Hands-on Design Lab Facilities for Project Based Learning

The aim of this initiative is to create a hands-on Project-based Learning (PBL) environment for mechanical design courses (Mech-251, 351 and 352) and engineering science courses (Mech-260, Mech-265 and Mech-360). Such an environment will provide the opportunity for students to acquire manual skills and experience with the design process. This will develop in students the competence and confidence to participate in the technological development of our society. Further, this initiative wilt establish an open tab setting that provides standard components for fast prototype building, complements existing computer simulation and analysis capabilities and stimulates creativity, and teamwork.

It is generally accepted that PBL is a superior mode of learning. Since this mode offers a different paradigm of instruction from traditional lecture and classroom-based methods, the challenge is to create the environment that will support PBL. For mechanical engineering, this environment must bring together the computer simulation with the physical facilities necessary for the design process. Students will use existing Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) facilities for conceptual design, analysis, design modifications and embodiment design. To complete the design process loop, a scaled down prototype of the project will be produced in the design tab using standard and fabricated parts. Evolution of the final product will be attained through iterations between analysis and design modifications in the lab.

M. S. Gadala, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
A. Hodgson, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
D. W. McAdam, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
P. Cramond, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science