Modernization Of A Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Using Data Acquisition With Lab View
Gary McDonald, Charles V. Knight
Abstract
Computers using modern electronic instrumentation and data acquisition have revolutionized the experimental laboratory. With very limited funding available, universities face a major challenge in upgrading their older laboratories with state-of-art systems common to modern industry. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science has just completed this process for the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. The previous lab (a thermal science lab with 1 credit hour) used no computer data acquisition while the new lab (having both mechanics and thermal science components with 1 hour lecture and 1 hour lab) has the electronic instrumentation and data acquisition integrated throughout. No new laboratory systems were purchased as on-hand systems were retrofitted with new instrumentation and data acquisition using LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) The development of the new lab provided a challenge and comprehensive learning experience for the responsible faculty member while saving the university money. The paper describes many aspects of university related activities that were considered during the development of the laboratory along with the specific content of each laboratory.