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The Future of Printing is 3D

Posted by Jessica Sabo on July 15th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Courtesy of Dimension Printing (UK)

At this year�s annual ASEE Conference in Austin, one of the main topics of conversation started with the question, �have you seen the 3D printer?�. The company Stratasys, Inc. has created their Dimension 3D Printers. Their latest innovation is their line of uPrint machines, which are less costly (prices starting at $14,900) and are small enough to keep in your home or office. The 3D Printers are able to create �functional 3D models from the bottom up, one layer at a time with tough, durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.�

Jesse Roitenberg, the representative from Stratasys at the conference, explained the benefits of using 3D printing as opposed to building models by hand:

�With a 3D printer, you are actually able to create an object as you had designed it. Once the object is created, the designer is then able to hold, test and verify the design. The object created is more accurate and the process is less time consuming.�

Roitenberg had a display of a variety of objects created by the 3D Printers including a replicated alligator skull, a working wrench, a small jewelry box, and just for fun, a figurine of the character Yoda from Star Wars. �You know all engineers love Star Wars, so once they see Yoda, they ask when the uPrint can be shipped to their house,� jokes Roitenberg.

Image taken at 2009 Annual ASEE Conference

The uPrint machines are able to print up to one cubic inch per hour. The ABS plastic is used to create each layer of the designed object. Stratasys, Inc. offers an explanation on how the process works:

STL files are imported into Catalyst� EX Software which automatically slices and orients the parts and creates any necessary support structures. The software automatically plots a precise deposition path for Dimension to follow. ABS plastic (in filament form within auto-loading cartridges) is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.007-inch (0.178 mm) thick. After completion of the build, support structures are simply removed.
ABS plastic is heated to a semi-liquid state and deposited in thin layers by a patented extrusion head.
Catalyst software automatically determines when and where to deposit ABS or support material throughout the build process.

ABS is considered a strong material and is offered in a variety of colors for the uPrint machines.

The Dimension 3D printers have been used in both educational facilities and the workplace, benefiting everyone from engineers to middle school science teachers. Below is a video of Jay Leno explaining how he was able to use the 3D printer to recreate an old steam engine car part. On the Dimension Printers website, Statasys will send a sample part as well as more information about the uPrint machines if requested (*no 3D glasses required*).

Filed under Future | Tags: asee conference 2009, engineering

Closing the Gap for Good

Posted by Julie Dabrowski on June 10th, 2009 | No Comments »

New research shows that gender disparity in math skills is due to culture, not biology

Photo courtesy of neuronarrative.wordpress.com/

For as long as girls and boys have been attending co-ed schools, there has been a perceived gender gap in mathematical abilities that has seemingly led to a deficit in the number of women who will go on to study higher levels of math and to pursue careers in mathematically-related fields. This has always been attributed to an innate biological tendency of men to have the capacity to excel at mathematical reasoning, a tendency that was assumed to be lacking in women. However, a recent report from researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison proposes that the reasons for this disparity are in fact purely cultural, suggesting that it may be possible for our society to lessen or even close the gap completely.

Photo courtesy of www.lovetoknow.com

Janet Mertz and Janet Hyde, two Wisconsin professors, were puzzled by the fact that a gender disparity in math skills is not present in certain countries and cultures, particularly those in which a large degree of gender equality exists. In analyzing data from various tests and studies of male and female students at various educational levels, �the Wisconsin researchers document a pattern of performance that strongly suggests that the root of gender disparity in math can be pegged to changeable sociocultural factors. Such factors either discourage or encourage girls and young women in the pursuit of the skills required to master the mathematical sciences.� In other words, society is the cause for any and all disparities in skill level, and the commonly held belief that women are less capable in mathematics is a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Much of the evidence for the argument that boys are naturally inclined to be better at math stems from past studies that show greater variability in the skill levels of males, meaning that they are more likely to exhibit extremely high or extremely low skill levels in the subject. However, Mertz and Hyde prove in their research that this is not the case in some countries, several of which can boast of girls scoring in the 99th percentile in math skills at the same rate that boys do.

In the United States, girls are now performing on par with boys at all levels of math and are just as likely to choose advanced math classes in high school. Moreover, the gap is narrowing between the number of mathematically gifted boys and girls, suggesting that we are perhaps moving closer to achieving the results of those countries with a higher measure of gender equality. The number of female doctoral-level mathematics students has climbed to 30% from 5% in 1950, most likely a result of changing perceptions of the role of women in mathematical and scientific research.

Though hopeful, these results appear dim in comparison to statistics regarding gender disparities as well as overall mathematical skill level in other countries, particularly those of East Asia. Here, girls consistently reach the gifted level just as often as boys do, and both sexes exhibit median scores that are higher than those of the top ten percent of US students. In their report, Mertz and Hyde emphasized that �the future of the U.S. economy depends upon American society doing a better job of identifying and nurturing mathematically talented youth, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity.� Leaving women out of the equation will have devastating effects on the growth and development of the United States and will severely hinder our efforts at achieving global economic competitiveness with those countries which foster mathematical abilities in all their students.

