In the mechanics of materials laboratory, experiments related to the mechanical properties of solids are conducted, using a number of specialized laboratory test rigs. Such experiments include deformation of cantilever and simply-supported beams, column deflection, stress distributions and stress concentration in beams, combined loading, impact loading, measurement of modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio, photoelastic stress analysis and brittle coating analysis. Furthermore, test rigs are available for experiments related to the motion of solid systems. These experiments include forced vibration, rotor dynamics, and measurements of engine performance using a dynamometer. Lab instrumentation includes strain indicators with simulators and switch-and-balance units, storage scope with strain gauge modules and computer interface, computer-interfaced height gauge, weight scale, XY recorder, signal conditioners, and load cells. Data is analyzed using computer software.

The thermosciences laboratory houses equipment for experiments related to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Rigs are available for measuring the thermodynamic performance of air conditioning systems and cooling towers. There are also test setups for investigating the solid body rotation of liquids, the performance of centrifugal pumps and fans and various characteristics of duct flows. Special test equipment is used to measure heat condition in solids, free and forced convection, radiation heat transfer and the performance of fins. Instrumentation includes digital thermometers, signal conditioners, AD interfaces, psychrometer, barometer, anemometer, two-channel function recorder with thermal module, matching network, thermal to AC converter, various manometers, pressure gauges, and pressure transducers. Data is analyzed using computer software.

The vibrations laboratory is used for experiments involving the dynamic characteristics of mechanical systems. Experiments involving forced vibration, rotor dynamics, and engine performance using a dynamometer are performed. In addition, state-of-the-art modal analysis equipment is available. This equipment includes a four-channel spectrum analyzer, instrumented impact hammer, and accelerometers. SMS Star software is used for animination of dynamic behavior and ANSYS finite element software is used for simulation of vibratory response.

In the general-purpose computing laboratory, IBM compatible personal computers are equipped with word-processing, spreadsheet, a variety of programming languages, as well as engineering-specific applications. A computer lab exclusively for advanced computing applications is also available. This lab supports advanced, computationally intensive software for the Mechanical Engineering curriculum such as AutoCAD, Fluent, and ANSYS finite element software.

For more information, contact Dr. Joe Rosiczkowski.