe use of civil construction, but also ensure the safety of people's lives and property. In order to improve the accuracy fault diagnosis of frame structure under noise conditions, the existing Convolutional Neural Network with Training Interference (TICNN) model is improved, and a new convolutional neural network model with strong noise resistance is proposed. In order to verify THE superiority of the proposed improved TICNN in anti-noise, comparative experiments are carried out by using TICNN, One Dimensional Convolution Neural Network (1DCNN) and First Layer Wide Convolution Kernel Deep Convolution Neural Network (WDCNN). The experimental results show that the improved TICNN has the best anti-noise ability. Based on the improved TICNN, the fault diagnosis experiment of a four-story steel structure model is carried out. The experimental results show that the improved TICNN can obtain high diagnostic accuracy under strong noise conditions, which verifies the advantages of the improved TICNN.

Tuning protecto‐flexibility in nature: Case of the fish scale

AbstractFish scales are among the structural materials in nature that are inspiring the design and development of “next‐generation” engineering materials. Fish scales possess a mineralization gradient that divides their thickness into three unique regions, each containing characteristic structures and properties. Here, experiments and complementary numerical modeling are performed to understand the importance of the different geometrical and mechanical parameters affecting the structural behavior of fish scales. Numerical modeling results showed that the stiffness and work to fracture of the scales in flexure are dependent on the amplitude and wavelength of the limiting layer profile. Furthermore, the mechanical response in bending of the scales can be effectively tuned by the suture profile location within the limiting layer thickness. These results highlight the opportunity to tailor the mechanical response of flexible composite laminates through the architecture of the layers and their interfaces to effectively control the protecto‐flexibility.Key Points This work combines the disciplines of structural biology, materials science and mechanical engineering to identify the key contributions of the microstructure to the inherent protecto‐flexibility of fish scales, a class of natural dermal armor. The interdisciplinary approach enables an identification of how nature adjusts specific morphological parameters to modulate both flexiblity and protection from physical threats.

Inaugural Editorial

In the past two decades, the mechanical engineering discipline has broadened to include concepts and applications that have previously been ignored. Mechanical engineering departments across the globe now have faculty members conducting research which incorporate biology, chemistry, electronics, civil, agriculture, telecommunications, human factors, AI, and many other disciplines within the mechanical engineering framework. Furthermore, companies are now hiring mechanical engineers who are skilled at addressing the boundaries of mechanical engineering, for applications such as electric vehicles, nano-engineering, bio-mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing.In recognition of the changing field of mechanical engineering, ASME is introducing a new journal, titled ASME Open Journal of Engineering, which is a multidisciplinary, open access, rigorous peer review, and rapid turn-around publication. The intent is to expand the ASME Journal Program portfolio to offer original research across the broad spectrum of all ASME technical communities, and for compliance with funder mandates that require full open access. Key features include: High-impact, innovative articles that may not fit the scope of ASME’s traditional journals, for example, cross-cutting or multidisciplinary research in new and emerging areasOriginal findings on theoretical or applied topics related to mechanical engineering and allied disciplinesDevelopment of new or improved engineering methods and solutionsA quality publicationAddresses the foundations and boundaries of Advanced Energy Systems; Aerospace; Applied Mechanics; Bioengineering; Computers and Information in Engineering; Design Engineering; Dynamic Systems and Control; Electronic and Photonic Packaging; Energy Resources and Power Generation; Environmental Engineering; Education; Fluid Power Systems; Fluids Engineering; Gas Turbines; Heat Transfer; Internal Combustion Engines; Management; Manufacturing; Materials and Material Handling; Microelectromechanical; Noise Control and Acoustics; Nanotechnology; Nondestructive Evaluation; Nuclear Engineering; Plant Engineering and Maintenance; Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering; Pipeline Systems; Pressure Vessels and Piping; Process Industries; Rail Transportation; Robotics and Automation; Safety and Risk Analysis; Solar Energy; Solid Waste Processing; Sustainable Engineering; and Tribology.If you are interested in contributing to the ASME Open Journal of Engineering, please submit your articles at https://journaltool.asme.org/home/JournalDescriptions.cfm?JournalID=38

