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)

International Business Machines is providing hardware and software to the College of Engineering at Pennsylvania State University for a program in which students will design very large scale integration computer chips. (MLF)

Describes an interactive software system (implemented in IBM interactive FORTRAN) which carries out data analyses, parameter estimation, and process generation. Includes discussion of the four system modules (data preparation; selecting process for goodness-of-fit testing; goodness-of-fit calculations/reports; process generation) and educational…

Discusses uses of Apple microcomputers in the engineering technology department at Western Kentucky University. These include providing homework assignments, computerized laboratory reporting and testing, and development of computer programs on course content. Seven programs related to DC circuit analysis are discussed and titles of other programs…

Discusses a short classroom-based BASIC program which routes stream flow through a system of channels and reservoirs. The program is suitable for analyses of open channel conveyance systems, flood detention reservoirs, and combinations of the two. (Author/JN)

Describes development of an interactive computer graphics program for use in teaching digital signal processing. The program allows students to interactively configure digital systems on a monitor display and observe their system's performance by means of digital plots on the system's outputs. A sample program run is included. (JN)

A hypothetical design optimization problem and technical information on the three design parameters are presented. Although this nested iteration problem can be solved on a computer (flow diagram provided), this article suggests that several hand held calculators can be used to perform the same design iteration. (SK)

Computer based education (CBE) and some possibilities for use of such systems are described. Considers instructional materials (computer programs/PLATO), benefits of CBE, recent CBE developments (focusing on PLATO), a case study of PLATO courseware development in Lower Division Engineering Curriculum, CBE authoring capabilities, CBE effectiveness,…

Reports on efforts to develop interactive general purpose programs (for very inexpensive microcomputers) to be used in engineering systems courses. Programs discussed (Microsoft Basic) include: (1) polynomial root finder; (2) partial fraction expansion; (3) transfer function frequency response; (4) transfer function simulator; and (5) Fourier…

Discusses factors which determine whether there is a need for simulation and objectives associated with a simulation effort. Also discusses characteristics of existing software packages which determine if instructors should use the software or develop their own software for the particular problem under analysis. (JN)

Describes a simulated computer-aided-graphics (CAD) program at The Pennsylvania State University. Rationale for the program, facilities, microcomputer equipment (Apple) used, and development of a software package for simulating applied engineering graphics are considered. (JN)

Computer programs that generate projections of thermodynamic phase surfaces through computer graphics were used to produce diagrams representing properties of water and steam and the pressure-volume-temperature behavior of most of the common equations of state. The program, program options emphasizing thermodynamic features of interest, and…

Discusses a video simulator microcomputer system used to provide real-time demonstrations to strengthen students' understanding of process dynamics and control. Also discusses hardware/software and simulations developed using the system. The four simulations model various configurations of a process liquid level tank system. (JN)

Describes phenomena that can be effectively illustrated using microcomputers, techniques used to create these illustrations, and techniques used for displaying them in regular classrooms and over an instructional television network. Also describes microcomputer features required to apply the techniques, providing comments on the suitability of…