Elastomer bushing response: experiments and finite element modeling

 Elastomer bushings are essential components in tuning suspension systems since they isolate vibration, reduce noise transmission, accommodate oscillatory motions and accept misalignment of axes. This work presents an experimental study in which bushings are subjected to radial, torsional and coupled radial-torsional modes of deformation. The experimental results show that the relationship between the forces and moments and their corresponding displacements and rotations is nonlinear and viscoelastic due to the nature of the elastomeric material. An interesting feature of the coupling response is that radial force decreases and then increases with torsion. The experimental results were used to assess bushing behavior and to determine the strength of radial-torsional coupling. The experimental results were also compared to finite element simulations of a model bushing. While finite element analysis predicted small displacements at the relaxed state reasonably well, the response to larger radial deformations and coupled deformations was not well captured.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42461/1/31630025.pd

Integrating Design Throughout The Mechanical Engineering Curriculum: A Focus On The Engineering Clinics

At Rowan University, we have infused design into the curriculum through an eight-semester course sequence called the Engineering Clinic. Through this experience students learn the art and science of design in a multidisciplinary team environment. While many engineering programs currently include a Capstone Design course taken near the end of the college career to meet the design needs, Engineering Clinic at Rowan allows students to hone their design skills throughout their four-year career. This paper will describe in further detail the objectives and execution of each year in the design sequence, types of projects and how the Clinics complement traditional core courses in the curriculum. Impacts and benefits of the Clinics on students and faculty are discussed, as well as comparative data of Rowan Mechanical Engineering students and their peers nationally

Design Integrated in the Mechanical Engineering Curriculum: Assessment of the Engineering Clinics

At Rowan University, design has been infused into the curriculum through an eight-semester course sequence called the Engineering Clinics. Through this experience, students learn the art and science of design in a multidisciplinary team environment and hone their design skills throughout their 4-year career. This paper describes the objectives of the clinics, types of projects, and how the clinics complement traditional core courses in the curriculum. Impacts and benefits of the clinics on students and faculty are discussed, including retention and graduate study rates comparing Rowan University mechanical engineering students to their peers nationally. An assessment of the clinics is presented based on survey data and accreditation objectives and outcomes. Survey data from students were assessed to determine levels of students\u27 satisfaction and confidence based on the clinics. Results of alumni and employer surveys also provide valuable feedback for assessing and improving the clinics as well as confirmation of the impact of clinics after graduation. Survey data are discussed along with challenges of the clinics at Rowan and adaptability of them at other institutions. Overall, the clinics are a positive and integrated design experience in the curriculum and assist students in achieving the program objectives