Integration Of Industry Partners Into A Capstone Design Program

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. 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. The ME Capstone Design Program added an Industry Partner Program for the 2005/06 student projects. This program was successfully started with the generous gifts and support from local companies. The Industry Partner program has now grown to include participation with major corporations in a variety of industries and technologies. This program has facilitated a positive and constructive entrance for a company to become involved with university and to establish beneficial relationships with the faculty and students. The students now have the opportunity to work on a practical design project and to interact with outside engineers. The industry partner has the ability to work directly with some of our brightest and most capable students. This program has facilitated a source of funding and a breadth of meaningful and practical projects for the students to address. This paper will address the development and integration of an Industry Partner program into an ME Capstone Design program. Issues such as recruitment, selection of appropriate projects, project communication and reporting, and intellectual property will be discussed. Examples of past and current projects will be presented.