Senior Design Projects

Capstone Design

Capstone Design in ESM is a year-long course in which students work in teams under the guidance of expert faculty to define, plan, and conduct an open-ended project that draws on all the knowledge and skills developed throughout the curriculum. Projects can range from designing cutting edge technologies such as the space elevator to applying complex modeling techniques to engineer better surfboards to analyzing the stroke mechanics of swimmers to reduce shoulder injuries. The projects emphasize the rigorous application of engineering principles to analyze, model, and design products and processes that are at the forefront of engineering innovation.

Prior to obtaining a bachelors degree, all students are required to complete a senior design project. This includes the design of engineering systems and projects encompassing the principles and practices of engineering science and of the several engineering fields. An investigation and report on a supervised design project is the culmination of an undergraduate student's career in Engineering Science and Mechanics. The focus is on selecting, formulating and completing a design project consistent with ABET 2000 criteria. As a result, students cover some unfamiliar ground including areas related to problem solving, team work, personality traits, oral and written communication skills and project management.

ABET 2000 a-k criteria state that graduates must demonstrate the: (a) ability to apply knowledge of math, engineering, and science (b1) ability to design and conduct experiments (b2) ability to analyze and interpret data (c) ability to design system, component or process to meet needs (d) ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams (e) ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems (f) understanding of professional and ethical responsibility (g) ability to communicate effectively (h) broad education (i) recognition of need an ability to engage in life-long learning (j) knowledge of contemporary issues (k) ability to use techniques, skills, and tools in engineering practice Many interesting and imaginative projects have been developed. More information is available at: http://www.enge.vt.edu/paretti/ESM4015_6/