9451214 DiJulio The Mechanical Engineering Department at California State University, Northridge has developed new courses in automotive and environmental engineering. For the past nine years our students have distinguished themselves in national automotive engineering design competitions and as a result the ME Department has developed expertise in the area of alternative fuels. Last year as part of curriculum development in environmental engineering a new senior design course was developed which provides an opportunity for students to solve local industry's environmentally related problems. High student demand for these automotive and environmental engineering laboratories and a lack of new equipment threatens the quality of these programs. The State of California has provided limited, one-time funding for the 94-95 academic year for an engineering and computer science building expansion and laboratory improvement. This proposal requests matching funds for automotive and environmental engineering laboratory improvement. Specifically, the engine dynamometers and instruments requested will provide additional measurement, diagnostic and development capabilities in projects related to the use of alternative fuels in engines. Engine performance characteristics will be integrated with emissions measurements via the Department's existing exhaust gas analyzer. The gas chromatograph requested for the environmental engineering lab will be used to evaluate soil remediation projects and automotive emission of methane and non-methane gas concentrations. The requested equipment will support instruction and provide research opportunities for undergraduates in the future.
