Practical Engineering

Now you might think we do a lot of theory and math with our LSU students (which is true).  But sometimes we try to find ways to apply that theory, or get hands on some of the concepts.  So we have been doing failure analysis, engineering design and machine design in general.  There is lots of math and equations, lots of fun.  But saying a shaft should fail in fatigue based on the Goodman criterion really does not give you the idea of a bent shaft on a Briggs and Stratton, and putting an engine together for real gives lots of hands on experience in shafts, bolts, tension, setscrews, bearings and more... so here we go...

Here are some of our LSU students enjoying the experience in our machine shop this week.  I did not instruct them to wear purple, only to wear comfortable and safe clothing to work on the engines.  They did.  And they all tore the engines down to the valves and pistons; and they all put them back together and got them to start!!  Now that was some true hands on learning!

 

This group included some student workers and even one of our babysitters.  Pretty overqualified but great people.

This group (above) was looking at gears and other engine components, while the helpers (below) got to try their hand at education.  Thanks to all!