SI Engineering 2009-2010

Java Applet

2011-07-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

This is a Java Applet created using GeoGebra from www.geogebra.org - it looks like you don't have Java installed, please go to www.java.com

LED and Programming Test on WEDNESDAY

2010-04-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

A test on Wednesday will cover:
--Basic programming
--Uses of LEDs in implementing programs

Reading Assignment Due Monday, March 22

2010-03-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Complete "Reading One" (pg. 3-11) in your manuals
Reading Quiz on Monday

Analog Electricity Quiz on WEDNESDAY

2010-02-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Analog Electricity Review Questions
This will cover voltage, current, resistance, capacitors, diodes/LEDs
An answer key to the review will be posted on TUESDAY evening

Analog Electricity Review ANSWER KEY

Tuesday, February 8

2010-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

Read the following pages in The New Way Things Work

pg. 313-315, 317, 327-330, 332

Reading Quiz in class on Wednesday

Thursday, January 7

2010-01-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

Complete the following questions in this quiz
#1, 4, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21
These are multiple choice and should be completed relatively quickly
Please print out or email the line that gives your results (bottom of page)
--i.e. "Your score is 5 / 21" (only a total of 12 possible)
You will be graded on completing it, not on correct answers

Spring Semester Begins

2010-01-06T08:26:00.001-08:00

As stated in class, we will be studying Electrical Engineering this quarter. To help get us ready, you will need to read the following:
--Electricity, Current Cart, Electric Circuit, Batteries, and Solar Cell (p. 258-259, 266-269, 271)
--Read to understand the BASIC concepts of electricity and how it works (AC vs. DC, current, electrons, etc); don't memorize the confusing vocab (N-type, etc)

There will be a brief quiz that summarizes the reading when we get into class tomorrow.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Stirling Engine Update and Extension

2009-12-18T09:28:00.001-08:00

Stirling Engine Grading (if you want to continue working)

50/50 – Fully functioning engine by midnight on Friday, December 18

45/50 – Fully functioning engine by 5 PM on January 4^th

40/50 – Fully assembled engine that can spin 3-4 times with a hand spin

35/50 – Fully assembled engine

25/50 – Partially assembled engine

Note on Testing: Please do your testing in an appropriately ventilated area. Outside is the best option. The chemicals, especially from a sterno lantern, are not healthy, so avoid closed environments. Always limit your testing process to 10 minutes at a time.

Fall Final Hints and Help

2009-12-14T16:41:00.001-08:00

Now, we know that the quizzes are great study material, but we would caution you to focus on a few things over others...
In each section:
Bridges – forces, what allows a bridge to be stable, what causes a bridge to collapse
Simple Machines – identification and mechanical advantage of each, effort vs. load, conservation of work
Gears – how to apply them, adjust them for mechanical advantage, speed vs. power
Cars – 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines, systems, alternative fuels, the role of specific systems and parts (we know, that’s not very focused, that’s pretty much everything)
Airplanes – how does a plane fly/maneuver in the air, how do adjustments affect flight, space travel safety and considerations

Basically, know what each thing does and why it works, but don’t memorize everything— go for understanding the foundation of each thing. You will be given the necessary equations, but make sure you know what they are used for. Let us know if you need anything else.

Here is a comprehensive list of the info that we've learned this semester, a.k.a. Study Guide, compiled mainly from lecture presentations. This would be a great way to refresh/review the information and continue to review from there. Thanks to Lizz for putting it together.

The Rest of This Week

2009-12-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

You've waited forever for it... WEDNESDAY IS BOATS!!! The other 2 days this week are WORK DAYS on Stirling Engines, so bring your materials!

Quiz on MONDAY

2009-12-04T19:02:00.001-08:00

Remember, we have our Flight Quiz on Monday!!!

And in other news... here are some successful Stirling Engines
Ms. Wilkinson's and Mr. Haluck's
Lizz Brooks'

Monday, November 30

2009-11-30T13:06:00.001-08:00

Due tomorrow -- Reflections on the Glider Flights
Among your group, you should provide one reflection for each change (moving wings forward, removing the vertical stabilizer, etc)
These reflections should include...

A brief explanation of why the plane performed as it did
Vocabulary words such as lift, drag, pitch, roll, yaw
Explain any differences between prediction and actual flight

Tuesday, November 17

2009-11-17T14:34:00.001-08:00

Plane Presentation and HW

Wednesday, November 11

2009-11-11T12:09:00.001-08:00

--Finish the "History of Flight" worksheet based on the video we watched in class
--(optional) Bring Stirling Engine supplies for our Thursday check-in
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Automotive and Gear Quiz, Tuesday, November 10

2009-11-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Practice Quiz KEY and Automotive System GoogleDocs

Knex Gears due on Monday, 11/9

2009-11-09T07:53:00.001-08:00

Your Knex Gear labs are due Monday, 11/9
--Answers to questions
--2 drawings

Gears and Ratios Presenations

2009-10-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Gears and Ratios Presentation

Fuel Alternatives Presentations

2009-10-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the resources to complete the Fuel Alternatives Presentations
-- Hydrogen Fuel
-- Ethanol Fuel
-- Hybrid and Electric Cars

Presentations will take place in-class, Wednesday, November 4.

