Mechanical Engineering Students Research Articles

Utilising Artificial Intelligence to Bolster and Refine the Production of Formal Letters in English Tailored for Students of Mechanical Engineering

Over the past decade, advancements in technology, notably Artificial Intelligence (AI), have significantly transformed educational methodologies and shifted the existing educational framework. Innovations like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Gemini have garnered considerable attention, with their groundbreaking features potentially revolutionizing the realm of education, prompting concerns among educators and researchers (Grassini, 2023; Halaweh, 2023). This research endeavours to utilise AI, specifically ChatGPT and Gemini, to bolster and refine formal letter writing and email composition skills among first-cycle undergraduate students enrolled in the English for Engineering module at a Spanish university. Initially, students underwent a pre-test assessing their English proficiency and confidence levels, along with their familiarity with ChatGPT and other AI tools utilised for educational and writing purposes. Subsequently, students engaged in collaborative group tasks using Google Docs within Google Drive. Finally, a post-test was administered to gauge students' perceptions regarding their experience with English for Specific Purposes, particularly English for Mechanical Engineering, and their utilisation of ChatGPT and other AI tools for educational and writing purposes. Findings indicate that integrating AI can enhance students' grasp of written language accuracy in formal letter writing, particularly in inquiries, quotations, and complaint letters, facilitating better organisation and structure in their written correspondence in terms of style, accuracy, and communicative efficacy. This study suggests that investigations like the one presented here enable educators to explore the incorporation of AI, specifically ChatGPT and Gemini, to enrich students' writing proficiency, foster creativity, and cultivate technological aptitude within the classroom setting.

Data proficiency in MAE education: Insights from student perspectives and experiences

This paper explores how mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE) students understand and improve their data proficiency throughout their engineering curriculum. Data is essential for engineering students to be proficient in handling, as it is involved in every aspect of engineering. With the growing ubiquity of data and data analysis in all engineering fields, engineering students need to learn and master data skills to be competitive in the current and future job market. However, there is a lack of research on how non-computer science or software engineering majors perceive data proficiency and how they seek opportunities to develop data skills, especially as it relates to specific subdomains. In this paper, we investigate how students perceive data proficiency and how they develop using interview data from N = 27 MAE students at a research institution in the southeastern United States. Using the How People Learn framework, we analyzed the data through thematic analysis methods with a postpositivist approach, considering the bounded context of this study. The results show that MAE students value data proficiency as a crucial skill for their future careers and recognize its importance in making evidence-based engineering decisions. The study also reveals that, even though data proficiency is often a “hidden competency,” MAE students intuitively find various ways to enhance their data skills. These findings may help engineering educators to tailor their instruction to their students’ needs, address misconceptions about data and data proficiency, and prepare a data-literate future engineering workforce.

Vocabulary Notebooks as a Noteworthy Powerful Instrument in Technical Vocabulary Learning

