Center For Writing Excellence

FAZEEL KHAN

INTRODUCTION TO LONG WRITING ASSIGNMENT

Fazeel Khan

Course: MME-311 (Dynamics).

Introduction to devices/machines amenable to engineering analyses at the junior/senior level provides a flexible tool for instruction.  A clear understanding and appreciation of the fundamentals of physics and engineering can be achieved by unveiling the technical nature of devices in our surroundings.  The use of a lecture in Dynamics (Fall 2003) to illustrate oscillatory motion through an introduction to the centuries old art of mechanical watch making was received with considerable enthusiasm.  The attempt here is to expand upon this approach by developing a writing project that encompasses an application not within the formal purview of the course, but one which can establish a strong link to the course material through some initial research and familiarization.

             

Students will be expected to undertake a brief self-study of the automobile engine.  In addition to the interesting historical development, the significance of mechanical components at the heart of the engine will be emphasized with an aim of mathematically modeling their dynamical operation.  Students will then demonstrate their analyses in a three part, stacked format paper which will also be an exercise in flexible communication skills since they will be constructing responses for different audiences.

SEQUENCED WRITING ASSIGNMENTS FOR STUDENTS

Course: EGR-311 (Dynamics), Junior/Senior level

Goal: To instill a rigorous understanding of concepts in dynamics through engagement in research methods, application of analytical skills, and the preparation of a technical report.

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The Task Ahead: This assignment will take you within the dynamical intricacies at the heart of the internal combustion (IC) engine. While recent discussions and research on the modern IC engine tend to focus on peripheral control systems involving sensors and software control to improve efficiency and performance, the mechanical core of the engine has changed little in nearly a century. The operating principle is governed by the simple need to convert linear oscillatory motion into circular motion. You will explore the concerns underlying this process in three stages.

Stage I, Acquaintance:

Using the recommended reading and utilizing additional resources, learn about the mechanical details of a four-stroke combustion engine.  Focus specifically on details associated with the motion of the piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft.  Collect data on an automobile engine of your choosing (bore, stroke, power, torque, and operating rpm range). Prepare a one page paper describing the operation of an engine.  Devote approximately half-page to the general operating theory and the remaining space to the motion of the three aforementioned components.

 

Stage II, Mathematical Analysis:

Material on two dimensional general planar motion has been covered in class.  Using your understanding of this material, analyze the motion of the engine components to quantify the velocity and acceleration of the various components.  Utilize these values to calculate the forces experienced by the components at various operating points (i.e. rpm values).  Present your results in the form of a two page report.  Your calculations can be supported by graphs and free body diagrams.  Clearly describe the application and/or limitation of any equation.

Stage III, Compilation & Presentation:

Marketing is interested in advertising an increase in engine displacement to remain competitive in the market.  As an engine designer, you are required to consider increasing the bore of an in-line six cylinder, four stroke engine from 86ima86 mm to 87ima86 mm.  Prepare a two page report, referencing your earlier mathematical analysis, to describe to the power-train engineering manager the effects of the intended change.  Assuming that the original designs safely supported maximum operating loads by a margin of 40%, how much does the proposed modification detract from this safety factor?

 
 
 

Recommended reading: Bosch Automotive Handbook 5th Edition.  Keywords – internal combustion engine, spark ignition engine, four stroke gasoline engine etc.  Note: Reference material might have to be obtained through interlibrary loan which typically requires 7-9 days.  Hence you are recommended to research material promptly.

Paper details: All papers should be typed in double spaced Times New Roman 12 point font.  Observe appropriate technical writing guidelines and proofread the documents before submission.  Your Stage II response will be returned to you with suggested changes.  These will have to be incorporated into a revised document which will be appended to the Stage III response.

Grading/Expectations: 

             

Stage I

The Stage I response will be evaluated largely for your understanding of the working theory behind an engine.  Describe technical details lucidly and succinctly.

5

Paper shows breadth in background research (greater than three references).  Provides a lucid explanation of the operating principal drawing, where possible, upon material encountered in courses.  Reflects briefly on the significant developments over the decades.  Clearly written.

3

Moderate research. Adequate demonstration of familiarity with the operation of an engine. 

1

Single reference.  Omission of details pertaining to the motion of critical components.  Writing marred by typographical, spelling and grammatical errors.

Stage II

The Stage II paper will be graded for technical content.  Your ability to accurately apply the class material and perform a correct analysis of the system are of foremost importance.

5

Accurate, detailed simulation of piston-connecting rod-crankshaft system dynamics.  Use of correct equations and justification of any assumptions.  Matrix representation of the data.  Use of equation editor.

3

Fair level of analysis in the simulation.  Lacking, perhaps, one aspect of the requisite analysis.  Average presentation of calculations.

1

Incomplete set of calculations.  Use of unsubstantiated parameters and values.  Poor presentation.

Stage III

Stage III has an overwhelming emphasis on sound communication skills and will expect that you can communicate your scientific findings in a manner that is understandable by individuals in a different discipline.

5

Thorough consideration of the impact of the stipulated changes.  Good integration of mathematical analysis into argument structured towards the marketing audience.  Good style with document reflecting having undergone a revision.

3

Moderate revision of Stage II paper.  Calculations not completed in their entirety/inability to correctly analyze the problem and make appropriate suggestions. 

1

Inappropriate style.  Difficult to follow references to calculations. 

 

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