The Incorporation of a Materials Selection Program in a Junior-Level Mechanical Engineering Design Course

An undergraduate, junior-level machine design class at the University of Washington, Bothell was modified to incorporate a material selection design textbook with an associated professionallevel software program. Materials selection concepts and methods were interspersed throughout the course and integrated into three student-group design projects involving springs, bearings, rotating shafts, and gear elements. This approach resulted in a practical and effective method of introducing materials selection into the design process and provided needed skills for the followon, senior-level capstone design course. At the end of the class, an easy-to-follow, studentwritten material selection reference guide (with examples) was produced to provide guidance for future classes and students needing a quick overview of the materials selection process and use of the materials selection software.