This research paper attempts to investigate the organization and effectiveness of vocabulary notebooks by distinguishing several benefits the implementation of this technique brings in the acquisition of technical terminology through an “English for Specific Purposes course”. When tackling with language learning, it is needless to emphasize the noteworthiness and the importance of vocabulary in this process. Appertaining to technical terminology, this plays entirely pertinent. Various studies have concluded that vocabulary notebooks (henceforth VN) efficiently expose different learners’ strategies within this single strategy, which led us to research VN. These research data were obtained mainly by applying the observational research technique, a vocabulary oral and written exam, and a comprehensive questionnaire on the effectiveness of the Vocabulary Notebook. Mechanical Engineering, Textile Engineering, and Hydrotechnical Engineering students at the Polytechnic University of Tirana were selected to obtain the data. The observation is partly overt and partly covert. Students of Mechanical Engineering and Textile Engineering (75 students) are the treatment group wherein the Mechanical Engineering students are an overt group and the Textile Engineering students serve as the covert observational group while on the other hand, the Hydrotechnical Engineering (45 students) students are the control group. The data were obtained during and at the end of the semester. Throughout the observation all along the 1st semester, it was perceived that most of the students organized their VN by utilizing mainly Microsoft Word downloaded on their Smart Phones, while the rest used the traditional paper notebook to organize their technical VN. The organization of the VN reflected the strategies each of the students implemented to learn technical terminology. At the end, students were tested on their acquired terminology through an oral and a short-written exam and then a questionnaire was handed to them. The students of the overt group making use of a digitalized form of a Notebook resulted to have acquired most of the technical vocabulary. In the main, the overt group outperformed the covert group on the acquisition of technical vocabulary, while the control group’s score on the oral exam was significantly below, compared to the all-inclusive treatment group. Students’ questionnaire revealed that overall students had a positive approach to this strategy and they embraced the autonomy acquired throughout the semester by implementing this strategy. With the exception of the effectiveness on vocabulary acquisition, which was on higher levels, this strategy proved itself once again to be an enhancer and promoter of learner autonomy. Keywords: vocabulary notebooks, autonomous learning, technical terminology List of Abbreviations: VN – Vocabulary Notebook, ME – Mechanical Engineering, TE – Textile Engineering

Exploration and Practice of Mechanical Engineering Talent Cultivation Model in the Context of Multidisciplinary Integration

In the context of rapid global technological development, the cultivation of mechanical engineering talents faces severe challenges. Traditional cultivation models, with relatively single-discipline content, are inadequate in meeting the modern industrial demands for interdisciplinary skills and innovative capabilities. To address this challenge, this study, based on the concept of multidisciplinary integration, deeply analyzes the limitations of the existing mechanical engineering talent cultivation model and proposes innovative strategies for curriculum systems, teaching content, teaching methods, and evaluation systems. Furthermore, it explores interdisciplinary integration and application in practical teaching. The results of the study show that multidisciplinary integration can significantly enhance the overall quality and innovative capabilities of mechanical engineering students, providing strong support for cultivating mechanical engineering talents in the new era.

Airfoil Design and Aerodynamics Characteristics of Energy-Efficient Race Car: CFD Analysis

The use of land transportation, primarily cars, is increasing annually. The energy required will increase along with the number of vehicles. Thus far, car manufacturers are required to improve car designs and propose fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly cars. The energy-efficient car competition, namely, Kontes Mobil Hemat Energi Indonesia, is organised for mechanical engineering students to contribute directly to research related to energy-efficient cars in Indonesia. One of the ways to save fuel is to reduce the aerodynamic force drag on the vehicle. This study aims to optimize the prototype vehicle airfoil design in producing the smallest possible coefficient of drag (Cd) and lift (Cl). A Taguchi design of experimental (DoE) is applied to set the 9 designs for this study, with three different values considered for each design parameters: Defiant Canard BL110, Clark YM15, Gottingen 256 for side airfoil shapes and Gottingen 410, Gottingen 460, and Boeing 737 Root for top airfoil shapes. This aerodynamic analysis uses the ANSYS 2020 R1 software, which is carried out at a speed of 30 km/h. Then the Cd and Cl values obtained will be analyzed. The results obtained for the optimal design of the Cd with variations in the side airfoil design Defiant Canard BL110 and top airfoil is Gottingen 410 with a Cd value of 0,1119. As for the optimal design of the Cl with variations in the side airfoil design Gottingen 256 and top airfoil is Gottingen 460 with a Cl value of 0,0250.

Exploring the Utilisation of Generative AI Tools by Undergraduate First-Year Mechanical Engineering Students in Programming Assessments.