Stirling Engine Project Timeline

2009-10-25T12:52:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that your Stirling Engine Project Timeline is due Monday, October 26

Quiz On Thursday, October 22

2009-10-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Quiz on Thursday
--Power Conversion (watts, HP, ft-lb/sec, etc.)
--Buoyancy (concepts and applications)
--Waterlines
Possible Other Topics
--Testing in Engineering
--Engineering in the Third World
Here is the Review Assignment and Solutions

We will also be planning out our Stirling Engine Timeline and answering questions about the resources [posted earlier - Monday, Oct 19]

Tuesday, October 20

2009-10-20T22:42:00.001-07:00

Automotive Engine and Motor Presentations

Monday, October 19

2009-10-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Stirling Engine Website - Instructions, etc.
Some additional hints/help can be found from Dr. Philhour, et al.

Automobile Systems Project on Google Docs
Due Tuesday, October 20 by 10 PM
--Purpose
--How does it work? Parts, etc.
--Connections to other systems
--Resources (online pictures, videos... links only)
--Approximately 1 page in length

Boat Project Re-do: Thursday, October 29
Lunch Sessions on Tues/Thurs

Boat Project - Due Monday or Tuesday

2009-10-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Reflection upon Design and Build Process
- 1-page minimum
- include technical drawings (initial design & final design)

What design did you start with?
How did that design change?
Why did you change your design?
What materials did you use? Why?
What were your greatest successes?
What were your learning experiences/mistakes?
What would you do differently next time?
Any other relevant information regarding the designing and building of your boat

Mathematical Calculations for Water Lines with 200g load, 325 g load, 525g load

Boat (in working order)
- Cargo area labeled
- Water lines marked on side

Cargo Boat PPT

2009-10-04T20:43:00.001-07:00

Link to the Cargo Boat/Buoyancy PPT

Hw

2009-10-01T12:42:00.001-07:00

Homework: read pgs 94-99

Sent from my iPhone

Guest Presentations - Journal

2009-09-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

Please answer each of the following questions in your journal.
1) What is different about designing for low income countries?
2) Why is it necessary to travel to countries that you are designing a product for?
3) Why is there a need for new products in these developing countries?
4) Some of the models that Peter brought were made out of foam board and PVC pipe. Why would models be made of this material? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using those materials?
5) Keoke spoke of using your skills to make the next best cheese slicer vs. using your skills to help empower people. What is the difference? Why would you choose one or the other? Can you think of any products that are very successful (earned a lot of money) and very useful (improved people's quality of life)?

Guest Speakers - Wednesday, September 30

2009-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Watch this brief video to understand the need for a wheelchair that can withstand third-world conditions: Wheelchair Video

Our two speakers will be...
1) Keoke King – Marketing Director – Whirlwind Wheelchairs
Excerpt from Whirlwind’s Mission Statement: “At Whirlwind we work to make it possible for every person in the developing world who needs a wheelchair to obtain one that will lead to maximum personal independence and integration into society. By giving wheelchair riders a central role in all aspects of our designs and projects we ensure that our chairs are appropriate for their real lives in their real environments.”

2) Peter – Recently completed graduate studies at Stanford in Industrial Design and Engineering
He’s working on a project to develop a low-power food mill that will blend in nutrition supplements to the local grains of Nepal, where malnutrition is a problem.

Due Monday, September 28

2009-09-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Knex Lab
-- Technical drawing of all 6 machines
-- Typed responses to all questions for each machine
Quiz #1 - Bridges and Simple Machines
-- Solutions to the Practice Quiz... posted below

1) The difference between science and engineering is the actions associated with each. Science is studying facts that already exist or discovering properties that occur naturally. Engineering is using those facts or properties to create something new or adapt an old product. Engineering is about creating, innovating, changing, and applying science knowledge to make things better or more efficient.

2) Google search those terms and look at the Bridge Powerpoints (posted previously) for more information

3) The first bridge is more likely to fail because gravity is putting tension through all the members, pulling them down. There is nothing there to keep it from falling; no members below it that can take on the compression to push it back up. Fix: There are many possible fixes, but you might place two members going from the center joint (the bottom of the current bridge) outward to the two pylons. These new members would be compressed by all the other members, keeping them up and acting in opposition to the gravitational force.

