Abstract
It is well accepted that many mechanical engineering (ME) design processes are complex. We believe that many ME design approaches include unnecessary complexity, intended to assist the teaching of engineering knowledge. This technical complexity has contributed to many critical issues in ME education, including decreased enrolments in many countries; diminished pre-existing skills amongst University entrants and increasing numbers of students abandoning courses. This has resulted in fewer fully competent graduate engineers, amongst whom a reduced understanding of essential knowledge leads to a consequent reduction in their capability. Unnecessarily complicated theoretical knowledge is taught to students of mechanical engineering design. Empirical evidence is provided to demonstrate this, along with the difficulty experienced by students when they attempt to apply their theoretical knowledge to gear design exercises. A proposed remedy for this issue has been thoroughly evaluated for the ME design and machine design project courses taught in Turkey. The findings indicate that most of the students cannot cope with excessively complex design approaches, and are reluctant to use them. This paper proposes an alternative solution, a generic method for the reductive, simplified problem-solving of typical design problems, without materially sacrificing accuracy. The basic implementation of the method is provided as a road map to show its application. If academics continue the efforts to extend the implementation of the method, in particular for machine components, this would reduce the issue of reduced numbers of capable graduate engineers. The method can also improve the self-confidence of students, as opposed to limiting their professional capacity.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ahmed, N., Kloot, B., & Collier-Reed, B. I. (2015). Why students leave engineering and built environment programmes when they are academically eligible to continue. European Journal of Engineering Education, 40(2), 128–144. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2014.928670.
Alpay, E. (2013). Student attraction to engineering through flexibility and breadth in the curriculum. European Journal of Engineering Education, 38(1), 58–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2012.742870.
American Gear Manufacturers Association (ANSI/AGMA) 2101-D04 Standard. (2004). Fundamental rating factors and calculation methods for involute spur and helical gear teeth. Virginia, USA.
Babalık, F. C. (2010). Makine Elemanları ve Konstrüksiyon Örnekleri [Machine elements and construction examples] (4th ed.). Bursa: Dora Basım Press.
Bailie, C., & Fitzgerald, G. (2000). Motivation and attrition in engineering students. European Journal of Engineering Education, 25(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/030437900308544.
Becker, F. S. (2010). Why don’t young people want to become engineers? rational reasons for disappointing decisions. European Journal of Engineering Education, 35, 349–366.
Besterfield-Sacre, M., Atman, C. J., & Shuman, L. J. (1997). Characteristics of freshman engineering students: Models for determining student attrition in engineering. Journal of Engineering Education, 86(2), 139–149. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.1997.tb00277.x.
Brint, S., & Cantwell, A. M. (2010). Undergraduate time use and academic outcomes: Results from the University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey 2006. Teachers College Record, 112, 2441–2470.
Broadbridge, P., & Henderson, S. (2008). Mathematics education for 21st century engineering students-final report. Melbourne: Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute.
Budynas, R. G., & Nisbett, J. K. (2011). Shigley’s mechanical engineering design (9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Caroni, C. (2011). Graduation and attrition of engineering students in Greece. European Journal of Engineering Education, 36(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2010.539676.
Carroll, R. K., & Johnson, G. E. (1989). Dimensionless solution to the optimal design of spur gear sets. Journal of Mechanisms Transmissions, and Automation in Design, 111, 290–296.
Childs, P. R. N. (2013). Mechanical design engineering handbook (1st ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.
Clark, R., & Andrews, J. (2010). Researching primary engineering education: UK perspectives, an exploratory study. European Journal of Engineering Education, 35(5), 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2010.497551.
CoHE Statistics. (2015). Number of undergraduate students according to classification of fields of education and training, 2014–2015. Retrieved October 2016, from https://istatistik.yok.gov.tr/yuksekogretimIstatistikleri/2015/2015_T17.pdf
Cosser, M., & Letseka, M. (2010). Introduction”. In M. Letseka, M. Cosser, M. Breier, & M. Visser (Eds.), Student retention and graduate destination: Higher education and labour market access and success (pp. 1–10). Cape Town: HSRC Press.
Council, Engineering. (2000). Measuring the mathematics problem. London: The Engineering Council.
Cox, W. (2001). On the expectations of the mathematical knowledge of first-year undergraduates. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 32(6), 847–861.
Crowther, K., Thompson, D., & Cullingford, C. (1997). Engineering degree students are deficient in mathematical expertise—Why? International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 28(6), 785–792.