Integrating the fundamentals of computer science and programming skills into the undergraduate engineering curriculum has been a primary focus for many educational institutions worldwide. Learning the basics of programming from the beginning of undergraduate engineering education allows students to incorporate such skills into their future work easily. Therefore, an introductory programming course for first-year undergraduate students has been running since 2021 in the Mechanical Engineering Department at University College London intending to teach the fundamentals of Python programming language. However, it is well-known that generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools in higher education are moving so fast that a wait-and-see approach cannot be taken. These applications have received much global attention from academics on their impact and proper use within the teaching-learning process. This paper investigates first-year undergraduate mechanical engineering students' use of Gen AI tools in their programming assessment. The results show that 60% of the cohort used tools that helped mainly to check their code, improve their English language, and understand error messages. However, 40% abstained from using any. Based on these findings, recommendations on how Gen AI tools can be utilised by undergraduate students in ways that support their learning and enhance their ability to achieve learning outcomes are made.

Reflective Questions: Promoting Metacognition Through Discussion Board Prompts

During two semesters, a numerical methods course for mechanical engineering students at a large US southeastern university used discussion board questions to promote reflection and metacognition. The course covered eight chapters, each with a related discussion question. The students could choose to answer these questions and receive 2% extra credit for the course. This was intended to help the students who missed some of the 30 online homework assignments that comprised 15% of the final course grade. The questions were also meant to encourage the students to think deeply and creatively. The students could see other students’ responses after they posted their own. The questions ranged from making a meme, writing a nursery rhyme, and explaining a complex or easy concept. Only 64% of the total possible responses were submitted by students, and there was a small-to-medium practical but no statistical significance between the levels of participation among the high- or low-performing students. The submissions were analyzed and determined to be at the low level of Bloom’s taxonomy. They identified complex topics to inform future instruction.

Evaluation of SPARK C++ usability: modular programming for mechanical and civil engineering students

Evaluation of SPARK C++ usability: modular programming for mechanical and civil engineering students

Analysing the possibility of using a hydraulic transmission with motor wheels for the nomad at off-roader

Problem. The creation of transport vehicles for operation in difficult road conditions requires solving a complex of problems related to the fulfilment of the necessary requirements for speed and traction characteristics, in particular, shifting modes, overcoming climbs, manoeuvrability and increased speed with its stepless change, anti-skid properties. Such requirements are achieved thanks to constructive solutions in transmissions of various types. Goal. The aim is an attempt to create a full-flow continuously variable transmission with hydrostatic transmission and motor-wheels instead of a step-mechanical one to improve the technical characteristics of the all-terrain vehicle and the technological possibilities of manufacturing the transmission by the block method when using standard components. Methodology. Based on the analysis of the technical characteristics of the analogue all-terrain vehicle with a mechanical multi-gear transmission and a review of achievements in modern hydrostatic transmission with hydraulic motor-wheels, static calculations were carried out to assess the possibility of creating a stepless full-flow hydro volume transmission and building its hydraulic schematic diagram. Calculations are based on mathematical models created on the basis of the laws of mechanics and hydraulics. The results. According to the results of the calculations, it has been shown that it is fundamentally possible to create a stepless hydrostatic transmission for an all-terrain vehicle with the specified traction and speed characteristics. Further research is proposed on the analysis of the dynamics of the hydrostatic transmission of the all-terrain vehicle and the creation of a corresponding experimental model of the vehicle. Originality. For the analogue all-terrain vehicle, the hydraulic motor-wheels required for the working volume were selected, which provide the parameters of traction and speed characteristics and allow creating an original transmission without the use of reducers and gearboxes. Practical meaning. The obtained results are planned to be considered as recommended for carrying out a functional and cost analysis in the design and determination of technological possibilities in the manufacture of a hydrostatic transmission of an all-terrain vehicle. It is also proposed to consider the method of calculating the hydrostatic transmission of an all-terrain vehicle in the educational process for master's students of industrial mechanical engineering when studying the disciplines related to the design of hydraulic drives and their tests.

