OSU MECHANICAL ENGINEERING E-BULLETIN

Issue #21

Week of March 13, 2006*

 

* International Leprechaun Watch Week

 

 

 

THANKS to all ME graduate students, faculty, and staff who contributed to the successful ME GRADUATE STUDENT RECRUITING WEEKEND this past weekend. Your positive energy, interest, and participation in the weekend’s events was a key part of our visitors’ experience and exposure to Oregon State. Thank you for your involvement!

 

 

ME Seniors: Please consider joining the Order of the Engineer

 

To all Engineering Seniors:

 

Some of you may be familiar with the Order of the Engineer, which was initiated in the United States in the 1970s to foster a spirit of pride and responsibility in the engineering profession, to bridge the gap between training and experience, and to present to the public a visible symbol identifying the engineer.  This is not a club or group with meetings or dues.  Instead, it is a pledge, taken by graduating engineering students, to uphold the standards and dignity of the engineering profession and to serve humanity.  As part of the pledge, the engineer will wear a stainless steel ring on the pinky finger of their working hand to remind them of their obligation to society, and will attend a ring ceremony where they will formally accept this obligation. The OSU Order of the Engineer ring ceremony is currently scheduled for June 17th at 1pm, prior to graduation, and ring sizing will take place between April 10th & 14th (time TBA) in the atrium of Owen Hall.

 

Upholding the professionalism and dignity of engineering is something that is important to our careers as engineers.  The Order of the Engineer and obligation of the engineer help reinforce the basic principles of our discipline and help keep engineering a noble practice.

 

I urge you to consider participating in the Order of the Engineer ceremony.  More information can be found at:  http://www.order-of-the-engineer.org/.  Thanks for your time, and feel free to contact me with questions.

 

Aaron Michel

ASCE Social Chair

michela@onid.orst.edu

 

 

 

Want to help with K-12 Engineering Outreach activities?

 

The College of Engineering has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available for engineering students interested in working with K12 students and sharing the excitement of engineering. Twice a month, we will be sending out a newsletter of upcoming outreach events. If you would like to receive this outreach newsletter, please email Ellen Momsen* at ellen.momsen@oregonstate.edu and you will be added to our distribution list. You will then be able to sign up for events that interest you and fit your schedule. It's a great way to polish leadership skills, and a lot of fun!

 

*In your email response, please include your name, year, and major.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

This Week...

 

Monday, March 13: Weekly Pi Tau Sigma Tutoring Session for ENGR 211, 212, 213 students. 5–7 pm, Caliper Lounge (4th floor of Rogers). 

 

Tuesday, March 14: Novellus Information Session, 5:30 pm in Career Services (basement of Kerr).  For these majors: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering.

Come and learn more about this employer and their opportunities! Also, Novellus is conducting On Campus Interviews on Wednesday, March 15th starting at 8 am. To submit your resume, go first to the Career Services website at http://oregonstate.edu/career/ and search for Novellus Systems, Inc. Please visit http://www.Novellus.com for more information.

 

Tuesday, March 14: Human-Powered Vehicle Team weekly meeting, 4:45 in Graf 210.

 

Tuesday, March 14: Mini Baja Team weekly meeting, 5 pm in the SAE shop (Rogers 132).

 

Tuesday, March 14:  BOWLING NIGHT hosted by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). FREE bowling and food!  6 pm in MU Recreation Center. Bring your friends, have fun, and learn about this exciting OSU club!

 

Tuesday, March 14:  Solar Vehicle Team weekly business/planning meeting, 6:30 pm in MU 211.

 

Wednesday, March 15: Microgravity Flight Team weekly meeting, 2-3 pm, basement of Graf Hall. (Look for the door with the DARPA sticker.) If you’re interested in finding out more about the MGFT and working on this year’s NASA research project, please join us!

 

Thursday, March 16:  Oregon WAVE weekly meeting, 10 am in the basement of Graf (look for the DARPA sticker).

 

Thursday, March 16:  Solar Vehicle Team machine shop work,  5 pm in WNGR 404.

 

Friday, March 17: HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!

 

Friday, March 17: James E. Bryan, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of Missouri – Columbia,  will speak on “The Understanding and Use of Electrostatic Forces in Fluid and Thermal Processes on Meso- to Micro-Scale.” 2–3:30 pm, Rogers 226

 

Plan Ahead...

 

Monday, March 20: Martha Gallivan, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, will speak on “A Systems Engineering Approach to Materials Processing.” 1:30–3 pm, Rogers 226.

