I-012
"Muscletronics" - Teaching Mechatronics with Fluid Power Systems
Authors: Greg R. Luecke
Affiliation: Iowa State University
Abstract
The recent focus on teaching microprocessor interfacing and control has been fueled
in part by the abundance of inexpensive computational power available for use in
products ranging from bread makers to toys. The range of applications of computer-controlled
devices is not yet known, but many companies are racing more and more new designs
into production. Colleges and Universities across the nation are scrambling to develop
mechatronics courses, research, and even degrees in order to meet the demands of
these industrial innovations. One area in mechatronic systems that promises new
growth and challenges for industry as well as diverse and interesting learning challenges
for academia is in the area of computer controlled fluid power systems. Fluid power
systems are used in a wide variety of applications, and operate with various levels
of complexity that can offer challenges at many levels in the classroom and laboratory
setting. In this paper, we discuss the development of a mechatronics course at Iowa
State University with a focus on the application of this technology to fluid systems.
Dr. Greg R. Luecke
Associate Professor
3022 Black Engineering Building
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-5916 office
(515) 294-3261 fax
grluecke@iastate.edu