For more information on this research, check out the article Culture, Not Biology, Underpins Math Gender Gap at ScienceDaily.com.

Filed under Education, Future, Global, Research, The Book Beat | Tags: Diversity, Education, k-12, math, women

Not Your Average Science Fair

Posted by Julie Dabrowski on May 22nd, 2009 | No Comments »

photos of student presenting their research at the fair. .

Last week, novice and experienced scientists alike flocked to Reno, Nevada to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. This event is the largest of its kind, affording millions of high school students around the world the opportunity to compete for nearly $4 million in prizes and scholarships. These young scientific minds first enter their projects, which may be focused in one of 17 disciplines, in state and regional competitions. Of the winning participants, 1500 were chosen to showcase their projects at the 2009 exposition and to have their work judged by doctoral-level scientists and engineers. Over 500 of these participants received scholarships and prizes for their outstanding work, and the top three winners were each awarded a $50,000 scholarship by the Intel Foundation.

This year�s winning projects included development of a biosensor to detect the presence of contaminants in the water supplies of developing countries; the isolation of a gene that can be used to improve the intelligence of a worm and may someday aid in the prevention and treatment of mental disabilities in humans; and the classification of a complex evolutionary relationship between sweat bees and nematode worms. Past winning projects have focused on everything from hydrogen production to cancer research to �cracking the brazil nut effect.� Toppling the commonly-held belief that male students are more naturally inclined to excel in the sciences, the grand winners of this as well as last year�s competition have all been women.

photo of 2008 IISEF grand prize winners.

Clearly, the above are not your typical science fair projects, but neither are we discussing your typical high school students. These are some of the best and brightest young minds the world has to offer, and past winners have gone on to make substantial contributions to their respective scientific fields. But producing a winning project involves a great deal more than brains and in-depth research. The successful participants must gracefully combine many seemingly unrelated skills into one complete package � skills that include writing, statistics and public speaking, just to name a few. Participants learn that science is more than just research and analysis; rather, one�s methodology and purpose must be presented clearly and convincingly in order to be accepted by the scientific community and the general public. The process of completing a science fair project �yields mature, self-confident, skilled, and competitive young leaders who have career goals and the preparation, discipline, and drive to attain them.�

To learn more about entering the competition, becoming a judge, or just to see what else students have to offer, see the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair website.

Filed under Education, Future, Research | Tags: engineering, engineering education, k-12, science

Chicago Gets a New View from the Top

Posted by Jessica Sabo on May 20th, 2009 | No Comments »

The famous Sears Tower in Chicago, IL will be getting more than a name change this year. Engineers have created a “skydeck” on the 103rd-floor of the famous building. Visitors will be able get a view of not just the city skyline, but down below as well. The glass box will extend almost 4.5 feet from the actual tower allowing visitors to appreciate the height of the famous structure.

Each �ledge,� measuring 12 ft long and 10 ft tall with floor space of about 4.5 ft by 10.5 ft, fits between existing columns. Structural frames, strategically hidden behind ceiling and drywall, support the boxes, which are being hung from cantilevered steel frames with no structural elements other than fastening clips, �resulting in an unimpeded view of the city of Chicago and the street below your feet,� says Terry McDonnell, principal at Halcrow Yolles, project engineer.

San Francisco based firm, Environmental Design Services, offered their engineering services to improve the quality of the skydeck. Since the skydeck will be very high and risk more exposure to weather implications, air diffusers are directed toward the glass boxes to increase airflow and decrease condensation. Heat elements were also added to prevent ice from forming on the roof, and ramps were built to create access for those who are in wheelchairs.

Engineers have worked diligently to ensure that this structure is not only impressive, but safe as well. A series of tests were done on a mock model of the skydeck, which included adding 2 1/2 times the alloted code for pedestrian loads. All sides of the glass box also have redundant laminate to ensure safety. After testing, it was concluded that each skydeck will be able to hold 5,000 lbs and withstand wind pressures of 125 lb per sq ft. Construction on the skydeck began in January of 2009 and should be completed by June 2009.

Filed under Future, Innovation | Tags: engineering projects

New “Green” Power Cables on the Horizon

Posted by Jessica Sabo on May 5th, 2009 | No Comments »

Engineers at the University of Southampton are part of a team developing new “green” power cables which can be recycled at the end of their lives.

The project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) is being undertaken by a multidisciplinary team drawn from the University of Southampton’s School of Electronics and Computer Science, GnoSys UK at the University of Surrey, National Grid and Dow Chemical Company.