Model Based Approach for Automotive Embedded Systems

This paper discusses the use of Model based Development to accelerate development process of embedded control systems and technologies and tools used to support model-based development (MBD) from functional requirements to automated testing and Model based testing process. In past few decades automotive embedded systems are transformed from an electrical mechanical engineering discipline to a combination of software and electrical/ mechanical engineering. This evolution establishes software as a crucial technology. Growth of embedded software has led to more complex systems with multiple electronic control units of different characteristics in today’s vehicle. As a result, automotive industry focuses on a new trend Model based development rather than traditional method where software is handwritten in Assembly code or C language. However, quality assurance is important factor throughout the development process and testing is a key element for quality assurance.

Automotive Embedded Systems-Model Based Approach Review

The evolution of transforming from an electrical mechanical engineering discipline to a combination of software and electrical/mechanical engineering establishes software as a crucial technology. The current complex automotive system is the product of growth of embedded software. As a result, automotive industry focuses on a new trend Model based development rather than traditional method where software is handwritten in Assembly code or C language. This paper presents a review of the use of Model based Development to accelerate development process of embedded control systems and technologies. The paper also presents a review of the tools used to support Model-Based Development (MBD) from functional requirements to automated testing and Model based testing process.

Integration of BIM in architecture and structural engineering education through common projects

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most significant developments in architecture and civil engineering in recent years, therefore it becomes increasingly important to promote its integration into university education. Currently, several universities worldwide offer BIM courses in architecture and civil engineering programs, while many others are under the process of integrating BIM into their curricula. The goal of this research is the implementation of BIM into higher education (Széchenyi István University, Hungary) by integrating the architectural, structural, and mechanical engineering disciplines. An important advantage of the university is that the architecture and civil engineering programs belong to the same faculty, which allows students to work together on common projects. A new course was performed in the previous semester, in which the students are designing contemporary buildings as case studies. In this paper, the results of the integration process are presented and evaluated based on the trainers’ and students’ experiences.

Participatory design approach to address water crisis in the village of Karkatta, Jharkhand, India

Several Indian rural communities are marginalized due to the multi-dimensional sustainability challenges prevalent in their communities. The interrelationships between these challenges are also very complex. Previous remedial measures were unable to address the intricacies of the interconnected challenges. This study reveals how water scarcity during the summer months, experienced by a community residing in an Indian village named Karkatta, obligates the community to abandon agricultural practices during summer, culminating in significant risk of poverty. Students and faculty of the Live-in-Labs® program undertook diverse approaches to experience and engage in solving the challenges of this community. This work proposed a Human-Centered Design approach to analyze the water scarcity problem and elucidate potential solutions. The participatory methods, including co-design, were marshalled to get a handle of the multidimensional challenges from the stakeholder perspective, and develop the design requirements for the recommended solution. Meteorology, hydrology, geology, agriculture and mechanical engineering disciplines were unified in the derivation of a solution to ensure multi-dimensional sustainability of water, agriculture, and livelihood in Karkatta. The proffered design exploits advanced knowledge from these multiple domains towards combining rainwater harvesting, irrigation strategies, and less water-intensive crop-based agricultural choices while converting a water-scarce region to one of a water surplus.

Preface

Vasireddy Venkatadri Institute of Technology was established under the aegis of Social Educational Trust, Guntur in the year 2007. It has become an autonomous college from the academic year 2019-2020. All six departments are accredited by NBA, New Delhi and accredited by NAAC with A Grade. Todayalmost 4300 students, 285 teaching staff and 315 non-teaching staff strive to fulfill the vision of VVIT. The college has professionally qualified and experienced faculty with 48 doctorates. Siemens Centre of Excellence with 15 high technology laboratories including robotics laboratory has been set up to provide training to the students including neighboring colleges. VVIT has many student chapters like IUCEE (EWB), IE(I), IETE, IEEE. In the Private or self-financed Colleges category, VVIT has been ranked under Band-A (Rank between 6th - 25th) across the entire country by Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievement, MHRD, Govt of India. VVIT stood first in Times of Indian Ranking-2020.It is the youngest Engineering College in the state to achieve this recognition. MoUs with Google Inc. USA for establishing Google Code labs, Stanford University USA under University Innovative Fellowship (UIF) program and 3D Experience Lab established by Dassault Systems, France signify our commitment to update quality technical education. Realizing the slogan that “Everyone Counts,” VVIT has the unique achievement of having placed most of its students in MNCs like Amazon, DBS bank, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Athena Health Care, Open Text, Genpact, Sutherlands, CSS Corp, Convergys, Apps Associates, etc. (about 95 companies) every year. About Conference New Technologies are emerging every day that may radically transform the future of engineering. Vision of this conference is to promote excellence in scientific knowledge and innovations in the field of Civil and Mechanical engineering and related disciplines to motivate young researchers. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for faculty members, students’ researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the practical fields. We welcome technical papers presenting research and experimental results, position papers addressing the pros and cons of specific proposals, such as those being discussed in the standard or in industry consortia, survey papers addressing the key problems and solutions on any of the topics or research papers on work in progressList of Conference themes, Organizing Committee, Conference Committees and Editors are available in this Pdf.

