Industrially Supported Projects In A Capstone Design Sequence

The design experience in the mechanical engineering BS degree program at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) contains a senior-level capstone design course sequence, providing students an opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge gained throughout the curriculum to the development of an instructor-approved project. The two-semester course sequence provides sufficient time for students to complete a project involving the design of a relatively complex system. In the last few years, representatives from industry have been invited to sponsor design projects. Several manufacturing companies and consulting firms have responded positively and actively participated in funding and mentoring capstone design projects. Engineers employed by these companies have served as project mentors and participated in evaluating the final reports and oral presentations. Industrial participation in our capstone design sequence has provided our students with a unique design experience opportunity. This paper describes the content of the capstone design sequence, provides short descriptions of industrial projects companies, and includes examples of completed design projects.