Journal Analysis

My articles have been from the Journal of Mechanical Design.  The articles are structured like most scientific journals with an abstract, introduction, background, procedure, results and conclusion.  However, there have been some variations in the articles that I have read.  Additional headings were sometimes listed to further analyze a particular area that was studied or to explain in more detail an aspect of importance.  Two articles even had a brief acknowledgement section.

References to other authors or researchers came in the form of a number (i.e. [1] or Ref. [1]) that could be matched in the reference section at the end of the article.  The articles never belittled another’s research or methods, but added to the technology or the methods that have already been disclosed.  The introduction usually made a statement regarding the problem at hand and how this particular research was going to assist in correcting the problem.

To relate to the Linton et al article, the examples that I have given show the conventions of structure and conventions of reference.  The articles have a clear flow to how the information is reported.  Also, the articles are very impersonal and lack emotion.

In relation to the Swale’s model, the articles, generally, established territory through reviewing previous research.  To establish a niche, gaps were usually indicated with an occasional question being posed.  To occupy the niche, a purpose statement was made as to the intentions of the research.

I enjoyed the articles.  At times the topics got very in-depth in the calculations and technical terminologies, but it is also exciting to me that as I am getting closer to graduation, it is all making perfect sense.

Robotic Insects

I know that we all have been annoyed by flies at many times in our lives.  However, research is being done to mimic these little pests.  I was given an article this past summer out of the National Geographic magazine that told about many different animals that are being used as models to mimic special characteristics that they have.  The article that I have read for this post is focused on the model for the fly.


The article talks about developing a drivetrain that regulates torques that would give imbalance to the "fly" while in flight.  The draintrain that is being explored for the "fly" is being modeled after a drivetrain that is typically found in automobiles.  The main purpose is to supply the same amount of torque to both wings.



I found this article to be quite interesting.  The idea of modeling a fly is fascinating to me.  As you can see in Figure 1, the size is comparable to that of a real fly.   That is amazing to me.  I would be interested to hear of any similar article that you have read in regards to this subject.



Figure 1



How do yousee things?

What is one of the main criteria that is used in selecting a car?  I know that there are many, but probably one of the top ones is the appearance of the car.  A type of car may become popular and viewed as safe and efficient all based on the fact that it looks nice, all the while one does not have any information regarding the safety and efficiencyof that car.  How we perceive things is very important.

The paper that I read for this post dealt with this idea.  There is a growing emphasis on the environment and how we can be more eco-friendly and automakers are some of the main groups that are being targeted for this movement.  The paper talks about a method that was created to help automakers  in the design of thier cars.  It stated that just by seeing the silhouette of a car, one will perceive whether or not it is environmentally friendly.

A survey was created that contained images of car silhouettes, as shown in the following picture,



Figure 1



They picked 7 points on the silhouette and changed them to give the car a different look.

Figure 2

 The ratings were based on how people percieved the car as environmently friendly and if the shape was inspired by nature. 

I have decided not to disclose the results for this study because I would be interested to see what your perception of these silhouettes are.  Refer to Figure 1 and comment on the top two silhouettes you think meet the criteria.

Sustainable Design

Mechanical Engineering is a vast field of study, however I am focusing more on design and mechatronics (yes I used Wikipedia).  The Journal of Mechanical Design is were I got my article for the blog entry.  The September issue that I got the article from was dedicated to sustainable design.   There has been such an awareness to the environment and how waste can be reduced over the past several years.  In mechanical systems there are numerous ways that energy is lost, so as an engineer it would be wise to reduce that lost or even redirect it to another system. 

The issue that got the article from dealt with these issues.  The title of the article is "A Device for Harvesting Energy From Rotational Vibrations".  I found it to be an interesting article.  It was very technical with many equations and figures.

As I metioned, there are many ways that energy can be lost in mechanical systems, but specifically in dealing with components that rotate like gears and cams.  There is energy lost through the vibrations of these components.  The article states that through the use of electromagnetic induction the potential energy of the vibrations can be harvested.

The approach that the authors took in their research was to first develop an analytical model of the harvester and present that first.  Second, they designed the prototype based on their theories and test details for each element.  Finally, they tested the prototype and compared the data they obtained to the models they developed.  The outputs were not very large, but enough to possibly energize other components in surrounding systems.

I have tried to be clear and concise in presenting this article.  Any feedback would be appreciated so that it could help me with the ones to follow.

 

Genre??? Take 2

So much has transpired since I made my last post.  After much thought and conversations with others, I felt it best to amend my last post.  I did not explain myself thoroughly.  I was trying to make a  quick post so that I could make a check mark next to that task on my list of things to do. 

I understand the reason that Miller "jumped around throwing out different names and quotes".  She was making comparisons and pointing out ideas that she agreed and diagreed with.  I feel as though my statement was too blunt and not well explained.  It was not fair of me to through that statement out and not explain myself as to why I was feeling confused by that.

I try to make posts that are positive and thought provoking since we all experience so much negative junk from day-to-day.  My intensions were not to be negative on the post, however after reading it later on, I feel the overall tone was not what I felt it should be.

It was a tough essay to read and packed with so much information.  I must say that after reading it a second time, I was starting to understand it more.  I am sure that the discussion in class would have brought out some interesting points.

Genre???

I don't know about anyone else but I am having trouble with the Miller selection that was assigned for Tuesday.  I consider myself to be fairly intelligent, but am having a hard time understanding this piece. 

