FDMech 2000
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- item: Conference-Full-textConference on Future Directions & Strategies in Mechanical Engineering Education- Beyond 2000 [Pre Text](Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Nanayakkara, LDJF
- item: Conference-Full-textTrends in mechanical engineering education: the international scenario and its relevance to Sri Lanka(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Gunasekera, JS; Nanayakkara, LDJFMechanical Engineering Education has undergone major changes during the last few decades in most countries throughout the world but particularly so in the US and Europe. These include: the strong emphasis on engineering design, integrated throughout the curriculum; the need to connect and integrate contiguous ME disciplines together to form a more robust engineering science foundation; and the critical role that a senior level “capstone” product realization course should play in broadening students' understanding of engineering practice. There is also strong support for increasing emphasis on “active learning" where students participate more directly in the learning process and the important role played by “cooperative education" as referred to, in the US. It is important for Mechanical Engineering departments in Sri Lanka to take a closer look at these changes, and adapt them to enhance their own curricula by carefully noticing that what is best for other countries may not be the best for Sri Lanka.
- item: Conference-Full-textMechanical engineering a historical perspective(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) de Silva, PA; Nanayakkara, LDJFEngineering as implied by the modern usage of the term is of comparatively recent origin. But if one were to define engineering as using natural resources for the service of man, then it can be considered to be over thousands of years old. The hydraulic civilization of the Sinhala Kings can best be defined as a product of Engineering. The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt have been “Engineered” by humans for whatever purpose that was deemed necessary at those ancient times. What name we give these builders today is a matter of opinion. Do we call them Engineers? Can a large tank like the Parakrama Samudra be built today without having Engineers of all the present day specializations, namely Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Agricultural, Materials, Chemical, Textile etc. We may have to add to this already long list, as Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Defense Engineering are without doubt absolutely necessary to complete any modern project with speed and economy.
- item: Conference-Full-textEngineering education for the 21st century(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Sivaloganathan, S; Nanayakkara, LDJFThe universities perform three distinct functions. Curriculum is the part which involves the function of supplying specialized competence. Engineering education entered the university only after it became a profession. The early curricula therefore were evolved ones which mainly catered for the then contemporary needs of the industry/profession. The rapid developments and advancements in engineering after the Second World War brought in several new disciplines in engineering and designed curriculum became dominant. A methodology for designing the curriculum also was explored. The elements in curricula were influenced by several factors. Researchers in the meantime have identified the mechanism of learning and experiential learning has gained recognition. Embracing these findings a new methodology for curriculum design for the 21st century has been developed.
- item: Conference-Full-textMechanical engineering - weak-hearted or Undervalued(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Dewasurendra, SD; Nanayakkara, LDJFSerious concerns expressed by the academic community over the plight of Mechanical Engineering industry and the apparent failure of University programmes to meet the challenges posed are discussed. The question is posed whether it is the vicious cycle formed by weak industry supported by unimaginative academic programmes, which in tem are fuelled by the former. An effort is made to identify salient characteristics of performing Mechanical Engineering academic programmes and the growth drivers along with the characteristics of performing Mechanical Engineering Industries and their growth drivers through an analysis of domain leaders and to extend these for the local context. We try to discover a meaningful role for the mechanical Engineer in charting a development path for Sri Lanka. Bold steps for an aggressive programme to force a reverse flow of high value-added industrial products is proposed with details from a topical sector. Inability/inflexibility of policy makers to respond positively to turns of events in the country’s socioeconomic context is seen as a major obstacle to rapid industrial growth. We try to demonstrate how these constitute more important preoccupations for us than for industrialised countries. In this context [Fletcher, 2000] describes the constant pressure on course developers of the West thus, “the significant involvement of mechanical engineers in the development of new technologies, and in turn, the impact of these technologies on the world economy suggests that mechanical engineering education programs must be modernised to reflect the needs of the future. ... Mechanical engineering education programs must accommodate the changing technological and industrial environment and continue to provide a forum for intellectual growth in the next century.” ‘The traditional science-based theory courses, which are likely to be a part of engineering for the coming decade, give us engineering analysts. However, practice-based, well-implemented design and manufacture courses, give us the additionally important *professional component" of mechanical engineering [Henderson, 2000].”
