[Editor鈥檚 note: This is the final segment of a four-part series looking at the student-led .]
Mechanical engineering instructor Keith Regner is looking to push the College of Engineering and Applied Science toward increased student engagement in the classroom. The goal is to make abstract engineering concepts more digestible through hands-on learning.
Using funding from the Engineering Excellence Fund, Regner is incorporating a new lab into MCEN 3047: Data Analysis and Experimental Techniques. The lab uses a strain gauge, a small sensor used to measure strain on an object, such as a beam.
鈥淚t鈥檚 mimicking and mirroring the movement of whatever it鈥檚 attached to,鈥� Regner explained.
In Regner鈥檚 lab, no beams are in use, rather soda cans are tested to determine their internal pressure. After super-gluing the strain gauge to the can, measurements from the strain gauge are taken before and after opening the can.
鈥淲hen the soda can decompresses, the electrical resistance of the strain gauge changes,鈥� Regner said. 鈥淏ut because that change is so small, a special circuit is required to increase sensitivity to this change in resistance.鈥� This accounts for the three wires that connect to the strain gauge, providing a more documentable value to the experiment.
鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the more fundamental sensors in science and engineering. Here it is used in a simple way, but they can also be used to solve more complex problems,鈥� Regner said.
The idea for the lab came after Regner taught the class for two semesters and felt something was missing.
鈥淭his is a class related to everyday life as an engineer, but it鈥檚 only as useful as its labs,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 thought the labs could be improved, and this is a step in the right direction.鈥�
MCEN 3047 is based around sensors: how to set one up, calibrate, integrate with a computer, and take measurements to relate to a physical engineering quantity.
鈥淭his lab incorporates every one of those processes.鈥� Regner said. 鈥淚t allows for students to use theory they learned in other classes and apply it to a real life situation.鈥� He paused before adding, 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 fun.鈥�
Regner did a similar lab in his undergraduate career at Virginia Tech, and he still has fond memories he wants to share with his students.
鈥淚 want students to think back and say 鈥業 remember that soda can lab; that was awesome!鈥� just like I do,鈥� he said.
But without funding from the student fees that pay into the Engineering Excellence Fund, none of this would be possible.
鈥淲ith the funding from EEF, I鈥檓 able to run this lab for six semesters,鈥� Regner said. 鈥淲ith 100 students per semester, that鈥檚 a pretty high student impact."