ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING IN PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS

Jukka Valjakka, Kari Vierinen and Jaakko Pitknen

Department of Physics and Department of Mathematics, Espoo - Vantaa Institute of
Technology, Vanha maantie 6, 02600 Espoo, Finland.
email:
jukkava@evitech.fi, karisv@evitech.fi, and jaakkop@evitech.fi
Abstract
Modern and efficient computational tools for advanced signal processing and
automated data collection interfaces, have brought totally new prospects in
engineering education. Our basic idea has been to approach learning process in a more
problem and application oriented way contrary to the manner how different disciplines
used to consider problems only from their point of view. Real-life engineering
problems are more or less interdisciplinary so we have taken into account aspects from
planning experiments and modelling the process, via doing measurements and refining
the data into final analysis and assessments for the consistency of the model.
The present project deals with modelling, use of modern high technology sensors
connected with data acquisition interfaces, and processing the data by use of data
refining methods and analysing the data by appropriate methods (discrete Fourier
transform etc.).
Introduction
In engineering education traditionally, mathematics, physics and engineering have been
taught separately in different separate courses. Many students of engineering have not
been especially motivated to study physics or mathematics in this way [1]. University
students of physics and mathematics do not see their subject applications in
engineering. There is usually too big a gap between various subjects during the
learning process.
We try to respond to new challenges by taking into account working life requirements
in a better and a more appropriate way than earlier. New thoughts of learning,
discovery based learning, learning by doing, problem and project based learning, etc.,
shall bring worklife kind thinking also to part of learning process which in turn will
lead to better qualified students, and at the end to better qualified engineers. We have
been exploring these new methods several years and learned quite a lot about the
learning process after making some mistakes [2].
On one hand modern high technology sensors together with computer interface give
totally new possibilities to perform experimental measurements. The use of new sensor
technologies in physics laboratory shall increase motivation in study work, and link
physics studies into practical applications. Many features of modern industrial
measurements and control systems methods can be learned in basic physics laboratory.
On the other hand modern computing tools like MATLAB, LABVIEW and MAPLE
make it possible, to use the techniques of scientific computing to solve realistic
nontrivial problems even in a mathematic laboratory classroom environment, and
advanced mathematical methods could be learned at a level adapted for engineering

applications in working life. Accelerometer sensor and infrared camera operations are
explained in more detailed way in learning tools.
Learning tools
Sensors
In EVITECH physics laboratory we have used capacitive acceleration sensors, strain
gage, Hall effect and piezo crystal force sensors, capasitive humidity sensors, many
types of temperature sensors and many others. Microelectromechanical (MEMS)
sensors are today available for standard physics laboratories. Infrared radiation have
been studied with modern IR-camera [3].
Accelerometers measure acceleration as a function of time. Capacitive acceleration
MEMS -sensors are based on the cantilever made of silicon. Cantilever is located
inside the cavity of a small silicon block (see the figure 1. ). The movement of the
cantilever is measured as a change of capacitance between the capacitors above and
below the cantilever [4].

Altitude
elevator [original
data]
Figure 1. The sensing element
of anof the
capacitive
MEMS-accelerometer
[5].
100
0

Altitude [m]

Altitude [m]

The use of silicon capacitive acceleration sensors is very simple, because DC-voltage
-100generate DC-voltage output. The DC-voltage output corresponds linearly to
input will
the acceleration with well known sensitivity. Typically for low-g accelerometers we
-200
have had
sensitivity 1.5 V/g and accuracy +/- 0.01 g. Analog digital conversion is
needed,-300
and we can register the variation of acceleration as a function of time. The
response time of capacitive sensors is very short and very rapid variations of
-400 can be measured. The low frequency limit is 0 Hz for capacitive sensors
acceleration
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
and low frequency vibrations can be observed.
The high frequency limit depends on the
Time [s]
of the elevator
[pressure
correctedbetween
data]
mechanical resonance ofAltitude
the cantilever
system
and is typically
1 kHz - 5 kHz.
100
The DC-voltage
of capacitive sensor depends on its position with respect to the
gravitational
field, and inclination angle and rotation speed measurements can be done.
0
Accelerometers have many applications mainly in automobile industry. Measurement
-100
of acceleration
is used in airbag sensing system, controlling suspension, safety belt
pretensioners and security devices. Measurement of vibration is used in engine
-200
-300
-400