- item: Conference-Full-textCurriculum needs to develop attributes of engineering graduates for success in 21st century industry relevance of changes in USA to Sri Lanka.(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Peiris, GA; Ranasinghe, J; Nanayakkara, LDJFThis is an exciting and challenging time for Mechanical Engineers worldwide. With the locus of challenging jobs shifting from Government controlled corporations to entrepreneurial firms with global reach, continuing scientific advances and technological innovation, rapid shifts and expansion in critical technologies, and the infusion of computer and information technology into professional engineering has come a need for a new kind of graduate. This new kind of engineering graduate should not only have a sound fundamental knowledge of traditional and evolving areas of Engineering, but be able to adopt to the rapid changes in technology, and have a new skill set referred to as “softer skills" associated with communication, teamwork, and leadership, to be successful in Industry in the 21st Century. In this paper, we share our experiences working in different parts of the world and for leading global companies in the forefront of technology and business, and emphasize on the additional “softer skills" which are essential for success of our graduates in the 21st century industry. The Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET) is recognized in the United States as the sole agency responsible for accreditation of educational programs leading to degrees in engineering. In recognizing the new demands by the world’s industry from a 21st century engineering graduate, ABET has adopted a new standard for engineering program accreditation from 2001, referred to as “Engineering Criteria 2000". Engineering Criteria 2000t maintains the traditional of engineering, math, and science requirements, but also places importance of a new skill set that includes teamwork as well as global, economic, social, and environmental awareness. Mechanical Engineering programs across the United States are adapting by revised curriculum’s to meet these new demands by the world's industry on mechanical engineering graduates, by embedding JETT m ^ crculum- We wil1 survey published literature outlining these curriculum changes, and will examine core such skill the relevance of such changes to Sri Lanka, and present our opinion for curriculum and program needs to continue producing world class mechanical engineering graduates from University of Moratuwa in years to come.
- item: Conference-Full-textEngineering education and requirments of industry(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Jayasinghe, LP; Nanayakkara, LDJF
- item: Conference-Full-textFuture scope and strategies in energy education(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Attalage, RA; Perera, KKCK; Sugathapala, AGT; Nanayakkara, LDJFThe paper identifies the scope and strategies in energy education related to Mechanical Engineering. The global and local trends in energy sources, technologies and social & environmental aspects with reference to standard scenarios have been identified This information together with the current status of energy education in the country has been utilized to establish the scope and strategies for the future energy education at tertiary level based on two time horizons: short term and long term that are mainly dominated by trends, policies and conditions in global and local contexts respectively.
- item: Conference-Full-textMarine engineering education in Sri Lanka(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Piyasiri, TA; Nanayakkara, LDJF
- item: Conference-Full-textThe future of the automobiles in Sri Lanka(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Weerasinghe, R; Nanayakkara, LDJFThe features of the modern automobiles are reviewed and its probable future is discussed. The problem of the limited fossil fuels directs the car manufacturers to look for alternative sources and machines for generating power. In the Sri Lankan context, even though presently the country is merely a vehicle importer, the present demand allows the entrepreneur to manufacture/assemble cars and light vehicles. The capabilities of the academia are reviewed and the possible interaction between the academia and the industry is highlighted.
- item: Conference-Full-textSupport base for electrical / electronic industry(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Cooray, T; Nanayakkara, LDJFIt is a well recognized fact that our universities and institutes have produced engineers of high caliber while the talent and skill of our youth in this particular field have always been at the highest levels. However, the need for young mechanical, electrical and electronic engineers with entrepreneurial qualities, practical training and capability is being felt in the Sri Lanka industry today. Therefore, there is the need for the exposure of engineering students to applications and systems through industrial training more comprehensively and for reasonably long periods.
- item: Conference-Full-textIntegration of mechatronics - strategies and some case studies(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Tittagala, SR; Senadheera, PDRS; Nanayakkara, LDJFTHe interdisciplinary area of mechatronics is fast integrating into the curricula of traditional mechanical engineering courses world over. Diffenrt approaches and strategies adopted by educational institutions. In a global context, Mechatronics is often Mechanical Engineers and in Sri Lanka seen as the future career for of industrialization, the industry opportunities lo^engmeTs withTstwg electro-mechanical background needs no speculation. However, in the local context there are implementation of a Mechatronics programme. even severe resource constraints to successful This paper examines the issues involved in relation to global trends and local constraints and it attempts to identify possible avenues for development. The current project-based learning approach used in the authors’ department to introduce mechatronics is presented covering some specific case studies involving different sectors of industry.