Davis, C. E., Yeary, M. B., & Sluss, J. J., Jr. (2012). Reversing the trend of engineering enrollment declines with innovative outreach, recruiting, and retention programs. IEEE Transactions on Education, 55(2), 157–163. https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2011.2157921.
ElMaraghy, W., ElMaraghy, H., Tomiyama, T., & Monostori, L. (2012). Complexity in engineering design and manufacturing. CIRP Annals—Manufacturing Technology, 61(2012), 793–814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cirp.2012.05.001.
Eurobarometer. (2008). Young people and science, analytical report. Flash Eurobarometer survey no. 239.
Exam results in past. Student selection and placement centre. http://www.osym.gov.tr/belge/1-12668/gecmis-yillardaki-sinavlara-ait-sayisal-bilgiler.html.
Farrell, D., Laboissière, M., Rosenfeld, J., Stürze, S., & Umezawa, F. (2005). The emerging global labor market: Part II-The supply of offshore talent in services. New York: McKinsey Global Institute.
Felder, R. M., & Brent, R. (2005). Understanding student differences. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(1), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2005.tb00829.x.
French, B. F., Immekus, J. C., & Oakes, W. C. (2005). An examination of indicators of engineering students’ success and persistence. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(4), 419–425. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2005.tb00869.x.
Gattie, D. K., Kellam, N. N., Schramski, J. R., & Walther, J. (2011). Engineering education as a complex system. European Journal of Engineering Education, 36(6), 521–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2011.622038.
Gattis, C., Nachtmann, H., & Youngblood, A. D. (2003). The students-recruiting-students undergraduate engineering recruiting programme. European Journal of Engineering Education, 28(1), 71–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/0304379021000055777.
Gereffi, G., Wadhwa, V., Rissing, B., & Ong, R. (2008). Getting the numbers right: international engineering education in the United States, China, and India. Journal of Engineering Education, 97(1), 13–25. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00950.x.
Geren, N., & Uzay, Ç. (2016). A translation technique: Dimensionless ratings and conversion factors between ISO and AGMA gear standards. In Proceedings of the ASME 2016 (IMECE 2016-65123) international mechanical engineering congress and exposition IMECE 2016, November 11–17, 2016, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. https://doi.org/10.1115/imece2016-65426.
Geren, N., Uzay, Ç., & Bayramoğlu, M. (2017). Introducing gear ratings and AGMA conversion factors for the steel spur gear design under bending fatigue. Materials Testing, 59(11–12), 1043–1053. https://doi.org/10.3139/120.111105.
Geren, N., Uzay, N., & Bayramoğlu, M. (2018). Mechanical engineering and issues on teaching mechanical engineering design in Turkey. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 28(3), 843–866. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-017-9409-0.
Gortner Lahmers, A., & Zulauf, C. R. (2000). Factors associated with academic time use and academic performance of college students: A recursive approach. Journal of College Student Development, 41(5), 544–556.
Güner, N. (2013). Incoming engineering students self-assessment of their mathematical background. European Journal of Engineering Education, 38(1), 58–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2012.742870.
Günther, E., & Koeszegi, S. T. (2012). Gender counts?! Analysis of student dropout at Vienna University of Technology. In GIEE 2011: Gender and interdisciplinary education for engineers (pp. 439–453). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6091-982-4_32.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards 6336-Part 5. (2003). Calculation of load capacity of spur and helical gears: Strength and quality of materials. Switzerland.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards 6336-Part6. (2004). Calculation of load capacity of spur and helical gears: Calculation of service life under variable load. Switzerland.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards 6336-Part 1. (2006a). Calculation of load capacity of spur and helical gears: Basic principles, introduction and general influence factors. Switzerland.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards 6336-Part 3. (2006b). Calculation of load capacity of spur and helical gears: Calculation of tooth bending strength. London, UK.
Jelaska, D. T. (2012). Gears and gear drives (1st ed.). New York: Wiley.
Johnson, W. C., & Jones, R. C. (2006). Declining interest in engineering studies at time of increased business need. In L. E. Weber & J. J. Duderstadt (Eds.), Universities and business: Partnering for the knowledge society (pp. 243–252). London: Economica. Retrieved June 2018, from http://www.worldexpertise.com/Declining_Interest_in_Engineering_Studies_at_a_Time_of_Increased_Business_Needs.htm
Juvinall, R. C., & Marshek, K. M. (2011). Fundamentals of machine component design (5th ed.). New York: Wiley.