 

 

 

 

FACULTY/GRADUATE SEMINARS

 

Friday, March 17, 2-3:30 pm, Rogers 226: James E. Bryan, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of Missouri – Columbia,  will speak on “The Understanding and Use of Electrostatic Forces in Fluid and Thermal Processes on Meso- to Micro-Scale”

Continued advancements in microelectronics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and power electronics is opening up new science and market opportunities in areas of chemistry, biology, medicine, cooling of high power microelectronic systems, and chemical processing. Many of these applications will require new technological devices capable of accurately controlling fluid flow from the meso- to the micro-scale. Among a few competitive methods, using electrostatic forces to manipulate fluids is a promising and experimentally validated approach. However, limited research has focused on liquid-vapor interfacial behavior in fluidic and thermal transport phenomena on the meso- and micro-scales. Coupling electrostatic forces and two-phase phenomena result in some very interesting yet complex fluid behavior.  The presentation will focus on recent research in three areas:

• Electrostatic forces for meso- and micro-scale fluidic systems;

• Active enhancement and control of phase-change heat transfer; and

• EHD enhanced free boundary flow for impingement cooling.

 

Informal social time starts at 2:00 (coffee and tea provided). Come meet the speaker and visit with colleagues! Presentation begins at 2:30 pm sharp.

 

Monday, March 20, 1:30–3 pm, Rogers 226: Martha Gallivan, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, will speak on “A Systems Engineering Approach to Materials Processing.”.

 

As understanding of atomic and molecular interactions improves and becomes more quantitative, it may be possible to use these models to design materials and the processes to make them.  Formal methods for process design and process control are routinely applied to macroscopic properties such as temperature and composition, but molecular models are rarely included in the formal design process.  Two design and control problems in materials processing will be described in this talk, each with its own modeling requirements and specific challenges.  The first example is in chemical vapor deposition of polycrystalline metal oxide thin films.  An optical sensor provides real-time measurements that are sensitive to temperature, film thickness, and microstructure.  A dynamic process model is used along with a sensor model to simultaneously infer microstructural and macroscopic properties, which can then be used for feedback control to compensate for disturbances and equipment drift.  A key challenge is to select the simplest possible process model to interpret the measurements. The second example is the design of feed profiles for highly branched polymers.  A process model has been developed to describe the evolution of molecular weight and branching architecture, and is implemented with a Monte Carlo simulation.  Good agreement with experiments has been obtained, relating the molecular weight to monomer concentration and mixing, and can be explained by the formation of cycles in the polymer.  The development of a model relating process conditions and molecular architecture makes possible the design of a process to achieve desired material properties.

 

Informal social time starts at 1:30  (coffee and tea provided). Come meet the speaker and visit with colleagues! Presentation begins at 2 pm sharp.

 

Note: The most current ME Seminar schedule and other OSU seminar information is available on the Rogers Hall bulletin boards near the ME main office.

  

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Department-wide…

 

FOOD DRIVE RESULTS:  Thanks to all who contributed to the OSU Food Drive.  Between the Valentine’s Candy Sale and the impromptu Bake Sale, we raised $175 for the cause.  Way to go ME! 

 

APPLICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM ADMISSION, ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS AND MECOP/CECOP are now available at: http://engr.oregonstate.edu/students/apps/. The deadline for all applications is April 10.

 

The APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR MORTAR BOARD SENIOR HONOR SOCIETY is 5 pm, Friday, March 24th. Mortar Board is a prestigious national honor society that recognizes college seniors for distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service. The OSU chapter is one of the oldest and strongest in the country and invites you to apply for membership. To apply you must have 115 credit hours completed by the end of winter term 2006, plan to be a full-time OSU student during 2006-07, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, be willing to pay annual dues of $60, and be willing to GET INVOLVED in a variety of service projects. Mortar Board is distinguished by its commitment to service, and we want you to be too. Applications are available online at http://oregonstate.edu/groups/mortarboard, or email Donald von Borstel at vonborsd@onid.orst.edu to receive one. Applications are due by 5pm, Friday, March 24th, in the Memorial Union Student Activities room 103, or by electronic submission to Donald von Borstel. Please direct all questions to Donald von Borstel at vonborsd@onid.orst.edu.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S RECORD-SETTING COHORT OF MECOP INTERNS! Seventy OSU Mechanical Engineering students have been placed on a six-month MECOP internships at 37 companies in the Northwest for Spring and Summer terms. This placement is at or very close to our record placement for Spring/Summer 2001 and is the largest involvement of different companies in taking ME students. Mechanical Engineering is the largest discipline in MECOP/CECOP and, counting PSU’s ME students, placed 81 students total. This exceeds our previous record placement of 75 students in 2001.

 

SPRING TERM REGISTRATION TIMES are posted on the bulletin board in the hall beside the office of Dearborn 102. You can also access this information online at http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/services/registration/priority.htm

 

Career Services is offering a 2-credit course during spring term: ALS 210: HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR INTERNSHIP SEARCH (2). This is an internship preparation course designed to provide students with the fundamental tools to find and secure an internship. Topics will include internship search strategies, resumes, cover letters, and interviewing. Guest speakers and site visits will provide additional insight into these topics from the perspective of employers and students with prior internship experience. Reflection on student's interests, values, and goals will also be integrated into the course. PREREQ: None. Course meets:  Thursdays, 3 - 4:50 PM. Everyone is welcome - there are no prerequisites or over-qualification.  