Reflective Thinking on Enhancing Student Competencies in Learning Management through Outcome-Based Learning According to Constructive Alignment

This study investigates the implementation of learning outcomes-based education in mechanical engineering, focusing on students aspiring to pursue teaching careers. By using constructive alignment and reflective thinking methodologies, the study aims to enhance these students’ competencies in line with professional teaching standards. The study targets a group of 23 mechanical engineering students. The researcher’s established learning process forms the basis for the study methodology, incorporating learning objectives, active learning, and reflective thinking. The tools employed include a knowledge measurement test, activity evaluation through observation participation, follow-up on a permitted 5-level activity, reflection on learning experiences through writing, structuring learning activities in each subject, and assessment using qualitative content analysis. The results reveal significant variations in students’ academic achievements before and after the study, indicating moderate learning progress. The assessments of management learning performance are comprehensive, with learners engaging at the highest average level. This study underscores the significance of reflective learning approaches in developing competencies that align with professional teaching standards, enhancing students’ capacity to critically assess their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes, thereby influencing their actions and preparing them for real-world applications.

INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL COMPARISON OF PURE AND ALLOY CRYSTAL STRUCTURES IN MATERIAL SCIENCE LESSONS

Visualizing something invisible to the naked eye, such as the crystal structure of a material, presents a significant challenge in understanding the field of material science. Thus, this project aims to develop an augmented reality (AR) mobile application that can visualize and compare the crystal structure of pure and alloy metals to assist in understanding material science. AR is used to integrate real-world data with computer-generated content to provide an interactive approach that goes beyond traditional methods. The models of the crystal structures are generated using SolidWorks software and then integrated into Unity software to blend the structure into the real-world application. Next, Vuforia software is used to make AR accessible on mobile phones. As a result, ‘Crystal View 1.0’ is developed and ready to use on students’ smartphones. The application offers a mixed reality view, enabling the real-time visualization of the crystal structures and detailed descriptions. 81% of mechanical engineering students taking material science courses are interested in using AR to learn crystal structure. In conclusion, the application can help students visualize and differentiate the crystal structures of pure and alloy metals interactively with real-world applications, thereby boosting the motivation of science students to learn material science.

Learning by Doing in VR: A User-Centric Evaluation of Lathe Operation Training

This study presents the development and evaluation of an immersive virtual reality (VR) application designed for lathe operation training. The VR application, built using Unity for Oculus Rift headsets, aims to simulate a realistic lathe machining experience, allowing users to interact with the machine’s various controls and levers. The experimental analysis involved 20 s-year Mechanical Engineering students who performed machining tasks in the virtual environment. The usability and user experience of the application were assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a 12-item questionnaire. The SUS results yielded a high mean score of 96.25 (SD = 6.41), indicating excellent usability. The user experience evaluation also showed positive feedback, with high ratings for the sense of presence, realism, and usefulness for training purposes. However, some users reported minor physical discomforts such as dizziness. The study concludes that immersive VR is a valuable tool for enhancing training in lathe operations, offering an engaging and realistic experience that encourages active learning. Future work should focus on reducing physical discomfort and further improving the application’s realism and interactivity.

Leveraging Marker-based Augmented Reality to Enhance Simplified Representation Learning in Mechanical Drawing : A Practical Studies in The Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

This study aims to develop AR technology of simplified representations based on ISO standards and to quantify the efficiency and contribution of developed AR technology in assisting students in learning mechanical drawing. This research proposed a marker-based AR application development, intended for teaching simplified representations, named Augmented Reality Penyederhanaan Gambar - ARPeGa, and an experimental study to quantify the user experience (UX) using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). A pilot study involving 38 mechanical engineering students was conducted to evaluate the impact of AR involvement on user experience. In addition, the UEQ data analysis tool version 11 was used. The UEQ results showed attractiveness was excellent (1.87), while efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty were good (1.63, 1.60, 1.63, and 1.22 respectively). And perspicuity was categorized as “above average” (1.51). This study’s outcomes demonstrate that using 3D model visualization in the AR application strengthens user experiences to understand simplified representations. Overall, the application has a ‘good’ level in some categories: efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty.

