By Topic of Interest

In Hot Water: A Cooling Tower Case Study

3In a nuclear power plant, engineers were faced with two alternative methods for improving the performance of the counterflow natural draft cooling tower.

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Induction Welding Case Study

19For the year 2000, welding expenditures in the U.S manufacturing, mining, and construction industry were about $34 million.In order to test these welds in a non-destructive manner, nearly half a million radiographs are produced every year. Mr.R.J.Pardikar, Senior Deputy General Manager for the Quality/NDT division at the company, wanted a team at the Centre for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) lab, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras to conduct a feasibility study of the possible Nondestructive testing methods applicable to the problem or develop new methodologies to identify defects in induction pressure welds.

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Laser Ultrasonic Case Study

62The field of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) is a very broad, interdisciplinary field that plays a critical role in assuring that structural components and systems perform their function in a reliable and cost effective fashion. NDT technicians and engineers define and implement tests that locate and characterize material conditions and flaws that might otherwise cause planes to crash, reactors to fail, trains to derail, pipelines to burst, and a variety of less visible, but equally troubling events. These tests are performed in a manner that does not affect the future usefulness of the object or material. In other words, NDT allows parts and material to be inspected and measured without damaging them. Because it allows inspection without interfering with a product’s final use, NDT provides an excellent balance between quality control and cost-effectiveness.

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Life Cycle Cost Analysis Case Study

67During summer 2011, students from Auburn University traveled to India as part of a NSF International Research Experience for Students (IRES) project to work with Larsen and Toubro to assist in the development of a Life-Cycle Cost Analysis research project. Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCAA) is an important tool for businesses to use when evaluating total cost of a project in relation to how much cost would the business acquire over a period of time. Factors that the business evaluates include replacement costs and operation, maintenance, and repair cost. Larsen and Toubro, a leading construction company in India, understands this and uses Life-Cycle Cost Analysis to evaluate the lifetime cost of elements, such as lighting of a building.

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Lorn Manufacturing Case Study

lornmanuThe Lorn Manufacturing case study details the dilemma Jim Russell faced after losing three fingers in a horrible accident that occurred while he was cleaning a lap winder in an industrial plant. Who is responsible? Did Russell fail to follow procedure while performing his maintenance duties, or is it the manufacturer’s fault for not following proper safety guidelines when designing the machinery? Find out the jury’s verdict and learn about engineering ethics.

Students use this case study to develop an understanding of the following key objectives:

  • Implementation of safety procedures in a manufacturing plant
  • Application of codes and standards in professional environments
  • Qualifications engineers must have to serve as expert witnesses
  • Proper communication skills in a professional environment, such as a manufacturing plant

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