A batch distillation apparatus has been designed and built for use in the undergraduate unit operations laboratory course. The column is fully automated and is accompanied by data acquisition and control software. A mixture of 1­-propanol and 2-­propanol is separated in the column, using either a constant distillate rate or constant composition…

A biomedical engineering course at the University of Wisconsin is described. The course is a comprehensive survey designed to develop the student's ability to participate in the solution of medical problems, particularly in areas involving technology. Course objectives and lecture outlines are provided. (MLH)

Describes an experiment in which atomic diffusion in a solid is accompanied by a color change. (MLH)

This is a proposal for a new, sea-level Panama canal which could accomodate large supertankers. (BB)

A simple problem (counting beans in a jar) is used to demonstrate an approach to organizing and quantifying decision making. The example shows that a willingness to go beyond ordinary engineering analysis may be needed to provide answers to many engineering problems. (Author/JN)

An instructional robotics laboratory that is unique in the United States was created in 1984 at the University of New Mexico. Descriptions of the laboratory, course work offered, student projects, and other areas are provided. (JN)

Addresses pros and cons of the current accreditation system in chemical engineering. Includes a review of the organizational structure of the accreditation process, accreditation criteria, and the author's opinions on the process. (JN)

Examines shortcomings that are not being fully recognized and addressed. For example, computerization tends to increase analytical precision at the sacrifice of accuracy. In addition, the computer has begun to diminish the art while emphasizing the scienctific elements of design. Possible solutions to these and other shortcomings are offered. (JN)

Describes experiences over several semesters with microcomputers in a mechanical engineering applied thermodynamics course. Includes course objectives, computer assignment structure, typical assignments, prewritten versus student-written software, and other topic areas. (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)

Degrees of freedom analysis, the nature of Sorel's equations and sparsity patterns, equation-tearing strategies, simple and complex separation operations, and the complete tearing method are among the topic areas addressed in this discussion of equilibrium-stage operations, with and without computer applications. (JN)

The organization and contents of a linear algebra course for chemical engineers are described. The course, which emphasizes both abstraction and application, meets twice a week for two hours and runs largely as a lecture, although active student participation is encouraged by frequent questions from the instructor. (JN)

Offers suggestions for introducing polymer topics into: (1) introductory chemical engineering; (2) transport phenomena and unit operations; (3) chemical engineering thermodynamics; and (4) reaction engineering. Also included for each area are examples of textbooks in current use and a few typical problems. (JN)

Current chemical engineering textbooks teach that the driving force for diffusive mass transport in ideal solutions is the gradient in mole fraction. This is only true for ideal solution liquids. Therefore, it is shown that the appropriate driving force for use with ideal gases is the gradient in partial pressure. (JN)