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Introduction to Engineering

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Section 900 Monday/Wednesday 8:00AM-9:30AM 1008 FXB

INTRODUCTION TO SPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Pete Washabaugh/Leslie Olsen

This course introduces students to practical space-system engineering processes by the means of design, build, test and operation of simple flight vehicles (e.g. lighter than air craft). Students will design Mars surveillance blimps or dirigibles and fabricate and fly a terrestrial model. Students will be exposed to multiple disciplines in both engineering and the sciences including Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials and Atmospheric Physics. The class involves hands-on experiences covering nearly all aspects of a real mission including concept proposal, design fabrication, test, operations, analysis, documentation, and presentation of results. There will be individual training on fundamental diagnostic instruments, sensors, and computers tools. Specific experiments include multi-meters, power supplies, temperature and pressure sensors, thermal-vacuum testing, data acquisition, micro-controllers and radio controlled components. This section emphasizes individual hands on skills, oral and written communication and working effectively in a team environment. The course is supported by a dedicated design-build-test facility. Please note that that this is an intensive course involving a laboratory and a minimum of 6 contact hours per week.
There will be two Saturday events or "competitions" where students display their flight vehicles. The first event will be on September 27th from Noon-4pm. The second event will be November 22nd from Noon-4pm. Both events will be held in 1109 FXB and the FXB Atrium. A mid-term examination is also scheduled on Friday October 10th from 6 to 8 pm in room 1109 FXB. Any student registering for this class needs to participate in these three activities. During the week preceding the two competitions there will be optional lab time during the evening so that teams can finish their hardware and documentation. Each team will also need to schedule a practice oral presentation on either the Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evening before the Saturday events (plan on 1 hour out of the period 5-9pm). This scheduling will be done in class.
NOTE : To synchronize this section with available lab times, during the first week of class there will be special lecture and lab periods. Students registering for section 900 need to attend a lecture on Tuesday September 2nd 5pm-6:30pm in room 1012 FXB. Students registering for section 901 and 902 will need to attend a lab on Wednesday September 3rd from 5pm - 8pm in room 2251 FXB, and on Thursday September 4th from 5pm- 8pm, respectively.
Instructional Staff:
Instructors: Peter D. Washabaugh Leslie A. Olsen
Assoc Prof. Aerospace Eng. Prof. Technical Communications
Office: 3028 FXB Office: 305 EPB
Phone: 763-1328 Phone: 764-1428
Office Hours: By Appointment