Impact of Physical Model Projects and Multidisciplinary Teams in Fluid Mechanics Education

Fluid mechanics, a required course in many undergraduate engineering disciplines, is often described as a challenging subject as it weaves together advanced mathematics and physics to solve conventional engineering problems. This study examines the effect of incorporating a physical model project via multidisciplinary teams into two theory-based fluid mechanics courses to address two general questions: Does the design and construction of the physical model aid in understanding fluid mechanics concepts? Does working with students of different engineering disciplines improve student experience and comprehension? The study was conducted in Spring 2023 with a cohort of 49 mechanical and civil engineering students; each project team had a mix of both disciplines. At the end of the semester, all projects were presented at a common venue, followed by an anonymous paper-based survey. The results indicate that around 83.7% of students felt the project had an overall positive impact on their learning experience. Despite initial student apprehension about multidisciplinary teams, 72% of students appreciated the opportunity to work with engineers from other disciplines, with qualitative inputs describing the value added from varied skill sets. In conclusion, this project enabled students to apply their in-class training to a real-world model while working in multidisciplinary teams. The results provide insight into the implementation of similar projects and the value of multidisciplinary teams.

Education Management in the Development of Contextual Problems Using Mobile Augmented Reality to Support Mechanical Engineering Students Creativity in Learning Mathematics

There are still many mechanical engineering students who are passive in learning activities. The aim of this research is to create Mobile Augmented Reality to provide contextual problems to mechanical engineering students. So, students can imagine and be active in learning. The method used is 4D development (Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate). Apart from that, it uses quantitative research to influence the use of mobile augmented reality. Next is qualitative research to analyze the use of mobile augmented reality. The conclusion of this research states that there is a significant influence on the activeness and creativity of mechanical engineering students after developing and using mobile augmented reality in mathematics learning activities.

Educational impact of Metaverse learning environment for engineering mechanics dynamics

AbstractMechanics dynamics course is challenging for mechanical engineering students. Strong abilities in abstract thinking, reasoning, and problem‐solving are prerequisites for this course. Technology advancements in Industrial Revolution 4.0 have brought about significant changes in engineering education, and traditional teaching methods may no longer be sufficient to prepare students for the requirements of this industrial revolution. Relating to all Internet technologies, the Metaverse is an emerging environment that allows immersive interactive experiences to enhance comprehension. Combining Metaverse with constructivist learning, students can engage in engineering tasks and receive real‐time feedback for deeper understanding. Education 5.0 emphasizes the use of new applications and technology to provide more humanized education, with an emphasis on students' social and emotional growth and solutions that improve life in society. However, since the Metaverse learning environment is still in its infancy, more empirical research is required regarding the application of the Metaverse environment using a constructivist approach to facilitate teaching and learning in engineering, particularly in the setting of mechanics dynamics. This research proposal aims to investigate and design a conceptual framework for the Metaverse environment as an additional learning aid in mechanical engineering education. The research findings could enhance the quality of mechanical engineering education, which is in line with the current Malaysia education blueprint that is, the incorporation of new educational technology aids and interventions. Additionally, the findings could provide new insights into the design of engineering curricula teaching practices and the Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy policy of providing new educational platforms that is, to nurture a creative society and a skilled workforce.

PENINGKATAN MUTU AIR SUMUR SIAP MINUM MELALUI FILTRASI DENGAN BIAYA EKONOMIS

Water is one of important substance for human being. Good water for daily needs has to be clean, no colour and odorless. Other than that for consumtion good water also has to contain important minerals needed by human body. The villagers of Kampung Melayu RW 01 Kelurahan Setokok , Kecamatan Bulang uses rain water and digging well to get water for their daily needs. This water does not meet basic requirements for daily needs. In community service activity programme in 2020, the students of Mechanical Engineering of Engineering Faculty Uniba conducted education for the villagers on the importance of clean water for life and how to get it at low cost. The education focused on technical matter to get clean water by filtration system. Filtration method uses plastic bottle, gravel, cotton, charcoal and water tubing to purify water. After purification by filtration system water meets all requirements as stated in Indonesian Goverment Law Number 20 year 1990 on water quality standard. Keyword: filtration, purification, standard water.

