Introduction to Experimental Methods

Description

Introduction to Experimental Methods succinctly explains fundamental engineering concepts in mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. From conceptualizing an engineering experiment to conducting a comprehensive lab, this book enables students to work through the entire experimental design process. Offering a complete overview of instruction for engineering lab methodology, the book includes practical lab manuals for student use, directly complementing the instruction. Numerous worked examples and problems are presented along with several hands-on experiments in individual lab manuals. This book discusses how to write lab reports, how to configure a variety of instruments and equipment, and how to work through failures in experimentation. Introduction to Experimental Methods is intended for senior undergraduate engineering students taking courses in Experimental Methods. Instructors will be able to utilize a Solutions Manual for their course. Features: • Provides an overview of experimental methods in mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics • Covers design of experiments, instruments, and statistics • Discusses SolidWorks and PASCO Capstone software • Includes numerous end-of-chapter problems and worked problems • Features a Solutions Manual for instructor use Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Preface Author About the Cover Chapter 1 Approach to Experimentation Experiment or Test Purpose Hypothesis Objective Discovery versus Structure Methodology Good Laboratory Practices Standard Operating Procedures Common Procedural Failures Exercises Notes Chapter 2 The Team Team Dynamics Leadership Communication Ethics Data Manipulation Plagiarism and Ghostwriting Artificial Intelligence Cautionary Examples Exercises Notes Chapter 3 Deliverables Written Plans Written Reports Organization of Content Expected Results Exercises Note Chapter 4 Design of Experiments Terminology Baseline Control Overview of DOE Experimental Designs Design Space Designing an Experiment Exercises Notes Chapter 5 Sample Size Rule of Thumb Confidence Interval Plot Hypothesis Testing Exercises Notes Chapter 6 Managing Experimental Errors Values Variables Error Human Error Strategies Loading Exercises Notes Chapter 7 System Modeling and First-Order Systems Model Fidelity System Order Exercises Note Chapter 8 Discrete Vibrations and Second-Order Systems Second-Order Systems Mathematical Model Response Plots Exercises Chapter 9 Continuous System Vibrations Natural Frequencies Shear and Moment Equations Exercises Note Chapter 10 Waves Wave Types Boundary Conditions Wave Equations Exercises Chapter 11 Stress and Strain Bending Shear and Moment Diagrams Strain Gauges Wheatstone Bridge Exercises Chapter 12 Photoelasticity Polarization and Birefringence Exercises Notes Chapter 13 Fractures Failure Modes Critical Fracture Stress Exercises Note Chapter 14 Non-Destructive Inspection Types of NDI Ultrasound Exercises Notes Chapter 15 Instruments and Sensors Test Equipment Sensors Power Source Thermocouples Exercises Notes Chapter 16 Analyzing Data Sets Distribution of Data The Normal Distribution Outliers and Chauvenet’s Criterion Exercises Notes Chapter 17 Evaluating the Hypothesis Quantifying the Hypothesis Statistical versus Experimental Studies Level of Significance Hypothesis Testing Relative to a Single Value Hypothesis Testing between Two Sample Data Sets An Unsupported Hypothesis Exercises Notes Chapter 18 Virtual Experiments Monte-Carlo Simulations Markov Chains Exercises Chapter 19 Unexpected Results Real-Time Troubleshooting Experiment Redesign Publishing Failed Experiments Exercises Notes Chapter 20 Reporting Numbers Decimal Precision and Significant Figures Uncertainty Exercises Note Chapter 21 Active Writing Plain Writing Act Active versus Passive Writing Revising a Passive Sentence Other Writing Pitfalls Inappropriate Report Phrasing Exercises Notes Chapter 22 Presentations Preparation and Practice Online Presentations Slide Preparation Data Presentation Exercises LAB 0: Teams LAB 1: Discrete System Vibrations LAB 2: Continuous System Vibrations LAB 3: Waves LAB 4: Stress-Strain LAB 5: Fractures LAB 6: Non-Destructive Inspection LAB 7: Monte-Carlo Simulation LAB 8: Thermocouples LAB 9: Thermal Loading Simulation LAB 10: Thermal Loading LAB 11: Fins LAB 12: Heat Pipes LAB 13: Pitot Tubes LAB 14: Pressure LAB 15: Aerodynamic Force Appendix A: Recommended Lab Plan Template Appendix B: Recommended Academic Team Performance Documentation Tables Appendix C: Course Organizational Tools Index