Model Description This is a training aid that can be used during the discussion of engine knock in internal combustion engines, and to show the severe damage it can cause to engine components. This demonstration should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle Engine knock, or autoignition is the premature ignition of the fuel-air mixture in a […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the basic principles open and closed systems. It reinforces the conservation of mass and energy. This demonstration should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle Most students have a basic understanding of open and closed systems, but tend to get lost in the terminology. In order to assist in the […]
Model Description This demonstration is designed to show that the boiling point temperature of water is dependent on the pressure. This demonstration should take 8-10 minutes. Engineering Principle Most students are familiar with the process of boiling water on a stove, but this demonstration will show that the phase change is dependent on both pressure […]
Model Description This is a demonstration designed to generate a conceptual discussion about the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and the Kelvin-Planck statement of the law in particular. It utilizes a pendulum to introduce the concept of irreversibilities due to friction. This demonstration should take 10-15 minutes. Engineering Principle This demonstration is based on the assumption […]
Model Description This is not a hands on demonstration, but a visual aid designed to generate discussion about the Clausius statement of the 2nd Law. This activity should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle The Clausius statement of the 2nd Law states “It is impossible to construct a device that operates in a cycle and produces […]
Model Description Relative motion and no-slip wheel relationships are brought to life by means of a moving locomotive train. This demonstration should take 10 minutes. Engineering Principle The following relationships are utilized to investigate the velocity and acceleration of the engine piston and push arm given a train velocity and instantaneous position of the wheel. […]
Model Description This training aid demonstrates the translational and rotational kinematics of a rigid body in a non-rotational frame. This demonstration should take 10-15 minutes. Engineering Principle Building upon the concept of Rotation About a Fixed Axis (RAFA), the helicopter provides an excellent example to step into general planar motion (GPM) by first demonstrating the […]
Model Description This training aid demonstrates the kinematics of multiple connected rigid bodies in translation, rotation, or general planar motion. This demonstration should take 10-15 minutes. Engineering Principle This training aid demonstrates the kinematics of a multi-body structure. Motion for each part of the structure is classified and discussed. A KNEX motor brings the training […]
Model Description This training aid demonstrates the translational and rotational kinematics of a rigid body in a translating and rotational frame. This demonstration should take 30 minutes. Engineering Principle Building upon general planar motion (GPM) in a non-rotational frame, this model develops the need to address GPM in a rotational frame by examining a projectile […]
Model Description This is a simple demonstration of the basic principles and behavior underlying projectile motion. A Nerf gun is used to show that projectile motion can be modeled by a particle having a vertical component of motion with constant acceleration, and a horizontal component with constant velocity (zero acceleration). This demonstration should take 5-8 […]