Integrating The Mechanical Engineering Core

Abstract

This paper describes a new paradigm for integrating engineering courses-a systems, conservation and accounting, and modeling approach. The paper presents a historical background of this approach and discusses the motivation. The overall framework is presented, including the important concepts and definitions, the basic conservation and accounting equations, and a common problem solving approach. A detailed development is presented for conservation of linear momentum to illustrate how the equations are developed. Several examples are included to demonstrate how students solve problems using problem-specific models developed from the general equations instead of using a "plug-and-chug" approach. Experience with using this approach for teaching and curriculum design is discussed. Results to date indicate that this approach can improve student performance and help them develop a more integrated understanding of material that has traditionally been taught as unrelated topics.