 

BOOKS FOR ZIMBABWE. So the OSU bookstore doesn’t want your used textbooks?  The University of Zimbabwe does.  Engineers Without Borders – OSU is a student group that organizes projects to improve the quality of life in developing countries.  Currently Engineers Without Borders is planning an end-of-term book drive through Better World Books to provide the University of Zimbabwe with much-needed resources.  Consider donating your used textbooks to support this effort and impact literacy efforts worldwide.  The book drive starts today (March 13) and runs through March 24.  Collection bins are located in the Valley Library, the MU Student Lounge, and the History Department.

 

SUMMER 2006 ENGINEERING CLASSES at Linn Benton Community College:

ENGR 201: Electrical Fundamentals: DC. June 26-July 28 (5 weeks). Lecture MWF 10:00-12:00 (BENTON CENTER: BC-244). Recitation UH 9:00-10:00 (BC 244). Lab UH 10:00-12:00 (BC-234)

ENGR 202: Electrical Fundamentals II: AC. July 31-September 1 (5 weeks). Lecture MWF 10:00-12:00 (BENTON CENTER: BC-244). Recitation UH 9:00-10:00 (BC-244). Lab UH 10:00-12:00 (BC-234).

ENGR 211: Statics.  June 26-July 28 (5 weeks). Lecture MWF 1:00-3:00 (BENTON CENTER: BC-244). Lecture UH 2:00-3:00 (BC-244). Recitation UH 1:00-2:00 (BC-244).

ENGR 212: Dynamics. July 31-September 1 (5 weeks). Lecture MWF 1:00-3:00 (BENTON CENTER: BC-244). Lecture UH 2:00-3:00 (BC-244). Recitation UH 1:00-2:00 (BC-244).

ENGR 213: Strength of Materials. July 31-September 1 (5 weeks). Lecture MWF 3:00-5:00 (BENTON CENTER: BC-244). Lecture UH 4:00-5:00 (BC-244). Recitation UH 3:00-4:00 (BC-244). Open enrollment for summer classes starts: June 5. Contact: Linn Benton Community College or John Sweet, 541-917-4624, john.sweet@linnbenton.edu.

 

INTERESTED IN WORKING ON A PROJECT IN NICARAGUA THIS SUMMER?  2006 Summer Studio: Nicaragua is a month-long service team experience in the village of El Eden, Matagalpa, Nicaragua.  Team members will help the villagers lay out a village "master plan"—an exciting project in urban planning and appropriate technology. For more information, read the Summer Studio brochure at http://me.oregonstate.edu/news/bulletins/NicaraguaBROCHURE06.pdf. The application form is available at http://me.oregonstate.edu/news/bulletins/NicaraguaApplication06.pdf. If you want to talk with someone about this opportunity, call or email Doug Haley, Resource Development Associate at

Agros International, 206.528.1066 or dough@agros.org.

 

MACHINE SHOP GUIDELINES. Sign-up sheets for the next week’s regular daytime machine-shop hours and the Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday extended hours are now posted each Friday. You can only sign up to use the lathes and milling machines for one 2-hour block per day.  You cannot block off more than 2 hours at a time, even if you are signing up for someone else.  If, at the end of your allotted 2 hours, no one else has signed up for the next block of time, you may sign up for that block of time.  Also, Senior Project, 383, Baja, and Formula groups may only sign up for one machine per group per time slot. This means if someone in your group is using a mill at 10 am, the other members of your group are only allowed to use one lathe at the same time. 

 

BUILDING/EQUIPMENT SECURITY ALERT. The ME department buildings and others in the college have been the recent targets of many thefts.  The state police have indicated that these recent thefts have been directed at laptop computers, which according to them are marketable for identify theft.  In many of these cases, the thieves have spotted a laptop through an office or lab window and have then broken it out to get at the items.  Many of these occurrences have happened in the Thursday night to Sunday period. Please be aware of anything unusual and report it to campus security.  Do not prop doors open after hours, and if you see doors propped open, please report it to the ME office. Be vigilant about keeping doors locked and secure.

                                                              

Did you graduate Summer or Fall of 2005, or are you graduating Winter or Spring of 2006? MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE ME GRADUATION CEREMONY, SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 4 - 6 P.M. This ceremony will be held in the Lasells Stewart Center, and will include individual recognition of each graduate. More information will be forthcoming.

 

Grad Students/Faculty/Staff…

 

NEW SPRING ’06 GRADUATE COURSE OFFERING: ME 667 Computational Fluid Dynamics<