It is in response to a move in the UK and across Europe to place more of the power network that provides electricity to our homes and industry underground, particularly in areas of outstanding beauty and in major cities.

It is also in response to questions such as whether such cables could ever be considered to be environmentally friendly or have a low carbon footprint.

“Moreover, with the emphasis on ensuring security of supply and improving the amount of power that can be transported around the country with a cable that must operate reliably for 40 years or more, the challenge is to meet these needs and have an environmentally clean cable that can be recycled at the end of its life,” said Professor Alun Vaughan of the University’s School of Electronics and Computer Science.

Issues like these are being addressed in this new project which is developing new power cable materials and the tools to evaluate the complex and often competing factors which need to go into a full life-cycle assessment.

The aim is to determine the performance of a new design of plastic insulated cable and its impact on the environment over its complete life from raw materials, through manufacture and years of service, and finally recycling at the end of life. The outcomes of the project will allow utilities to choose the best solution for the environment and the power system.

University of Southampton (2009, April 27). New ‘Green’ Power Cables On The Horizon. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 5, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com� /releases/2009/04/090427075557.htm

Filed under Future, Innovation | Tags: green engineering

Utilities Enter the Digital Age

Posted by Jessica Sabo on April 28th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

According to an article in The Washington Post, many local utility companies are taking the initiative to improve energy consumption through smart-grid technology. The Maryland technology firm, Current Group, is on the forefront of this breakthrough.

Current Group aims to improve the communication between consumers and energy suppliers using a broadband network. Current�s Senior Vice President, Jay Birnhaum explains that the old grid system is inefficient and does not allow consumers a chance to be rewarded for cutting back on their energy usage: �Utility companies are deaf, dumb and blind to the problems on hundreds of thousands of lines in local distribution areas. These are extremely old grids, and the technicians don�t know how to measure what is going on.�

How the new smart-grid works is pretty fast and simple: �In the front yard stands a utility pole hooked up to a special transformer that connects the power lines to high-speed Internet. Hundreds of sensors attached to the lines monitor how power flows through the home. That information is then sent back to the utility company.� Also, since the electricity distribution will be automated, this new method would possibly make the grids more reliable and efficient.

Current Group hopes that by partnering with the utility companies and offering effective results for energy consumption, they would be able to receive funding from the government�s recent stimulus.

Current�s chief executive, Tom Casey, explains that this smart-grid technology would be beneficial for the government�s initiative to rely more upon renewable resources as well (such as solar panels and wind farms): �A smart grid�s system� can be paired up with renewable resources so that when the renewable source is varying, the overall load can be varied as well. This will reduce or eliminate the need for backup coal or gas-based power generation plants.

To read more about Current Group�s smart-grid technology, please visit the following article: Engineering a Smart Grid For Energy�s Future by Kim Hart of The Washington Post.

Filed under Future, Innovation

Senator Kaufman: “Want to Rebuild the Economy? Ask an Engineer.”

Posted by John Hunter on March 4th, 2009 | 4 Comments »

Want to Rebuild the Economy? Ask an Engineer.
By U.S. Senator Edward E. Kaufman (who has a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Duke University)

America’s economy is in crisis. We can either drown under the weight of the problem, or we can surf the wave of opportunity that it brings – to put science, engineering and innovation back in their rightful place in our economy. If every cloud has a silver lining, the financial crisis may benefit America if we respond by taking steps to once again lead the world by innovating new industries, businesses and products.

As the only Senator holding an engineering degree, I remember when engineering ranked far ahead of business administration as the premier college degree for those who had ambition and the determination to succeed. After the Soviet Union�s 1957 surprise launch of Sputnik 1, American leaders spurred the nation to catch up and improve our commitment to science. The Sputnik crisis led to the creation of NASA and other government research agencies, as well as an increase in U.S. government spending on scientific research and higher education. I was one of the young students who were drawn by �Sputnik� and our leaders� call to seek an engineering degree.

More recently, an inordinately large percentage of America�s best and brightest college students opted instead to take their �quant� skills in math and analysis to Wall Street. During the go-go years on Wall Street, America�s engineering and innovation class declined. And it wasn�t just that engineers were choosing finance over traditional engineering careers; fewer students were choosing to study engineering, period. Back in 1986, engineering and engineering technology students earned close to 10 percent of U.S. bachelor�s degrees. Despite attractive starting salaries, often above $50,000 a year, the percentage today is only about 5 percent. Only about 121,000 people earned degrees in engineering in 2007 � and that includes bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.

Today�s financial system meltdown gives our young people a new opportunity to take a hard look at where they want to spend their lives. And it gives America�s political and education leaders the opportunity to ensure that our educational pipeline is producing students skilled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 80 percent of the new jobs created in the next 10 years will require these critical �STEM� skills. While America must remain a leader in finance, it�s clear we need a renewed dedication to leadership in engineering breakthroughs in energy, biotech, biomed and other many other technically based industries.