A campus start-up ecosystem for mechanical engineering students: Challenges, approaches, catalysts and solutions

Start-up ecosystems are emerging rapidly worldwide. The speed of technology innovation and the diversity of business ideas keep the start-up landscape in constant flux. While many emerging start-ups are in the areas of electronics and information sciences, the field of mechanical engineering has huge potential that has yet to be exploited. Today’s mechanical engineering students need to be well positioned to recognize and seize potential start-up opportunities. This study examines the involvement of Indian mechanical engineering students in campus start-ups and the challenges they face in nascent entrepreneurship. Structural equation modelling was applied to a sample of 396 final-year undergraduate mechanical engineering students from the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University in Kerala. Data collection was achieved through a questionnaire developed on the basis of existing literature, feedback and market research. The findings highlight the currently prevailing barriers and best practices, and recommendations are derived for leveraging the nascent entrepreneurship potential of the mechanical engineering discipline. The negative effects of the barriers are positively moderated by the activities of campus-based entrepreneurship centres. The study results provide insights into the role of universities, higher education departments and government agencies in promoting a sustainable campus start-up culture through entrepreneurial learning.

Preface

The 6th biennial International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering Science and Technology; ICETEST 2020 has been organized by Government Engineering College Thrissur, Kerala, India, from 17 to 19 December 2020. The three sub-conferences organized under the aegis of ICETEST 2020 are; International Conference on Civil engineering Advances for Sustainable Infrastructure Development & Environment (CEASIDE 2020), International Conference on Recent Advances in Materials Processing and Technology for Sustainability (RAMPTS 2020) and International Conference on Power Instrumentation Control and Computing (PICC 2020) sponsored by IEEE.Government Engineering College Thrissur (GEC Thrissur), Kerala, is an ISO 9001: 2015 QMS certified institution and also one of the most prestigious and reputed technical education institutions in India. The College was established in the year 1957 with under graduate programs in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical engineering disciplines. From the humble beginning in 1957, the institution has made substantial progress in all areas and, at present, offering eight undergraduate programs, twelve post-graduate programs and doctoral programs in various engineering disciplines and architecture with an intake of more than 1000 students per annum. Most of the UG and PG programs offered by the college have been accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), India.Government Engineering College Thrissur has been organizing the biennial International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering, Science and Technology (ICETEST) from the year 2009 onwards. The conference was then organized with the title theme ‘Materials for the Future’, focusing on research and development in the field of advanced metallic, ceramic, refractory, polymer, and composite materials and their processing. In the fourth edition of the biennial conference, organized during 2015, the title theme have been revised to a more broader ‘Emerging Trends in Engineering, Science and Technology’ and introduced multiple tracks with the track, Power Instrumentation Control and Computing (PICC) sponsored by IEEE. Ever since the first edition, the conference has received overwhelming response from academicians, scientists, researchers and scholars all over the world and has become a global platform to present, share and discuss their research findings in various fields of science, engineering and technology.Though, ICETEST 2020 has been organized under the shadow of Covid 19, the conference has received overwhelming response from scientific community all over the world. Altogether there were nearly five hundred contributory paper submissions to the conference. All the submitted papers have been subjected to stringent closed peer review by at least two reviewers and subsequently, ICETEST 2020 features more than two hundred contributory oral presentations in addition to eighteen Keynote and Invited Lectures. All the accepted full length contributory papers of CEASIDE 2020 and RAMPTS 2020 have been published in the journal, Materials Science and Engineering published by IOP Publishing, United Kingdom. Whereas, the accepted papers of PICC 2020 being published in the IEEE Xplore digital library.On behalf of the Organizing committee and Government Engineering College Thrissur, we would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to the patrons, advisors, coordinators, various committee members, faculty and staff members, reviewers, session chairs, speakers, delegates and publishers for their whole hearted support and cooperation for the successful conduct of the conference including the publishing of contributory papers. Conference Chairs: Dr. Haris Naduthodi & Dr. K K RamachandranList of titles Conference Secretariat, Organizing Committee, Editorial Board are available in this Pdf.

