[MECE E3409] Machine Design

In this class, you design and build a valve for a two-cylinder compressed air engine. You can build any sort of valve you like, but most people end up with a cam-follower type valve, because that's the most reliable design. Also, there is a pre-built cam follower valve in the shop that you can look at for "inspiration." Most of your grade comes from the performance of your valve - ie. if yours makes the engine run faster, with more torque, and more power, than do other groups' valves. There is a long series of pain-in-the-ass assignments in which you repeatedly submit the same drawings, slightly modified, for Ateshian's approval. He is extremely nit-picky when approving your drawings, and you're "not allowed" to machine any parts without his signature. In practice, many parts get machined long before Ateshian's signature has ever graced a drawing; this is the best way to do it. There is only one problem set (pretty stiff) and no tests. If you get a solid bunch of group members, who are motivated, organized and good with Pro/E and CNC milling, this can be a pretty easy class. If you want an A, though, your valve must outperform many other groups' valves.