Capstone Sequence A Overview
ME 4900
Intro. to Design Studies
ME 4901
General Projects
ME 4902
Motor Sports
Competitions
ME 4905
Assistive Devices
ME 490X
Special Projects
AFRL
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University
4900: ME Capstone Design
• 7 week introduction to design. Emphasize the commonality of a
general approach.
• Complete a mini project so they have seen the entire design
process before starting their main project sequence.
• Gateway for all students taking 4900 sequence.
• Fundamentals of engineering, design process, technical and
professional skills
• ABET-EAC “small letter” skills
• Want to engage students so focus on design exercises in
recitations.
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University
4900 Project Tracks Selection:
• 4901.01/02 – General Projects
• 4902.01/02 – Student Motorsports Competitions
• 4905.01/02 – Assistive Devices Projects
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University
ME 4901: General Design
Air Engine Project
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University4
Why Create a Course Around the Air Engine?
Great vehicle for teaching capstone design because it is
one of the broadest multi-faceted project. Focuses on all of
the sub-disciplines within mechanical engineering
including:
• Mechanical Structures and Materials
• Manufacturing and Assembly
• Statics and Dynamics
• Computer Programming and Control
• Friction, Wear, Tribology, Surface Finish
• Thermal Fluid Sciences
• Acoustics
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University
Other Educational Reasons: Electronics and
Digital Control
Students learn the application of electronics, digital control,
and programming skills in the solution of a practical
engineering problem.
Modern engineered products, from
washing machines to aircraft, are
creative combinations of electronics,
control, and mechanical systems.
Our students will benefit from a
through experience.
Currently our students only take a
circuits class. We have gotten very
positive feedback on including
programming and electronics.
Digilent chipKIt
Uno32 Microprocessor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University
Other Educational Reasons: Design for
Manufacture and Assembly
Emphasize DFMA (for Manufacture
and Assembly), Near-Net Shaped
Manufacture, Mass-Production,
Alignment and Tolerance Concerns.
Students are given a background in
manufacturing with an emphasis on
machining. Students have limited
experience in low cost production
methods.
This class emphasizing creating
design that are low cost yet high
value. In this example commercially
available projects are modified.
Low-cost Student Engine
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University
Other Educational Reasons: Incremental
Testing and Analysis
In the commercial world, there is a
strong emphasis on physical testing
for verification. Students will follow
a structured progression of
improving the design and continued
testing.
Students will:
• Run their engine for 2 hours to
verify reliability
• Test their valve actuation
program on a one-cylinder test
engine.
• Use engine dynamometers to
fine-tune engine power.
One Cylinder Test Engine
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University