Development of Low Cost Experimental Measurement Solutions for Capstone Design

Final Paper pdf 222KB

One challenge faced by students in realizing their final design goals for a capstone course is the validation of results obtained from numerical techniques, such as finite element analysis. This is particularly common in institutions where, due to resource constraints, students have limited access to testing equipment and lab facilities. This study describes the setup and implementation of a low cost bank of measurement test stations that can be easily acquired and implemented to assist students in validating numerical results. Test stations were developed to measure temperature, force, strain, or acceleration. The cost to create all four stations was less than $700. The intention of the stations is not to provide access to the most accurate testing capabilities, but rather to instill an understanding of the importance of developing experimental procedures for testing and validating numerical results using a structured approach.

Author(s):

Valmiki Sooklal    
Mechanical Engineering
Kennesaw State University
United States

Loraine Lowder    
Mechanical Engineering
Kennesaw State University
United States

Cody Meeks    
Kennesaw State University
United States