Pre and Co-requisites

CS 104: Prerequisite. You will have one programming assignment in this class in which you will use Matlab and three assignments that require you to program an Arduino.  If you have taken another course to as a substitute to CS 104, then you will need to learn the Matlab syntax.  There are several Matlab tutorials on the web.  You cannot take CS104 concurrently with MMAE 232 because the information you need to know for the assignment is taught in the last few weeks of CS 104.  

MMAE 200: Corequisite. You will need to know how to draw a free body diagram and solve a static sum of forces/moments problems.  

Sophomore Standing. 

Text

  1. Required - Autodesk Inventor 2020 Essentials Plus, Banach
  2. Optional - The Craft of Scientific Writing By Michael Alley. Springer, 3rd Edition.  This book is a great reference book and not very expensive.  You can typically find it used for less than $10. 

ABET Learning Objectives

This class covers the following ABET criteria:
1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • Each of the three projects in this class requires you to apply engineering principles to find a design that sufficiently meets the functional requirements. 
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • We will cover ideas of sustainable design in the course
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • We focus on written communication in this class. You will write three technical papers, one for each project. 
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • In the process of designing, you will perform many experiments to see what works and what doesn't. Based on those experiences, you will redesign and rebuild your devices. 
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
  • You will learn many new concepts related to mechanical design and apply those to your designs.

Class Topics

Design and development of mechanical systems. The design process, isometric sketching, engineering drawings, CAD, sustainable design, whole-system design and lifecycle thinking, design for product lifetime, lightweighting, technical writing, bio-inspired design process, mechanism and linkage design, actuators, and engineering and law. Individual and partner-based design and build projects focusing on sustainable design techniques, bio-inspired locomotion, and mechatronics.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • Create isometric sketches
  • Create parts, assemblies, and engineering drawings in CAD software
  • Use a laser cutter
  • Program and Arduino to control a servo motor
  • Design four-bar linkages
  • Understand and implement the design process
  • Understand and implement the bio-inspired design process
  • Understand and implement lightweighting and sustainable design techniques
  • Design, build, and troubleshoot three devices, which may include a sustainable, lightweight char, a trebuchet, and a bio-inspired robot (subject to change each semester)
  • Write a technical report
  • Apply engineering concepts to design projects

Grading

The course focuses on three main projects. All assignments are graded individually. Each project has an associated technical report. One of the goals of the homework is to help you create a small portfolio that you can use when looking for your summer internship (you are looking for a summer internship aren't you?).

There is no curve in the class. The grading criteria is clearly laid out for each assignment. Since this course is design based, there will commonly not be only one "correct" answer. Thus, if you have any questions regarding the grading criteria, it is your responsibility to ask Prof. Spenko for clarification. The final grade breakdown is based on point as follows:
  • 88+ A
  • 75-87 B
  • 51-74 C
  • 0-50 F
Each of the projects has a set of requirements that must be met to receive a grade. There is no partial credit - you either met the requirements or you do not.

There may be ways to receive extra credit throughout the course.  I will announce them as the class progresses.

Academic Honesty

All students are expected to follow IIT's and MMAE's academic policy. Examples of cheating in this class include, but are not limited to:
  • Copying assignments of other students
  • Giving your assignment to another student to copy.
  • Plagiarism
  • Fabrication of data or results
  • Copying bio-inspired robot designs from any outside sources (e.g. the Internet). I've seen almost every one out there and I've seen students try each and every one.  It doesn't work. 
Consequences for cheating are typically zero credit for that assignment AND zero credit for the previous assignment. However, each case is treated individually and left to my discretion. Your transgression will also be reported to [email protected] and the MMAE department's academic honesty committee.