This project enhances the junior and senior-level Mechanical Engineering laboratory facilities to better prepare students as mechanical engineers in industry, government, and academia. The goal of this project is the development of a computer-networked automated data acquisition and analysis system for undergraduate students. Personal computers are linked to measurement, data acquisition and data reduction instruments via an IEEE-488 bus as well as the University of Texas Center for High Performance Computing. This networked system's capabilities allows expanded coverage of traditional topics and permits the introduction of appropriate advanced measurement and signal processing techniques. The efficiencies inherent in the integrated computer system enable students to more productively combine analysis with design. This facilitates the traditional, iterative design process thereby allowing incorporation of optimization techniques. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.