50

100

150

200
Time [s]

250

300

350

400

management, seismic monitoring, road roughness measurements, burglar car alarm

systems, shock monitoring and impact monitoring. Measurement of inclination is used
in inclinometers, stability control, bridges and cranes. Measurement of angular rate is
used in applications of inertial navigation, vehichle dynamics and vehicle stability.
Infrared (IR) camera is based on modern platinum silicide (PtSi) focal plane array
(FPA) detector operating at cryogenic temperatures (77 K) [3]. FPA technology
requires no mechanical scanning. Instead, a mosaic of 65,536 discrete platinum silicide
detectors, arranged in a pattern of 256 by 256 elements, is used. The PtSi -detector
works like a photodiode, that is when infrared light of proper wavelength (2.0 m to
6.0 m) strikes each individual detector, the detector will change its resistance to a
bias current imposed on it, and allow an increase in current flow. Current is
proportional to infrared radiation energy striking the detector.
Computer interfaces
Many interfaces between the sensors and computers have been used. Universal
Laboratory Interface (ULI) [5] and Pasco interfaces [6] are used by all of our
engineering students. For more advanced student projects we have used LABVIEW
[7] , Nokeval [8], and some other interfaces and software tools. The two mentioned
interfaces use 12-bit ADCs so that several sensors can be connected at the same time
to make real-time observations possible. The advanced interfaces which we have used
have been 15-bit and 16-bit ADCs with 16 to 96 possible sensor connections. We
have used only 5-6 sensors connected simultaneously. The latest student project
learning system is MAWS Automatic Weather Station which is now under construction
by a group of engineering students [9].
We have had students projects where Visual Basic (v.6.0) has been used to build
realtime applications for different sensors and interfaces. Some student projects have
dealt with real-time www-applications [10]. For next semester we have plans to
continue with sensor projects by using Visual Basic for database and wwwapplications.
Mathematical tools and applications
MATLAB software has become popular in all engineering fields so that, today, it can
be considered as the world standard for the simulation and analysis of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems, and as the most versatile numeric analysis toolbox. MATLAB
along with other mathematical computing tools make it possible to use the techniques
of scientific computing to solve realistic nontrivial problems even in a classroom
setting. These problems have been traditionally avoided, since the amount of work
required to obtain a solution exceeded the classroom time available and the capabilities
of the students. This situation has changed and students can be taught with real-life
problems that can be solved by powerful software tools. This has created us new
possibilities to learn mathematics by using computers.
In the present student projects we have considered applications where the measured
variables have been slowly varying and also corrupted by random noise. It has been
desirable to apply several smoothing filters to remove noise from the signal, and

reconstruct the underlying smooth function for further analysis. The methods used at
this stage have been quite simple for pedagogical reasons so that students could have
ruled the different phases of the problem and got an insight into engineering problem
solving. Students have had to face quite a challenge to find proper means to deal with
the measured data which as such has not been ready for further analysis.
Students have applied Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) methods to implement
filters (e.g. low-pass) into MATLAB (acceleration (elevator, respiration) and humidity
measurements). They have also implemented floating mean filter to smooth humidity
data, which has been successful in the applications. Students have also encountered
some basic problems with sensors which have not been stable during the measurements
but have showed some roaming tendency so that they have had to model the
phenomenon by using low order polynomial fitting curve to compensate the roaming
error. Students have also analysed the altitude of the elevator by measuring the
pressure inside the elevator by a barometer and by establishing a simple mathematical
model for pressure with due corrections
p t p0 gh t
The analysis explains well the known facts of the elevator system (maximum speed, the
range of the elevator etc.).