A novel framework for storage assignment optimization inspired by finite element method.

Considering necessary fundamental and structural changes in the production and manufacturing industries to fulfill the industry 4.0 paradigm, the proposal of new ideas and frameworks for operations management of production and manufacturing system is inevitable. This research focuses on traditional methods proposed for storage assignment problem and struggles for new methods and definitions for industry 4.0 based storage assignment concepts. At the first step, the paper proposes a new definition of storage assignment and layout problem for fulfilling storage mechanism agility in terms of automated store and retrieval process (AS/RS) in modern inventories. Then considering the shortcomings of traditional algorithms for storage assignment problem, the paper contributes a new algorithm called SAO/FEM (storage assignment optimization technique), inspired from mechanical engineering discipline for analysis and optimization of storage assignment problem. The proposed new algorithm about stress distribution analogy, and the help of the Finite Element Method and minimum total potential energy theory, proposes a new model for storage assignment optimization. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm in terms of calculation time and the best answer investigated through numerical examples. The article has developed an application for SAO/FEM algorithm as a value creation module and applied new optimized storage positioning in the warehouses.

Preface

New Technologies are being introduced every day, which is progressively transforming the future of this field. Vision of this conference titled “3rd International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Engineering and its Interdisciplinary Areas” is to promote excellence in scientific knowledge and innovations in the field of Mechanical engineering and related disciplines to motivate young researchers. The traditional field of Mechanical Engineering has become multidisciplinary and constantly evolving towards new concepts to optimize solutions to existing problems. Now-a-days, the academia and researchers are not only pondering but also experiencing the overwhelming outcomes of interdisciplinary researches. Moreover, it has been ubiquitously encouraged by the Governments, research agencies and by the academic institutions.List of distinguished keynote speakers, International Advisory board, National Advisory Board and this titles are available in this pdf.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Mechatronic Systems for Smart Manufacturing

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in mechatronic systems has emerged as a significant research area in the field of smart manufacturing. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the various AI techniques that are being employed to enhance the capabilities and performance of mechatronic systems in the context of smart manufacturing. The aim is to explore how AI techniques can be effectively integrated into mechatronic systems to optimize production processes, improve product quality, and enable adaptive and intelligent manufacturing systems.The paper begins by discussing the fundamental concepts of mechatronic systems and their importance in smart manufacturing. Mechatronic systems combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering disciplines to design and develop intelligent systems with enhanced functionality and performance. The integration of AI techniques in mechatronics brings together the power of AI algorithms and control systems to create intelligent and autonomous systems capable of making real-time decisions and adaptations. The integration of AI techniques in mechatronic systems holds great potential for revolutionizing smart manufacturing. By leveraging machine learning, deep learning, expert systems, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms, mechatronic systems can achieve higher levels of intelligence, adaptability, and autonomy, leading to improved efficiency, productivity, and product quality in manufacturing processes. However, addressing the associated challenges and focusing on future research directions will be crucial in realizing the full potential of AI integration in mechatronic systems for smart manufacturing.

