ME 250 Precision Machine Design

Research Project Information

You research project is an important learning opportunity for you in this course. The purpose of the research project is to give you an opportunity to conduct research on a selected topic related to precision engineering and machine design as case study. The goal is to acquire an in-depth understanding of how precision engineering has been applied to some of the practical projects identified below.

You will work on the research project in-groups of two to be formed by 9/13/01. Each team should decide the topic by 9/20/01. Your grade for the research project will be based on performance in three areas:

1. Case study evaluation: 30%

Design: How were principles of precision engineering/machine design used in the project?

Research: How well and thorough did you perform your research on the chosen topic?

Improvement: What type of improvement in areas of precision engineering would you suggest for your case study?

2. Completeness and quality of your final report 40%

3. Individual contribution and effectiveness as a team member 30%

All three areas will be counted for 25% of the course grade. Project presentations in class will be counted for another 15% of the course grade. A total of 40% of your grade will be based on the outcome of the research project. The research project final report is due no later than 12/13/01 by 5 PM.

Suggested Research Topics for Case Study:

1. Gravity Probe B Project

2. Ruling Engines

3. Microtomes

4. Stepper (Wafer or Disk Drive) Design

5. Telescope Design

6. Optics Manufacturing Machines

7. Large Optical Diamond Turning Machine (LODTM)

8. Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC) Project

Note: ****Start Early and Have Fun with the Research Project****

This web page is under the supervision of Dr. Raymond K. Yee, professor of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at San Jose State University. For information, he can be reached at (408) 924-3935, email: rkyee@email.sjsu.edu