Examples of study projects

Elevator
In this project study, different sensor measurements were completed with elevators in
a testing facility builded by Kone Corporation [11]. The elevators move a vertical
distance of about 310 meters below the ground level, and this offers very special
conditions for many different sensor applications. The measurements were carried out
by a common elevator model and a top speed high-tech elevator. The dynamics and
vibrations of the elevator motion were studied by using accelerometers along with
measurements of pressure, humidity, magnetic field etc..
Altitude of the elevator [original data]

100
Altitude [m]

0
-100
-200
-300
-400

50

50

100

100

150

200
250
300
Time [s]
Altitude of the elevator [pressure corrected data]

100

150

350

400

350

400

Altitude [m]

0
-100
-200
-300
-400

200
Time [s]

250

300

Figure 2. The barometer sensor measurement. The distance of the motion of the
elevator calculated from the pressure variation. The constant speed of the elevator is
very nicely demonstrated.
Acceleration of the Elevator [original data]

Acceleration [m/s/s]

11
10.5
10
9.5
9
8.5

10

15

10

15

Acceleration [m/s/s]

20
25
30
35
Time [s]
Acceleration of the Elevator [Filtered data]

40

45

40

45

0.5
0
-0.5
-1

20
25
Time [s]

30

35

Figure 3. The motion of the elevator measured by accelerometer. The sensor signal
after filtering with Matlab tools.
Loops with an aeroplane
Acceleration sensors have been used in many study projects and experiments. Students
have studied acceleration of elevators, local trains and cars. Also collision experiments,
jumping, free fall and many other experiments have been made. One of our latests
acceleration experiments were done by Cessna 150 aeroplane in loops. We used two
Pasco 500 data collecting and storing units [6] and two 3-dimensional acceleration
sensors [5]. The measured resultant acceleration is presented in figure 4. Two complete
loops were measured and one half loop, and a turnaround at the highest point. The
interval for the first loop was 49 - 80 s and for the second one 82.5 - 103 s.

Figure 4. Resultant of the acceleration of the Cessna 150 airplane.

The half loop started at time 104.5 s.
IR-camera
IR -cameras have been used to analyse temperature leaks in buildings, temperatures of
electric wires and cables, temperatures in electronic circuits, heat flow in differents
systems, condition of mechanical bearings etc. With the IR-camera images can be taken
on videotape to study dynamical effects stored on PC digital storage cards and they can
be later analysed with computer software tools from the database of digital image
information. In Figure 5 is the image of our Physics laboratory fuse panel. It can be
seen that some of the fuses are rather warm and the phases are not loaded evenly.

Figure 5. The IR image of the Physics laboratory fuse panel.

Measurement of respiration rate with accelerometer

The respiration rate (breaths per minute) was measured using very sensitive
accelerometer attached on the chest of a sleeping person. The accelerometer sensor
should be located on the top of the person so that breathing is not restricted.
Respiration Data

Acceleration [m/s/s]

0.4
0.2
0
-0.2
-0.4

10

15

10

15

Acceleration [m/s/s]

0.4

20
25
30
Time [s]
Low-pass Filtered Respiration Data

35

40

35

40

0.2
0
-0.2
-0.4

20
Time [s]

25

30

Figure 6. The accelerometer signal of the respiration rate measurement. The

second graph shows the signal after linear corrections and filtering using
Matlab tools.
Conclusions
We have learned quite a lot about new things in engineering applications, and we think
so have our students as well. However, we have still long way to go improve the
learning process. Problems have to be defined more specifically in student projects.
Project based learning is not always very efficient for all students. Engineering
applications and projects from the real life have opened new possibilities and have
brought more motivation for students in their Physics and Mathematics studies.
References
1. L Kirkup, S Johnson, E Hazel, R W Cheary, D C Green, P Swift and W Holliday
Designing a new physics laboratory programme for first-year engineering
students, Phys. Educ.33(4), 258-265 (1998)
2. Kari Vierinen: Microcomputer-based Laboratory Teaching in Physics, Hypermedia
in Vaasa 93, proceedings 274-279 (1993)
3. Inframetrics Inc, http://www.inframetrics.com
4. VTI Hamlin, http://www.vti.fi
5. Vernier software, http://www.vernier.com/
6. Pasco instruments, http://www.pasco.com/
7. National Instruments, http://www.natinst.com/
8. Nokeval, Nokia Finland

9. Vaisala, http://www.vaisala.com
10.
http://pww.evitech.fi/CAL-Physics/
11.
Kone Corporation, http://www.kone.com