Kawalec, A., & Wiktor, J. (2008). Tooth root strength of spur and helical gears manufactured with gear-shaper cutters. Journal of Mechanical Design. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2829909.
Kawalec, A., Wiktor, J., & Ceglarek, D. (2006). Comparative analysis of tooth-root strength using ISO and AGMA standards in spur and helical gears with fem-based verification. Journal of Mechanical Design, 128(5), 1141–1158. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2214735.
Kember, D., Jamieson, Q. W., Pomfret, M., & Wong, E. T. T. (1995). Learning approaches, study time and academic performance. Higher Education, 29, 329–343. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01384497.
Kent, P., & Noss, R. (2003). Mathematics in the University Education of Engineers. A report to the Ove Arup Foundation. London: The Ove Arup Foundation.
Kolari, S., Savander-Ranne, C., & Viskari, E.-L. (2005). Improving student learning in an environmental engineering program with a research study project. International Journal of Engineering Education, 21, 702–711.
Kolari, S., Savander-Ranne, C., & Viskari, E.-L. (2008). Learning needs time and effort: A time-use study of engineering students. European Journal of Engineering Education, 33(5–6), 483–498. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043790802564046.
Lamb, F. C., Arlett, D. R., Ditchfield, B., Parkin, B., & Wakeham, S. W. (2016). Royal academy of engineering report: Engineering graduates for industry. London: Royal Academy of Engineering. http://www.raeng.org.uk/publications/reports/engineering-graduates-for-industry-report (June 2016).
Lawson, D. (2003). Changes in student entry competencies 1991–2001. Teaching Mathematics and its Applications, 22(4), 171–175.
Li, Q., Mccoach, D. B., Swaminathan, H., & Tang, J. (2008). Development of an instrument to measure perspectives of engineering education among college students. Journal of Engineering Education, 97(1), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00953.x.
Li, S. (2007). Finite element analyses for contact strength and bending strength of a pair of spur gears with machining errors, assembly errors and tooth modifications. Mechanism and Machine Theory, 42(2007), 88–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2006.01.009.
London Mathematics Society. (1995). Tackling the mathematics problem. London: London Mathematics Society, Institute of mathematics and its Application.
Lu, S. C.-Y., & Suh, N.-P. (2009). Complexity in design of technical systems. CIRP Annals—Manufacturing Technology, 58(2009), 157–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cirp.2009.03.067.
MacGillivray, H. (2009). Learning support and students studying mathematics and statistics. International Journal of Mathematical Education, 40(4), 455–472. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207390802632980.
Mail Online India. (2012). More than a third of engineering graduates can’t do basic maths. Retrieved May 2016, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2140434/More-engineering-graduates-basic-maths.html#ixzz3e4U56Wzj
Maitra, G. M. (2013). Fundamentals of toothed gearing: Handbook of gear design (2nd ed.). New Delhi: McGraw-Hill.
Mills, J. E., & Treagust, D. F. (2003). Engineering education, is problem-based or project-based learning the answer? Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 3, 2–16.
Morgan, M., Flanagan, R., & Kellaghan, T. (2001). A study of non-completion in undergraduate university courses. Dublin: Higher Education Authority.
Mott, R. L. (2003). Machine elements in mechanical design (4th ed.). Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
Mustoe, L., & Lawson, D.. (2002). Mathematics for the European engineer. A curriculum for the twenty-first century. SEFI Mathematics Working Group, Brussels: March 2002. Retrieved May 2018, from http://sefi.htw-aalen.de/Curriculum/sefimarch2002.pdf
Numerical Data on Website. (2018). Exam results in the past. Student Selection and Placement Centre. Retrieved October 2018, from http://www.osym.gov.tr/belge/1-12668/gecmis-yillardaki-sinavlara-ait-sayisal-bilgiler.html
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2014), and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) (2012) Results. What students know and can do: Student performance in mathematics, reading and science (Vol. I, Revised edition), PISA, OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264201118-en.
Osakue, E. E. (2016). Simplified Spur Gear Design. In Proceedings of the ASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (pp. 1–15).
Osakue, E. E., & Anetor, L. (2016). Spur gear design: Some new perspectives. International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, 5(9), 275–286.
Osakue, E. E., & Anetor, L. (2017). Helical gear design for bending fatigue. International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, 6(3), 6–18.