She does alot of comparisons of how other authors define genre and I think that is where the main difficulty comes.  She jumps around throwing out different names and quotes.  I just find that confusing.

I am going to give it one more try before class tomorrow to gain some understanding of the material so that I can contribute to the in-class discussion.

Just curious to hear what others think of this piece.

Smart mobs

The discussion on smart mobs on Tuesday was quite interesting to me.  Technology has a great impact on our society these days.  There is so much information available to us through the access of the Internet.  It is amazing to me that all that information is accessible through cell phones now.  We can have to world at our fingertips 24/7.  Through a variety of outlets like society networks, blogs, chats, instant messaging, etc,  large groups of people can make an impact.  This is a powerful tool.

However, I am having a hard time believing that smart mobs are self-formed.  I gathered in class that several people were of the same mind set.  An idea has to have an origin.  I am not convinced that a smart mob is self-formed.  Once the "mob" gets underway, then it can be self-sustaining, but the idea, I feel, had to have an origin.

By the way, I am interested to get some feedback regarding thoughts on Facebook.  What value do you put on Facebook?  Is it something that you can't live without or just something to do for fun? 

On to the next project

I have a sense of relief now that the instruction assignment is complete.  Not that it was so painfully hard to do, but it is nice to get to the other side of a project.

Without any wasted time we have our next assignment.  A group project.  I don't have any major group project horror stories. However, I have had a couple of lab partners over the years that were were interesting to work with.  One that wanted to write all of the lab reports and then acted like he wanted to keep them a secret from me.  That was frustrating.  Another focused on the fact that the report we were working on didn't have much weight on the final grade so didn't put his full efforts into the report.  That didn't sit well with me because it did contribute to the final grade and I wanted to do the best that I could.

For this project, I feel comfortable with my group.  I believe there is still some trust that needs to be gained from all of us.  I hope we all agree on the final goal and are motivated to achieve it.

I wish all the other groups good success on their projects.

Opps...forgot to blog!

I realized in class this morning when Dr. Barnett was talking about blogging, I forgot to post a blog.  I guess better late then never. 

I have  enjoyed writing the instructions.  I didn't realize really how much goes into the process.  It is one of those things that is taken for granted.  You buy something, open the box, glance through the instructions, put it together and go.   

Through the process of writing my instructions, I feel as though the task I am writing about has grown into more than I first imagined.  However, I am pleased with the outcome so far.  Just a little tweaking before turning in the final copy.

I would be interested in hearing what everyone's thoughts are on the outcome of their instructions.

Here are my Instructions

"What should my topic be for the writing instructions assignment?"  This is the question that I kept asking myself all weekend long.  "What task can be completed in 10 - 25 minutes?"  I wanted to do something fun, yet at the same time rewarding.  I thought about some of the things that I enjoy when I have some "free" time, and two things came to mind, woodworking and landscaping.

I really enjoy creating things out of wood like cabinets, furniture, and displays, to name a few.  However, it takes time and can be quite costly.  My other option was landscaping.  I enjoy getting out in nature and taking in all that is around me.  It is relaxing for me.  Nothing is more rewarding at the end of a day of working in the yard than to step back and take in all that you have done.

My desire would be that those that follow my instructions will get the same satisfaction upon completing the task that I do.

Rhetoric and Parenting

As a parent, I encounter rhetoric in various forms.  First being those who are "experts" about rearing children, some who are not even parents and many who are closely related, like family and friends.  These persuasions and thoughts must be weeded through to discern what is valuable and applicable to my parenting circumstances.  Take meal-time, for example, there are those that believe that you should "force-feed" your child certain food groups or varieties making meal-time such "fun" and enjoyment for all involved.  While others believe that you serve your child the same food at each consecutive meal until it no longer holds any resemblance to the original food that was served, because they had no desire to eat it at the original served time.  Yet others believe that you serve the child whatever their desires are because atleast "something" is better than nothing, even if the "something" is a cocktail of high fructose corn syrup and artificial food colorings. 

However, I believe that each child must be observed and handled according to their own specific learning style.  For my children, we observed that they learned best through example.  Therefore, we not only serve them the foods that we believe are healthy and nourishing for them, but we as the parents also eat the same foods.   In other words, we live by example.  We talk regularly about "good food" and healthy bodies.

We also experience rhetoric in many other parenting situations, most importantly regarding morals and values.  In this area, we not only receive persuasions and opinions from the same groups listed above, but also receive it from external sources like media, government and entertainment industries.  It is my responsibility to filter those opinions very carefully.  Unlike the original sources, the later do not have any personal involvement with my children directly, so there's no understanding about my family dynamics or how each child responds or is influenced. 

I know that this subject may be deep and something many of you may not be able to relate to at this present time, but may certainly experience it at some time in the near future.  This is just thoughts on my personal experiences... 

My first post

This is a first for me.  Not only is this my first post, but my first blog site.  I guess if you have to do it, do it up right.
In regard to ENGL  314, I am excited about this class.  I think there will be some interesting discussions.  Taking the last class as an example.  I really have not given much thought to the topic of rhetoric.  As I have been reading the assignments for class, it seems as though it is everywhere.  There is always someone trying to get us to see things their way or turn our attention from what the real issues are.  To some degree, I  am guilty of rhetoric from time to time.  It will be interesting to see where the discussions in class will lead.