Hubungan Nilai Praktik Kerja Industri (PRAKERIN) terhadap Minat dan Sikap Belajar Siswa Kelas XII Teknik Pemesinan di SMK Dhuafa Padang

Industrial work practice (PRAKERIN) is one of the applications of teaching methods in the form of field work, students are placed directly in the business world and the industrial world. This study aims to analyze the relationship that exists from the value of industrial work practice (PRAKERIN) with interest in learning and learning attitudes of XII grade students of Mechanical Engineering at SMK Dhuafa Padang. The type of research used in this study is correlational quantitative research. This study has three variables that will be analyzed. The three variables will be examined and analyzed to determine the relationship between the independent variable (X) and the dependent variable (Y). Industrial work practice (PRAKERIN) as an independent variable (X), Learning Interest (Y1) and Learning Attitude (Y2) as dependent variables. The method used is associative quantitative research method. Quantitative data in this study are the results of the answers to the student respondent questionnaire from class XII of the machining expertise program at SMK Dhuafa Padang. Based on the research results obtained by researchers, the following conclusions can be drawn. 1) There is a positive relationship between the value of industrial work practice (PRAKERIN) and student interest in learning at SMK Dhuafa Padang. 2) There is a positive relationship between the value of industrial work practice (PRAKERIN) and students' learning attitudes at SMK Dhuafa Padang. 3) There is a positive relationship between the value of industrial work practice (PRAKERIN) with students' interest in learning and learning attitudes at SMK Dhuafa Padang.

Validation of the use of concept maps as an evaluation tool for the teaching and learning of mechanical and industrial engineering

Abstract This paper presents the experimental work developed to measure the learning process through concept map analysis. The development of a concept map is requested by the students for each chapter or theme of the subject. As a result, maps from engineering courses have been analyzed. The measurements carried out consider several parameters, such as individual and team map building, student progressive knowledge level, and map complexity. Concerning the complexity analysis, the focus is qualitative, and it is based on the data extracted from the concept maps elaborated by the students. The study, conducted during the 2018–2019 academic year, included students from various academic levels and institutions, such as the Public University of Navarra UPNA and the University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, covering first-degree students of Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and first-degree students of Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering at UPNA, third-degree students of Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at UPV-EHU. The data collected from 37 individual maps in Industrial Drawing, 31 group maps in Industrial Drawing, 12 individual maps in Design of Machinery, and 12 group maps in Design of Machinery, along with a control group of 79 students who did not participate in any activity, provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of concept maps for evaluating understanding levels and learning outcomes across various engineering subjects and academic levels. The learning outcome of the students is treated to obtain the level of understanding of complex systems shown by the students through the concept maps previously drawn and the questionnaire answered by each student about the achievement of learning results through the use of concept maps. This work shows the research methodology established and the learning results achieved qualitatively: measuring the maps by means of a rubric, self-assessment based on a survey, and through the questionnaires. Also, the results obtained in the final exams have been compared. From the observed results, this methodology is presented as a suitable alternative for evaluating the correct acquisition of concepts in online teaching situations.

Teaching of Physics in Engineering from Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning Approaches

Within the scope of this research, an evaluation was conducted on the problem-based learning (PBL) and project-based learning (PrBL) methods in teaching physics to mechanical and electrical engineering students at a public university in Peru. Two groups, each consisting of 15 and 16 students, were carefully selected to ensure uniformity in academic, socioeconomic, and emotional aspects. The measurement of academic performance was conducted both at the beginning and the end of the period. The statistical analysis using the t-student test revealed that the PrBL method was significantly more effective than PBL. These findings underscore the association between the choice of learning methods and the specific scientific area being taught, emphasizing the superiority of the PrBL approach in this educational context. This discovery suggests that implementing learning strategies that incorporate a project-based approach can be a valuable option to enhance academic performance in scientific disciplines.