The second bridge might still fail (only slight possibility), but the design is stronger. The deck is under compression from gravity, so it wants to fall. The vertical center member will counter that compression with tension (essentially, the deck will pull down on the center member). The center member will in turn pull down on the top members, which will compress diagonally down into the pylons. The pylons will be compressed pushed out by the diagonal members while being slightly pulled in by the deck. In this design, there is balance between the forces and everything has an opposite force countering its effect, unlike the first bridge.

4) Torsion, Shearing, Weather, Resonance
Some informal research on Google might provide better understanding, with the help of pictures, etc.
Refer to Bridge Powerpoints (posted previously) for more info

5) W=Fd
W=(160 lb)(4ft)=640 ft-lb
W=Fd
640 ft-lb = (F)(30 ft)
F=21.3333 lb

6) Foot pump - Second Class Lever (because load is in middle)
Open a can of soda - First Class Lever (because fulcrum is in middle)
Diagrams not provided - refer to notes for that...

Two kids want to design a see-saw... This is also a TORQUE problem
Many possible answers because no length is given for the see-saw.
Assuming a length of 10 feet, this is how it would be done.
100d=75(10-d)
175d=750
d=4.285 feet
The fulcrum should be 4.285 feet from 100-lb kid, 5.715 feet from 75-lb kid.

Flyswatter (assuming you swing your forearm at your elbow)
(20 lb)(1 armlength) = F(2 armlengths)
F = 10 lb
Benefit of using flyswatter is that it moves twice as fast, which gives the fly less time to fly away

7) Torque - twisting/rotational force. See see-saw problem above for example of a Torque problem. Usually, these problems have to do with balancing.

8) That is not much force, but imagine having to exert that much force for a 1-hour car ride... It might be helpful to use a steering wheel, just for endurance purposes. Since the wheel has a radius of 12 inches, I would recommend that the wheel have a radius of 0.6-1.2 inches, so that the driver's 1 pound of force will provide 10 to 20 pounds of force to steer.

9) No Illustration, but it would have to be a pulley system that provides at least 5x multiplication of force. It would have 3 pulleys (6 cables) attached to the 25 pound load, which would allow 6x multiplication. That means the motor that pulls at 1 ft/sec would lift the load at 2 inches/sec (1/6 of a foot).

10) When a box is on the ground, both inertia and friction make it difficult to move. First, the box "wants" to stay at rest due to inertia. Secondly, friction is opposing any force that we place on it. Once you start pushing a box, inertia will help you (because the box "wants" to stay in motion) and friction will be working against you (because it will slow the box down).

Now, with the cart on wheels, you must really only overcome inertia to get the object moving. The heavier the box, the more difficult it is to push the cart. But once you get it going, the more difficult it is to stop the cart. Essentially, the friction with the ground has been removed by putting wheels on the cart. The wheels are well-oiled which takes away most of the friction while they rotate, but they will still have a minimal amount of friction with the ground. With a cart, inertia is definitely the biggest influence on the box's motion.

2009-09-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

By class on Monday read pgs. 30-32 & 54-57. Also, skim through the
applications of both wheel & axle and pulleys.

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday, September 15th

2009-09-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Homework for the evening of Sept. 15th
Read pgs. 18-23 and skim the applications on pgs. 24-29

Monday, Sept 14

2009-09-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

1) Read about Inclined Planes (pg. 10-11) in The New Way Things Works.
2) Skim Applications of Inclined Planes (pg. 12-17).
3) Create a technical drawing of the see-saw (pictured). Use a straight edge. Do not show every detail of the pieces used to create it. Just a basic, accurate diagram of the "machine".

Bridge Journaling Questions (Due Monday 9/14)

2009-09-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

Respond to each of the following questions in adequate depth. Be sure to expand on any opinions or experiences that you mention.
1) What have I learned about the process of building bridges?
2) What is the single most important shape in building bridges? Why?
3) Why is there a need for realistic computer simulations? What are the benefits?
4) If you were a bridge engineer in SF, what factors would you need to consider?
5) What are the benefits of each type of bridge? Limitations?

For reference, you can download the Bridge Presentations

Invention Report

2009-08-28T14:24:00.001-07:00

Due: Tuesday, September 1st
Pick an invention
Find the inventor(s)
Provide a brief timeline of the evolution of the product
Identify any significant science/physics concept used in the device
Find the scientist that discovered the concept
Provide a brief description of how the concept is used in the device
List any equation that is essential to the concept (if any)

Provide pictures, dates, and references for all information.

Use the assignment sheet you were given in class as a guide.

Email us if you have any questions.