Here is what we should do right away:

Find more and better ways to marry public policy and engineering. Many universities have begun to do this, but we also must act on the government level. Beyond the current economic situation, our nation, and indeed the world, is facing a potential crisis in the supply and demand for clean energy and water. How these issues are resolved will define our children�s future. These problems require technical solutions, designed by scientists and engineers who also have a basic understanding of cultures, religions, and policy.

Develop programs that allow students to �make a difference.� Create an engineering jobs corps � similar to the Peace Corps or Teach for America � to help channel the young talent emerging from our engineering schools. The fields of bio-tech and bio-med, energy and environment should attract socially conscious students who want to improve the quality of life.

Prior to graduating, engineering students typically must write a final paper addressing a problem to solve. Let�s publish those papers and make them available to government and to the business community, with authors� rights kept secure.

Reach out to women and others who have traditionally been under-represented in engineering. The United States cannot maintain its position as a technological leader nor can we solve the problems we face without the perspectives and participation of all members of our society.

When I went to college I wanted to be an engineer, in part because 52 years ago the United States was supporting science and engineering on an unprecedented level. America�s competitive spirit helped us meet the challenges of those times. Thousands of innovations created myriad new opportunities for growth and development.

We can do this again. The financial crisis should cause a cultural shift back to the strong foundations of innovation and know-how that have always been the American way. And the federal government should again invest strongly in supporting the basic scientific, medical and engineering research that will spur the discovery and innovations to create millions of new jobs and shape a bright American future.

Filed under Future, The Economy, The National Interest | Tags: economics, engineers, The Economy, The National Interest

FIRST in Kentucky

Posted by John Hunter on December 24th, 2008 | No Comments »

photo of Engineers of Tomorrow students building robots

photo from the Engineers of Tomorrow, Kentucky web site.

Science and Technology Celebrated in Oldham County (newspaper broke link so it has been removed):

In the early nineties, one man, an inventor by the name of Dean Kamen, set out to solve this problem. Dean founded, FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, an organization dedicated �To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.� FIRST’s pilot program began in 1992 with 28 teams from New Hampshire competing in one tournament, now the impact of FIRST in the 2009 season is projected to reach over 194,000 students through four different leagues, with competitions all over the world.

There is only one veteran high school FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team in Kentucky. Fortunately, this year that statistic is changing. Two more Kentucky teams are gearing up to embark on their rookie season. One of these teams is team number 2783, Engineers of Tomorrow (EOT). They are located in Oldham County, Kentucky. EOT has been working since May on various machine shop projects that have helped them gain experience for their upcoming competition season. In November, they were awarded a $6,000 grant from NASA.

The 2009 FRC season will begin on January 3, when teams around the world receive a description of the challenge and a basic kit of parts that will be implemented into their robots. The game is an intense match between two alliances of three teams who work to complete a series of tasks on a playing field during 3 minute rounds. The robots used to compete have a weight limit of 120 pounds. The extreme challenge is that these robots must be designed, built, and tested in just six weeks before being shipped to the team’s regional competition location. In EOT’s case this location will be Purdue University.

Filed under Education, Future | Tags: engineering education, k-12, robots

�Shuttle for Everyone�? Hermes Spacecraft Unveiled

Posted by Dylan on October 20th, 2008 | No Comments »

In 1903, two brothers who owned a bicycle repair shop believed that man could fly, and set out to prove it. Now, 105 years later, engineer and Star Systems’ founder Morris Jarvis believes that “anyone who wants to should be able to take a trip into space.” His Hermes Spacecraft is intended to do just that. Begun in 1993 in his garage in Phoenix, Arizona, the Hermes spacecraft is scheduled to make its maiden flight in October, at Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah.

While it remains to be seen whether Bonneville Salt Flats will be remembered with the same reverence as Kitty Hawk, with such powerful sponsors as Intel, GE, and ADI Engineering, Hermes has more than a fighting chance. Should the upcoming tests prove to be a success, Jarvis plans to “provide trips for about the price of a new car.” Looks like Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic has some competition.

Filed under Future

Video Games for Engineers

Posted by Sheri on September 16th, 2008 | No Comments »

Fantastic Contraption seems like a spin off of Phun, the software that allows the user to design and explore 2D multi-physics simulations. Like Phun it allows users to create machines that behave according to simulated laws of physics. Players create a machine and then test their creations to see how they might work in the real world. However, unlike Phun, Fantastic Contraption is more of a game where the ultimate goal is to build a machine that will transport itself into a �goal�.

What is neat about these new computer programs is that it provides players a chance to quickly and easily design and test their creations and to get a sense of how gravity and velocity might play into how a machine works. Best of all, both are described as slightly addicting.

Via Curious Cat: Phun Physics