Review and complement of methods for changing the movement speed of mechanisms and machines elements

In mechanical drives of machines there is a need to control changes in the speed of their actuators. Stepped and stepless gearboxes are used for this purpose. Known speed control devices have many disadvantages that adversely affect the durability and reliability of drive components and machines in general. These include the design complexity, high material consumption, automation complexity, dynamic loads during transitions from one speed to another, intensive wear of parts due to the friction connections use. The purpose of the work is to develop an algorithm for determining the kinematic, power parameters and dimensions when designing speed change devices through the ring gear of a gear differential with a rotary stopper in the form of a closed-loop hydraulic system based on authors’ previous computer-theoretical research and classical scientific advices. To solve these problems analytical expressions and graphs have been obtained for the relationship between speeds of gear differential links, the efficiency has been determined by the method of potential power – based on friction losses in each gearing. With the help of computer modeling of analytical expressions, using the MATLAB software, graphical dependences of efficiency have been obtained, which made it possible to evaluate the accomplishment of the gear differential in terms of energy consumption and possible self-braking. Based on Lagrange's theory, a dynamic model of a speed change device with a ring gear control has been constructed and a solution of the obtained system of equations has been proposed. The 3D modeling of the device has been executed and at the final choice of the optimum variant of model, after some specifications, development of technical documentation can be started. The results obtained have practical application at the stage of development and design of new speed control devices through the ring gear, allow to evaluate the operation of gear differentials in terms of energy consumption and self-braking and are the basis for further research. The graphical dependences obtained for the efficiency of the gear differentials clearly allow us to trace the change in the value of the efficiency depending on the angular velocity of the ring gear and the gear ratio. For the first time, analytical expressions were obtained to determine the efficiency of the gear differential of a speed-changing device with a driving sun gear, driven carrier, or vice versa, more accurately. The resulting graphical dependences for efficiency visually allow to trace change of efficiency value depending on angular speed of a ring gear, as a control link, and the gear ratio. Results are recommended for introduction into design and engineering practice at development of designs of speed change devices through differential gears of drives of various equipment and in educational process of higher technical educational institutions in discipline of mechanical engineering. Areas of further research – improvement of speed change devices through gear differentials in the design, manufacture, operation and repair.

A new classification of deployable structures

Deployable lightweight structures are studied in the disciplines of architecture, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering and other fields of their application. The research into these structures in individual fields resulted in a large amount of data sorted out by numerous classifications. The previously made classifications proposed by different authors are presented in this paper by the usage of reasonably unified tables that enabled a direct insight into the essential characteristics of these structures, their analysis and mutual comparison. One of the results of these analyses is the proposal for the unified classification given in a separate table in this paper. The results of interdisciplinary studies have been collected into a unified classification which could be applied for the research in different scientific fields, presenting the basic types of these structures, including individual elements and details with their characteristic features. The proposal of the unified classification of deployable structures is made according to the application of the basic elements used for structure forming. The suggested classification, with the review of the results of the present research, is a significant starting point for the scientists in different disciplines and it provides a detailed insight into the studied characteristics of these structures.

Engagement in Practice: Engineering Minority Student Engagement Project (EM-STEP)

The US is in greater need of STEM graduates to keep its competitive edge. Various US government agencies have raised concerns about shortage of STEM graduates for 35 years. It is equally important to keep US in technologically superior position. One way to grow the STEM workforce is to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. It has been reported that incoming students are weak in Mathematics and thereby having great difficulty in engineering courses. As a result, they are dropping out of engineering programs resulting in low retention and graduation rates. It is desired to reinforce mathematical concepts. It is desired to engage, mentor and tutor them to keep them from dropping. There are three objectives in this project. One is to increase recruitment; the second goal is to improvement via engagement and providing help. The third goal of increasing graduation rates will be automatically achieved by enhancing retention rates. To meet this objective, Engineering Minority student Engagement Project (EM-STEP) is using an innovative five prong approach of offering Saturday Academy, peer lead group, professional lecture series, freshman seminar and summer research projects. Four high D, withdrawals, incomplete and F grade rates courses have been identified and they are Fundamentals of Electric Circuit Analysis, Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics, Introduction to Fluid Mechanics and Introduction to Thermodynamics. Students in these courses are from four engineering disciplines of Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering. These courses are being taught in the Saturday Academy and twenty students are working as peer group leaders. We are also offering motivating lectures in the professional lecture series. Summer research project for 8-week duration is also offered.