Prieto, E., Holbrook, A., Bourke, S., O’Connor, J., Page, A., & Husher, K. (2009). Influences on engineering enrolments: A synthesis of the findings of recent reports. European Journal of Engineering Education, 34(2), 183–203. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043790902835940.
RAEng. (2007). Education engineers for the 21st century. London: Royal Academy of Engineering.
Report. (2001). National mechanical engineering and teaching symposium (Vol. IV). Yıldız: Yıldız Technical University.
Report of Aspiring Minds of India. (2011). National employability report engineering graduates, annual report. Retrieved July 2018, from http://www.aspiringminds.in/docs/national_employability_report_engineers_2011.pdf
Report of the MEI/IET. (2007). Attracting the best students of mathematics into engineering. In Mathematics in education and industry (MEI)/the institution of engineering and technology (IET) joint conference at Savoy Place, London.
Rohaan, E. J., Taconis, R., & Jochems, W. (2010). Reviewing the relations between teachers’ knowledge and pupils’ attitude in the field of primary technology education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 20(1), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-008-9055-7.
Salas-Morera, L., Cejas-Molina, M. A., Olivares-Olmedilla, J. L., Climent-Bellido, M. S., Leva-Ramirez, J. A., & Martinez-Jimenez, P. (2013). Improving engineering skills in high school students: A partnership between university and K-12 teachers. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 23(4), 903–920. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-012-9223-7.
Seymour, E., & Hewitt, N. M. (1997). Talking about leaving: Why undergraduates leave the sciences. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Shaw, C. T., & Shaw, V. F. (1999). Attitudes of engineering students to mathematics: A comparison across universities. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 30(1), 47–63.
Shigley, J. E., & Mischke, C. R. (2003). Mechanical engineering design: Sixth metric international edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Shigley, J. E., Mischke, C. R., & Budynas, R. G. (2004). Mechanical engineering design: International seventh edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Spinks, N., Silburn, N., & Birchall, D. (2006). Educating engineers for the 21st century: The industrial view. London: Royal Academy of Engineering.
The IET. (2008). Studying stem: What are the barriers? A literature review of the choices students make. The Institution of Engineering and Technology. Retrieved July 2016, from http://www.theiet.org/factfiles/
Thibodeaux, J., Deutsch, J., Kitsantas, A., & Winsler, A. (2017). First-year college students’ time use: Relations with self-regulation and GPA. Journal of Advanced Academics, 28(1), 5–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/1932202X16676860.
TUIK Report. (2014). Turkish Government Statistical Institute (TUIK) report 2014. Retrieved July 2018, from http://www.cnnturk.com/haber/ekonomi/genel/iste-en-cok-issizligin-oldugu-meslekler.
Ugural, A. C. (2003). Mechanical design an integrated approach (1st ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Uzay, C. (2014). A comparison of approaches to involute spur gear design. M.Sc. dissertations, University of Cukurova.
Uzay, Ç., & Geren, N. (2016). Method for rating and converting text book spur gear design results to ISO gear standards. In The 17th international conference on machine design and production, July 12–July 15, 2016, Bursa, Türkiye. ISBN: 978-975-429-357-9.
Wais, M., & Light, K. (2000). Stanford 2000 student time-use study results. Retrieved June 2018, from http://www.stanford.edu/dept/DOS/studentsurvey
Web Site of the Ohio State University. (2018). How college students spend their time may 11, 2016, trending topic the Ohio State University’s Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE). Retrieved June 2018, from https://chee.osu.edu/news-events/2016/05/test-post-4/
Wolffram, A., Derboven, W., & Winker, G. (2009). Women withdrawers in engineering studies: Identity formation and learning culture as gendered barriers for persistence? Equal Opportunities International, 28(1), 36–49. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150910933622.
YOK Atlas. (2015). Web retrieved 2016. https://yokatlas.yok.gov.tr/lisans.php?y=102910331.
YOK Atlas. (2018). Web retrieved 2019. https://yokatlas.yok.gov.tr/lisans-bolum.php?b=10141.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank to Dr. Anthony Goodall for proof reading of the manuscript and his suggestions in English language.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Geren, N., Uzay, Ç. & Bayramoğlu, M. A proposal to improve the competence of students within the unnecessarily complex mechanical engineering design environment. Int J Technol Des Educ 31, 741–770 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-020-09571-4
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-020-09571-4