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Work-based Learning Projects for the Classroom

Title: Cycle Testing to Determine Life-Cycle Improvement and Shot Peening

Name of NGM Educator:

Norman Smith, Technology Education and Project Lead the Way, South Windsor High School, South Windsor, CT

Name of Host Company:

Metal Improvement Company

Grade Level:

9 - 12th

 

Student Work Types:

  1. Present introductory information to students on the shot peening process, how it is performed, how it affects the surface of the material, and what it does to change the characteristics of the material.

  2. Initiate a short discussion on products familiar to students that may be improved by shot peening.

  3. Set the scenario where the class is working as a tool design company that has received a Design Brief from a customer requesting a fixture that will cycle test both shot peened and standard parts to determine the increased life cycle of the peened parts compared to the standard parts.
  4. Using the 12-step PLTW (Project Lead the Way) Design Process, design a fixture that will cycle test parts by flexing them within elastic limits until stress cracks appear on the surface.

  5. Using Inventor software, create a 3-D solid model and working drawings of the fixture.

Task Abstract:

Students will work through the 12-step design process to develop a fixture involving the shot peeing process of compressing the surface of the material to change it’s characteristics. They will improve their skills using Inventor software to produce both solid models and working drawings and will experience the team approach to design

Task Objectives:

Students will

  • Learn about techniques used to improve cycle times of products through shot peening.
  • Learn to use the 12-step design process to develop a fixture in a team setting.
  • Learn to create 3-D solid models and working drawings using Inventor software.
  • Present the results of their work in a design review meeting.

Esssential Understandings/Questions:

Did the 12-step design process help or hinder this project? How?

Is the use of 3-D solid modeling software an effective tool for design and development?

What are essential characteristics that will help individuals’ function in a design team?

Task Description:

Students will be formed into teams that will design a fixture to cycle test parts. They will document each of the parts in both solid model and working drawings using Inventor software and present their designs in a design review meeting.

Resources Required:

  • Inventor Software and Microsoft Office

Prior Learning Required: Project Lead the Way 12-Step Design Process, Inventor, Microsoft Office

 

Context within which work is produced:  

Classroom; group setting

Individual or Group Work: 

Group

Special Needs: 

Educator Comments:   

 


The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education program. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.