California State University, Northridge

College of Engineering & Computer Science

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Fall 2016 Syllabus

ME 491 Thermal Fluids Laboratory

Thursday.7:00 PM9:45 PM
Friday.9:00 AM11:45 AM

Instructor Information
Contact Information
Christopher P. Thompson
706-523-2132 (Text only)
christopher.thompson.66@my.csun.
edu

Required Material

Students will be provided Lab

Manual electronically prior to
first lab session.

Reference ME 335 text (Figliola

and Beasley, Theory and Design
for Mechanical Measurements)
for error analysis techniques
and procedures.

Some of the lecture and class

material
may
stem
from
Experimental
Methods
For
Engineers (Holman, 1962).

Office Hours
Jacaranda 1616
By appointment only
Electronic communication
preferred

ME 491 Thermal Fluids LaboratoryFall 2016 Syllabus

Page 1 of 5

Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Reliably record data from various instruments in common use by mechanical
engineers.
2. Understand calibration procedures and importance as part of the
experimental process.
3. Correctly apply statistical techniques for interpretation of instrumental data
and uncertainties.
4. Demonstrate ability to compare experimental results with theoretical
predictions.
5. Competently communicate experimental procedures, results, and conclusions
using written notes, typed reports, graphical presentations, and oral
explanations to a variety of audiences.
6. Effectively participate as a member of an engineering team.

Student Expectations
Students will be expected to demonstrate and will be evaluated using the following
attributes:

Punctuality
Students are expected to be present and prepared at the start of each lab session.
Classes will begin promptly at their designated start times with vital information
pertaining to deliverables presented. Any reasons for tardiness or absence must be
communicated to the instructor whom will determine if the deficiency is excused.
All lab assignments must be completed in order to pass the class regardless of
tardiness or absence. Excessive tardiness or absence will result in increasing
grading penalties.

Dependability
Students will be expected to submit any and all deliverables to the instructor within
the designated completion period. Any reason for delay must be communicated to
the instructor whom will determine if an extension is warranted and what
agreement shall apply. Note that loss of electronic information will usually not
constitute an excusable reason for delay. Develop and maintain a back-up system to
mitigate losses attributed to notorious computer problems.

Professionalism
Students will be expected to:

Communicate confidently, clearly and, respectfully with other students and

the instructor.
Contribute as a valuable member of a student engineering team.

Competence
Students will be expected to:

Acquire and demonstrate working knowledge of lab instruments and

procedures.
Accurately represent and develop conclusions based off of experimental data.
Prepare informative and concise deliverables.

Integrity
Students will accurately represent their work and credit any and all work that is not
their own appropriately including that of their respective team members, peers, and
instructors. Collaboration is acceptable and highly encouraged if necessary
including using sources outside of class. Note that excessive use of others work
will degraded competency evaluation. Any attempts to misrepresent or fraudulently
submit work as ones own will result in severe penalties including potential failure of
the course and reporting of integrity violations to the Department of Mechanical
Engineering.

Grading
Final grading will be determined based off evaluations of student expectations along
with the quality of all deliverables. The +/- system will be used at the margins of
letter grades. Any early deficiencies regarding professionalism or competence may
be offset by demonstration of continuing improvement throughout the semester.
Grade determination will following the formula below:

G [ ] = PunDepProCom Del

[ ]

Pun
Dep
0 Pro 1
Com
Del

[ ][ ][ ]

90
A 100
80
B
90
G= 70 C < 80
60
D
70
50
F
60

Deliverables
Experiment Submittals
Short informal report demonstrating completion of experiment and accurate
representation of data.

(1)

(2)

(3)

Technical Reports
Informal report demonstrating ability to present experimental data and conclusions.

Formal Reports
Comprehensive demonstration of ability to communicate experiment through typed
communication.

Presentations
Comprehensive demonstration of ability to communicate experiment through visual
and oral communication.

Calendar (Tentative)
Week
29 August 20164 September
2016
5 September 201611
September 2016
12 September 201618
September 2016
19 September 201625
September 2016
26 September 20162 October
2016
3 October 20169 October 2016
10 October 201616 October
2016
17 October 201623 October
2016
24 October 201630 October
2016
31 October 20166 November
2016
7 November 201613 November
2016
14 November 201620
November 2016
21 November 201627
November 2016
28 November 20164 December
2016
5 December 201611 December
2016
Note that the last week is subject

Task
Group Assignments, Administrative
Lab = Group #
If Lab is Odd Then Lab = Lab + 1 Else Lab =
Lab - 1
Group Change
Lab = Lab + 2; If Lab > 4 Then Lab = Lab - 4
If Lab is Odd Then Lab = Lab + 1 Else Lab =
Lab - 1
Presentations
Group Change
Lab = Group + 4
Lab = Lab + 1
Lab = Lab + 1
Lab = Lab + 1; If Lab > 10 Then Lab = Lab - 6
Thursday, Lab Choice/Friday No Class
Lab = Lab + 1; If Lab > 10 Then Lab = Lab - 6
No Class
Lab = Lab + 1; If Lab > 10 Then Lab = Lab - 6
Presentations
to change dependent on completion rate of labs

Deliverable completion periods will be assigned at the start of each lab session.

Additional Notes
Students with time conflicts are to inform the instructor as soon as possible.
Students with disabilities are to utilize the appropriate CSUN procedures applicable.
Students that were unable to register will be considered for permission numbers at
the instructors discretion. Note that limited authority is granted adds and the
department/wait list needs to be used.