syllabus

ME 484 - Mechanical Engineering Laboratory I

Fall Quarter 1996 / 2:00-5:00 Tuesday / BH 325

PRIMARY GOAL: To examine a problem in solid mechanics through combined experimental, analytical and numerical analyses.

INSTRUCTOR:     Dr. David Hall                  PHONE:          (318) 257-4127
OFFICE:         BH 255                          e-mail:         dehall@engr.latech.edu
OFFICE HOURS:   Monday: 11-1
                    Tuesday & Thursday: 8-10
                    Wednesday & Friday: 3-5

TEXTBOOK: None. A collection of reference books available in the library and through the instructor will be used.

GRADING:

        Weekly Progress Memos         18%
        Experiment Proposal           12%
        Midterm Report                20%
        Final Report                  30%
        Oral Presentation             20%

Note: Grading of memos, proposals, and reports will be based on technical considerations (engineering analysis, appropriateness of assumptions, computational accuracy, etc.) and non-technical considerations (report organization, neatness & professional approach, grammar, spelling, writing style, etc.).


GRADING SCALE:

        A       90 - 100%       (highest degree of excellence)
        B       80 - 89%        (superior)
        C       70 - 79%        (average)
        D       60 - 69%        (quality of work that is minimum for receiving course credit)
        F       < 60%           (failure)

Note: The lower limit in each grade range may be lowered slightly such that the division between letter grades occur at any large gaps in the grade spectrum. This adjustment will be determined only after the final averages are computed and may or may not alter the grade scale.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

Written reports are late if they are not submitted at the beginning of class on the day they are due. The grade on a report will be will be reduced by 20 points for each day the report is late.
A zero grade will be assigned to oral presentations not given at the time called for by the instructor, unless there is a good reason (e.g. serious illness).

CHEATING:

There is to be NO exchange of information, either written or verbal, regarding the data analysis techniques, analytical analysis, numerical analysis, or results. Any evidence of copying, cheating, or other form of unethical behavior will result in a penalty commensurate with the offense, ranging up to expulsion from the class and a grade of "F" for the course.
The instructor will gladly provide assistance after you have demonstrated a concerted effort to solve the problem on your own (within your group).

SAFETY:

Students are expected to follow safety rules during the manufacture of test specimens, setup of test apparatus, and testing.
Eye protection (e.g. safety glasses) is required during materials testing and setup and while working in the machine shop.

ATTENDANCE:

Class attendance is mandatory. Each unexcused absence will lower your final grade by 5% ( 1/2 of a letter grade). Excused absences must be requested in writing and must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

**TENTATIVE SCHEDULE**
Class Period	Tentative Date	Topic
1	Tu - Aug 27	Introduction, Class Organization Project Overview Review of Materials
2	Tu - Sept 3	Laboratory Demonstration Machine Shop Demonstration EXPERIMENT PROPOSAL DUE
3	Tu - Sept 10	Discussion of Technical Report Requirements Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Alogr Demonstration Progress Memo #1 Due
4	Tu - Sept 17	Finite Element Analysis Algor Demonstration Progress Memo #2 Due
5	Tu - Sept 24	Finite Element Analysis Algor Demonstration Progress Memo #3 Due
6	Tu - Oct 1	Brief Question / Answer Concerning Finite Element Analysis MIDTERM REPORT DUE
7	Tu - Oct 8	Brief Question / Answer Concerning Finite Element Analysis Progress Memo #4 Due
8	Tu - Oct 15	Brief Question / Answer Concerning Finite Element Analysis Progress Memo #5 Due
9	Tu - Oct 22	Brief Question / Answer Concerning Finite Element Analysis Progress Memo #6 Due
10	Tu - Oct 29	FINAL REPORT DUE ORAL PRESENTATIONS