DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Professor F. D. Carvin

Assoc. Prof. H. E. Walter

Asst. Prof. F. J. Burns

Asst. Prof. D. E. Davis

Asst. Prof. P. E. Schweizer

Mr. H. R. Booth

Mr. B. Eskin

Mr. K. A. MacFadyen

Mr. D. F. Oliver

Mr. J. L. Polaner

Mr. H. E. Purdy

Mr. A. Reminger, Jr.

Mr. E. W. Wraith, Jr.

Mr. D. E. Zeliff

The Mechanical Engineer is concerned with the problems of design, construction and operation of machine tools, of the power machinery to operate these tools and of power machinery in general, such as refrigeration, ventilation, automotive, hydraulic and heat transfer machines. He is greatly concerned with the problems of industrial management and public affairs in general. The subject matter covered by this department has been developed with these points in mind.

The first two years of the course develop a background of mathematics, physics, chemistry and English upon which the technical subjects of the last two years depend. An introduction to the technical phase of the work is had in this period through such subjects as engineering drawing, shop work and electricity. A practical view-point may be developed by work in industry during the summers.

In the third year, the student is introduced to the several basic courses in engineering such as thermodynamics, heat power, hydraulics, strength of materials, machine design and electricity. A knowledge of the problems of our social and industrial life is obtained by a study of economics, staff control and business law.

The student’s time in the fourth year, is divided between strictly technical work in college and an attempt to co-ordinate with this the cooperative industrial work in industry. In this manner, the practical side of his profession is emphasized. The technical work in school consists of applying the principles developed in the previous year to definite engineering problems. This is done by a study of power plants, turbines, internal combustion engines, heating and ventilation and structural design. In the laboratories, tests are made on various machines to determine their operating characteristics; fuels and lubricating oils are examined; materials are studied both from the machine tool view-point and their heat treatment and metallurgical properties. The economic side of the question is further emphasized by courses in management and staff control.

Students who have satisfactorily completed the first three years of work in mechanical engineering may choose the aeronautical option courses in the fourth year. In this course, some of the more general subjects in mechanical engineering are replaced by more specialized instruction in aeronautics.

Arrangements may be made whereby students of aeronautical subjects, who wish to enroll in the aircraft mechanics course at the Casey Jones School in Newark or in flying courses at the various fields, will receive credit in their co-operative work for such time spent in these courses. This work may be taken during the summer or during the regular co-operative period. The cost of such courses must be carried by the student; it is not included in the regular college fees.

The student branch of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers holds eight to ten meetings a year at the college. All students in the department are expected to attend these meetings.

Engineering Drawing

The aim in Engineering Drawing is to so train all the students of the engineering departments that they will be able to write, to read, and to understand the universal language of Engineering Drawing.

The work is designed as training for engineers, not draftsmen, therefore an attempt has been made to eliminate copy work as such, and to place stress upon an understanding of what is being done and of the reasons for doing it that way.

The ability to make good freehand sketches rapidly, easily and accurately is an asset to any engineer. Much time and attention is, therefore, devoted to sketching. An engineer must, also, be able to inspect a drawing and know whether or not it is well drawn, accurate and complete, so training is given in checking drawings.

The work is so planned that opportunities for the exercise of planning, judgment and initiative are given to each student.

Every student is urged to set for himself a high standard in each of the following items:

1. Accuracy—accuracy is a necessity.

Exactness, completeness, and fitness are of the utmost importance in the work of an engineer. A working drawing, no matter how pleasing its appearance, is worthless if the dimensions on it are incorrect, if important dimensions and notes are lacking, or if a job completed according to instructions on it will not function properly. Drawings lacking in accuracy are not acceptable.

2. Appearance—a good appearance is a predisposing factor.

The appearance of a drawing depends upon a few simple and easily mastered elements.

Balance: No crowding, no great open spaces.

Proportion: Of letters to views—of views to the size of the drawing.

Line Work: Clear-cut and uniform.

Lettering: Well formed and well proportioned. Poorly lettered drawings are not acceptable.

Cleanliness: Keep hands and tools clean.

3. Speed—Time is the essence of the contract.

Speed depends upon understanding, planning, mastering of technique and most of all upon concentration.

The Mechanical Engineering Laboratories

The Mechanical Engineering Laboratory is designed to meet the general purposes of testing and studying machines and materials. It consists of several distinct sections devoted to the special phases of experimental engineering. These sections are as follows: steam, internal combustion engines, flow of fluids, hydraulics, fuels and oils, metallurgy and heat treatment, and machine tools.

The steam division of the laboratory consists of a steam boiler, simple, automatic and compound engines, low speed and high speed turbines, jet and surface condensers, feedwater heater, pumps, weighing tanks, meters and calorimeters. Each machine is equipped with apparatus for measuring quantities conforming with the A. S. M. E. test codes.

The internal combustion engine section includes Diesel engines, a gas engine, Diesel and gasoline automotive engines and water and air cooled airplane engines. Each test engine is connected to a dynamometer. Instruments are provided for making the necessary measurements called for in standard testing. Several engines are used for study purposes.

The flow of fluids laboratory makes provisions for the study of the flow characteristics of steam, air and liquids. Instruments used in measuring the flow of fluids are examined and tested. Steam nozzles and orifices are attached to a condenser for steam flow tests. A forced draft fan and a two-stage air compressor provide air for the investigation of the flow in ducts, nozzles, orifices and general air machines. A small wind-tunnel permits the examination of air flow around small models. The loss of head in pipes, fittings and valves can be tested.

The hydraulic division contains centrifugal and reciprocating pumps, an open flow channel, weirs, nozzles, orifices, weighing tanks and meters. Hydraulic machines are tested. The friction loss in pipes and fittings is examined.

The fuel and oil section of the laboratory is equipped to make the various standard test of these materials. This includes calorimeters, viscosimeters, flash and fire point testers, distillation outfit and flue-gas analysis equipment. A lubarometer is used to test the coefficient of friction of lubricating oils and to study the effects of various bearing metals.

The metallographic and heat treatment laboratories are equipped with gas and electric furnaces, each with temperature measuring instruments, for the melting and heat treatment of metals. Microscopes, both visual and photographic, are used for the examination of metal structures. Grinding and polishing machines are provided for the preparation of specimens.

The machine tool section of the laboratory is equipped with lathes, milling machines, shapers, grinders, gas welding outfit and the usual small tools required for metal cutting. While the major part of the machine shop instruction is given in connection with the co-operative industrial work, this laboratory is used to demonstrate shop practice and machine tool methods in general.

The test work in the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory is designed to familiarize the student with the construction details, features of operation, methods of control and the comparative merits of the various machines. The student is taught to operate these machines in the safest possible manner and test them along the lines adopted by the various professional engineering societies.