- item: Conference-Full-textApproaches for teaching mechanical engineering In Sri Lanka - use of modelling and simulation(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Ganesapiragas, S; Nanayakkara, LDJF; Tittagala, SR; Nanayakkara, LDJFThe factors, which affect the success of Mechanical Engineering profession is identified as a unique one with the country's economic structure and its survival in relation to continually changing world trade. How the profession should pose viable strategies in order to survive and to help the people to attain a reasonable standard of living are our main Engineering is a very vast field comprising many specialized disciplines out of them Mechanical Engineering suffers many difficulties in an unreasonable manner and extent. Healthy profession could be attained only by a sound educational system. We may fail to find satisfactory solutions to the industry's many vexing problems, which involve political issues and economical encumbrances created by it. Nevertheless we can identify the root causes, which may have a bearing on the educational setup, and mainly in the ways subjects are taught and any shortcoming in the variety of subjects offered to the students. Mechanical Engineering laboratories need modern and sophisticated equipment and updating or upgrading them continually is a major financial burden to the Universities and higher educational institutions. concern. This paper tries to highlight that Applied computing or Customer application software development and computer based treatment of most subjects is a plausible remedy at an affordable cost, if not the total solution.
- item: Conference-Full-textDevelopment if inventive, innovative and design abilities. Why? And how?(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Femando, MARV; Nanayakkara, LDJFA strong ability is essential for the development of a country. Sustainabilities of manufacturing industry, in the present highly competitive same, are analyzed and discussed in detail. Both Universities andTndtJtZ responsible for this situation. How this situation can be recSJd steps already taken with recommendations on measures that should be taken discussed. The importance of developing an “inventive and Innovative Design Culture is stressed. It is shown that the “Industrialized nation” are are country can achieve status rather early if due recognition and priority is given to create an innovative, inventive and design culture in Sri Lanka, and work according to a plan with commitment, courage and confidence with correct identification of priorities.
- item: Conference-Full-textDesign skills with business attitudes(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Jayasinghe, JAKS; Nanayakkara, LDJFAny design has no value unless it is related to a marketable product. Engineers have to play a major role In design. This paper describes the new dimensions needing careful considerations in Sri Lankan engineering education.
- item: Conference-Full-textManufacturing education - the industry interface(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Tittagala, SR; Nanayakkara, LDJFThe paper highlights the need for teaching manufacturing in a practice-oriented environment. it draws attention to some of the changes that have taken place and present some ideas for future implementation. these include chages of teaching style and methodology, a programme of industrial visits, application of cad- cam technology and implimnetation of a teaching" concept.
- item: Conference-Full-textNeed for education process er engineering(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Nanayakkara, LDJF; Nanayakkara, LDJFThere has been continuous improvement of curricula and tha current process of educcation have evolved Department of Mechanical Engineering, University o! ZZZTnggerrt by the major structural and curricula changes that are taking place at the University of Moratuwa now under the Government's new higher education fool icy for Sri Lanka, the Department considered it as timely to recast its educational strategy. This action has been fuelled by drastic changes that have been taking place in a cumulative manner in the demand pattern for mechanical engineers in general as well as mechanical engineering education system in the University. As has been pointed out by many researchers into Business Process Re-engineering (1), the time is ripe now for changing from the strategy of continuous improvement temporarily, for a complete Re-engineering exercise as drastic change is the need of the hour in response to the changes, both external as well as internal, that have taken place resulting in a cumulative effect on educational performance. The author presents a model that has been validated based on his experience of over 25 years in the field of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and Management. His conclusions are based on his study of the changing teaching environment, in Sri Lanka and overseas and the industrial environment mainly seen through a significant number of industry based projects and other activities he has conducted. The general conclusion is that drastic changes are now necessary in both mechanical engineering industry and educational curricula as well as in the related organisational structure for education in order to make mechanical engineering education competitive beyond 2000, in both local as well as global market.
- item: Conference-AbstractStudying to be a practitioner: a brief discussion of future strategies for mechanical engineering education(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Kahangamage, UP; Nanayakkara, LDJF
- item: Conference-AbstractRole of department of mechanical engineering beyond 2000(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Abeysinghe, P; Nanayakkara, LDJF
- item: Conference-AbstractReflections and suggestions based on past curricula in mechanical engineering(Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2001-07) Bandara, MPU; Nanayakkara, LDJF