NSF Award
9451300
9451300 Slater The proposed project addresses the use of electrohydraulic test stands to educate undergraduate engineers in the area of controls, instrumentation, and fluid power. The test stands will allow students to quantitatively evaluate design changes relative to system performance on a real-time basis. Total system response including transient and steady state can be monitored and analyzed. This integrated, interdisciplinary approach provides the student with an exposure to computer-aided design/analysis methods for real-time electrohydraulic control system design. In parallel, software-based simulation methods will be used to develop models which can be verified in the laboratory. Direct verification of principles provides reinforcement and builds student confidence. Structured methods of logical system design and diagnostic identification provide students with valuable experience for use in open-ended industrial design projects, which culminate the senior year. This problem solving/project experience and computer design/analysis skills are important capabilities required in today's global economy. The proposed project is innovative in that the use of electrohydraulic technology for undergraduate instruction in controls requires an interdisciplinary approach using fluid power, electronics and computers as opposed to teaching control systems within a single discipline such as electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, etc. Dissemination of the results will be through seminars open to both academia and industry. Past history has shown this to be an effective method for dissemination and adoption of the methods employed in undergraduate education and industrial instruction.
