Analyzes Heathkit's multi-sensor educational robot (Hero-l), which, unlike most industrial manipulators, is capable of moving using a set of wheels. Includes discussions of its mobility, arm manipulation, applications for controlling specific robot tasks, future research directions, and Hero-l limitations. (JN)

Describes an Applesoft computer program which determines the shear and moment diagrams for any combination of four different load configurations on a simply supported beam. Examples of different load configurations and the diagrams produced are included. Also included is the program listing. (JN)

Presents a technique for the numerical inversion of Laplace Transforms and several examples employing this technique. Limitations of the method in terms of available computer word length and the effects of these limitations on approximate inverse functions are also discussed. (JN)

Describes a scheme for the mechanization of fixed-wing, lateral/directional dynamics as demonstrated on the EAI 580 analog/hybrid system. A review of the complete six degrees of freedom program is included, along with useful guidelines of aircraft simulation in the engineering laboratory. (Author/JN)

Describes the design and implementation of a simple robot manipulator. The manipulator has three degrees of freedom and is controlled by a general purpose microcomputer. The basis for the manipulator (which costs under $100) is a simple working model of a crane. (Author/JN)

Discusses development of an analog simulation program for microcomputers similar to those available on mainframe computers. The program is interactive, more user-friendly than batch mode mainframe simulators in use, and has user help, error detection, and medium resolution graphics for presentation of system responses. (JN)

Describes a relatively inexpensive system which allows students in a digital control course hands-on experience in the implementation of control algorithms on a variety of processes. The system uses two computers, one for real time simulation of the process and the other for implementation of the digital control algorithms. (JN)

To evaluate the use of computer graphics for illustrating kinematics in an undergraduate course, a student project of mechanism simulation and analysis was carried out using a recently acquired workstation. This project is described. (JN)

Presents the essentials of a program written in Intel 8080 assembly language for the steady state analysis of a combinatorial logic gate circuit. Program features and potential modifications are considered. For example, the program could also be extended to include clocked/unclocked sequential circuits. (JN)

Following a review of the theory of dimensional analysis, presents a method for generating all of the possible sets of nondimensional parameters for a given problem, a digital computer program to implement the method, and a mechanical design problem to illustrate its use. (Author/JN)

Describes an inexpensive, simple, microprocessor-based instrument which quickly and accurately measures and displays the indicated power and the pressure-volume indicator diagram of a reciprocating compressor or internal combustion engine. Hardware requirements, software considerations, and the instrument's educational value are discussed. (JN)

A computer program for office layout design written for an Apple computer is discussed. Through its application, the user is freed from the tedious tasks of template manipulation and manual drawing and can therefore concentrate on the creative part of the design process. (Author/JN)

A Commodore-64 microcomputer was used to develop a system which is useful for a variety of teaching laboratory and real time control applications. Hardware and software requirements and examples of experimental work with the system are provided. (JN)

Advocates that introductory computer aided design (CAD) courses be incorporated into engineering curricula in close conjunction with the system dynamics course. Block diagram manipulation/Bode analysis and finite elementary analysis are used as examples to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of CAD teaching. (JN)

Describes a system (Apple II microcomputer interfaced to flexible, custom-designed digital hardware) which can provide: (1) Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) computation on real-time data with a video display of spectrum; (2) frequency synthesis experiments using the inverse FFT; and (3) real-time digital filtering experiments. (JN)