Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Joseph Beaman
December, 2005
This summer Dr. Beaman. Chairman ofthe Mechanical Engineering Department, asked the FIC to provide supplemental material for his ME 344 Dynamic Systems and Controls class. With help from ME graduate student Ahmad El Zaatari, the FIC created eight web-based animations and interactive simulations. You can view these at http://ficp.engr.utexas.edu/beamansims (UT EID required).
Screen shots of animations and interactive simulations developed by the FIC for ME344
The FIC's Erik Zumalt created four animations including one showing the process of water levels in New Orleans and Lake Pontchatrain reaching equilibrium following the levee failures. The simulations include the motion of damped and undamped springs and a water tank reaching equilibrium. The site will grow as new animations and simulations are developed.
Dr. Beaman’s ME 344 course culminated in a control project competition called Quick Draw sponsored by National Instruments. The object of the competition was to move a beam with an LED attached as quickly and accurately as possible to a firing position. The students were allowed to modify certain mechanical and electrical components, but not the power supply. The FIC created an interactive simulation modeled on the Quick Draw apparatus called Aim Fast. Dr. Beaman reported “the realistic look and interaction of the Aim Fast simulation created by the FIC greatly aided the students in their project development ”. The winning student moved the arm to an accurate firing position in .25 seconds.
The FIC specializes in addressing these kinds instructional issues, as well as a host of others. Visit our web site to view a list of the services we offer. Bring us your instructional challenges and we will be happy to work with you to achieve solutions.