Engineering design in a materials processing laboratory course through a guided case study

Richard Eitel, Joshua Peter Hill, Felix Jun Jie Zhang-Xu, Kathy Shiang Chiou

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Materials selection and evaluation is an integral aspect of the Engineering Design Process and an essential skill for the practicing engineer. Materials and their associated processing and forming methods serve to both enable and limit product design and performance. The current work presents the use of guided case studies as an approach to achieve a design-centric laboratory experience. The developed case study employed in the current investigation is the selection of sustainable materials for single use beverage containers. The learning outcomes of this approach were evaluated by surveys administered to two different groups of students: one group participating in the case study (intervention) and other participating in the pre-existing materials processing laboratory investigations (control) at two matched time points during the same semester. The initial self-assessment was administered before the three week case study intervention and the second survey was administered after the conclusion of the three week case study. Statistical analyses of survey results reveal significant difference between the two groups, in that students in the case study (intervention) group reported significant new learning in their ability to "design a materials specification" between the initial and final time points.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
Volume2016-June
StatePublished - Jun 26 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event123rd ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition - New Orleans, United States
Duration: Jun 26 2016Jun 29 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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