Development Of A Capstone Design Program For Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering

In September 2004, the University of California, Santa Barbara, Department of Mechanical Engineering initiated a Capstone Design course requirement for Senior Mechanical Engineering students. The course has transitioned from a three unit course typically taken in the final Spring quarter of the curriculum to a two unit course taken each quarter of the academic year for a total of six units. Students work in teams under the direction of a faculty advisor to tackle a Mechanical Engineering design project. Engineering communication, such as reports and oral presentations are covered. The course emphasizes a practical, hands-on experience, and integrates analytical and design skills acquired in the companion ME courses. The course objectives are (1) design problem solving, creative thinking, project planning and teamwork through a challenging design and build project; (2) to provide experience in fundamental engineering reporting and communication including project plans, design reviews, and project reports. To address the transition of the three unit, one quarter design course into a six unit, three quarter Capstone Design course, an Academic Coordinator with over twenty-five years of engineering management experience has developed a Capstone Design program that has integrated companion courses, industry partnership and financial support, with faculty partnership and support. A Capstone Design program has now been developed and has become an integral and important component of the Mechanical Engineering curriculum. This program now allows the students to address more significant and practical design projects. Senior Capstone Projects for 2005/06 included: • An improved cranial closure system for use in neurosurgery. • Mechanisms for the deployment of satellite solar panels. • A spacecraft platform to be used in NASA sponsored research These projects were supported by gifts from local industry and faculty support. This paper will address the transition and development of the Capstone Design program at University of California, Santa Barbara