Abstract
This paper looks at the different factors that need to be addressed when designing hand-held power tools. The author argues that when ergonomic factors are Incorporated into their design, there are less instances of injury, less sick days, and production is increased as a result.

From the paper:

"A well-designed tool can provide a number of important advantages that can be immediately noticeable. Ergonomically designed hand-tools contribute to the prevention of injuries which will then increase productivity on a continuous basis, improve the quality of the products produced, and reduce the absenteeism in a company for health related causes. Properly controlling the ergonomic factors such as the physical loads a person exerts (through the design of the handle and trigger), vibrations, and noise of the hand tool will decrease the chances of an injury occurring on the job."

Tags:ergonomics, hand, held, power, tools, workplace, injury, design, production

Abstract
It includes the purpose why students get into this field, what attracts them about this field. The advantages and disadvantages and how do the engineers get in employ.

From the Paper
"The Wright Brothers chose to focus on the invention of the airplane despite the belief that heavier-than-air crafts would never be able to fly."

Tags:brothers, wright, fly, air, travel

Abstract
This paper introduces the book, "Invention by Design" by Henry Petroski, published in Cambridge, MA, by the Harvard University Press in 1996. Specifically, it discusses what in the book is relevant to the mechanical engineering program, the author's main points, and whether these points are valid or invalid. It looks at how Henry Petroski's book takes engineering to a level that just about anyone can understand and makes it interesting even to the layperson. This book is not only an excellent introduction to the many facets of engineering; it is also a fascinating look into engineering by example, from the simple paper clip to the complicated Boeing 777 aircraft. It also shows how it is a fascinating look into what makes good engineering and what engineers actually do.

From the Paper
"Another critical issue in the book is how the case studies are presented. Each study begins with a bit of history, and then moves into the critical issues involved in the design and engineering of the object, such as the sewers of Paris as a precursor to the evolution of water quality engineering. Had the case studies taken a different approach, the book might not have met its goal of "making sense of many of the interrelated aspects of engineering," but because of these critical inclusions, the book not only meets, but exceeds its goals. It is clear that engineering is a vital force in the modern world, and that just about every action the engineer attempts can be critical in some form or another."

Tags:mechanical, engineers, aviation, structural

Abstract
This paper describes, compares and contrasts manual and automatic transmissions, defending the thesis that manuals are better than automatics in several aspects including efficiency, expense and pleasure. The paper argues that manual transmission is better than automatic because it is more pleasant to drive, giving one full control of the vehicle (about 62% of the sports cars sold in the U.S. are manual), it is more efficient and safe because it requires the driver's full attention and is cheaper because it requires less gas.

From the Paper
"Ever since the automotive revolution began, there has been a battle between manual and automatic transmissions. Many differences can be pointed out, and when the two are objectively compared, one can easily see that manuals are superior to automatics. One of the strongest impressions that foreigners get when they first visit the USA is the fact that so many Americans prefer to drive automobiles with automatic instead of manual transmissions. In Europe, where the average cost of gas is $4 per gallon, most people, almost without exception, drive manuals because automatics need more fuel. Driving a manual there is an axiom no one questions it, and everyone believes it is better. However, blind belief is not right. That is why a few arguments will be stated in defense of manual transmissions. Although cars with automatic transmissions may appear appealing to the customers, the truth is that manually operated automobiles are superior. Automatic cars are so easy to operate that they deprive the driver of the delight of feeling in control of the car. That ease also allows the driver to have a quick cup of coffee or a nice talk on his or her cellular phone while driving. In addition, when a driver has only one pedal and the steering wheel to worry about, he or she is more apt to fall asleep. These distractions make them dangerous on the road."

Tags:automobile, gear, oil, shift, speed

Abstract
This paper discusses how Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) is one of the most effective methods in achieving adequate local and global surface planarization and how chemical mechanical polishing of copper attracts a lot of interest. It examines the effects of different factors including the slurry, polishing pads and down force etc. on the quality of planarized copper layer in CMP Cu. It also presents, a new CMP copper technique with the name of "Abrasive-free polishing (AFP)".

Outline
Introduction to CMP and CMP Copper(Cu)
Techniques of CMP copper
Removal Mechanism
Slurry-- Chemistry
Slurry Abrasives Particles
Processing Factors
Polishing Pads
Abrasive-Free Polishing of Copper-a New Technique
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of using copper (Cu) for low resistivity electrical connections in microelectronic devices.1,2 In fact, copper is one of most commonly used pure metals in the electrical industry because of its low conduct resistivity of about 6-10-8W-m and excellent mechanical properties as well. There are various methods to deposit Cu thin films, for example, electroplating, electroless plating, sputtering and thermal evaporation can be used.3.4 The copper thin films achieved by these techniques, especially those from the electrochemical techniques, are not planar enough to promise a successful multilevel interconnection. However, in fabrication of a logic device with five or more layers, at least one layer should be perfectly planar. Lack of layer planarity may lead to severe problems for photo-lithography (such as insufficient focus depth) and dry etching in sub 0.5 mm 5. Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) is one of the most effective methods in achieving adequate local and global surface planarization.6 Therefore, chemical mechanical polishing of copper attracts a lot of interests in recent years."

Tags:cmp, afp, films, slurry

Abstract
This document is comprised of case studies of two autonomous robot projects, namely Frank Scott's Hexapod Robots, and MIT's Robot Ant Colony. Each case study describes the behaviour each robot exhibits, and technical information on how this behaviour is executed including mechanical parts, digital circuitry and programming techniques. The case studies are followed by a discussion of embodied cognition, and how the above robots' actions can be explained in terms of embodied cognition. It also discusses emergent phenomenon, both in nature and artificially intelligent robots.

From the Paper
"The Rodney series of robots refers to a group of three six-legged autonomous robots whose design is based upon Rodney Brooks' subsumption architecture. Rodney 3 is the most refined and recent robot. It supersedes both Rodney 1 & 2 and for this reason will be the focus of this summary. Rodney 3 is designed to operate in an environment featuring a slightly uneven surface that may be interrupted by many small obstacles and an occasional large obstacle, e.g. a pebbled track with the odd large stone or similar obstacle. The robot's task is to climb over the smaller objects, and to avoid objects that are too large to climb over. To achieve the climbing action, all six legs must be able to operate independently of each other. The robot travels forward in a straight line until a large object is encountered. To avoid the object, it must reverse a few steps, shift its direction and continue its forward motion."

Tags:Robotics, artificial, artificially, cognition, cognitive, embedded, emergence, emergent, intelligence, intelligent, processors, science, technology

Abstract
This paper argues that hybrids are a more possible than not solution for the future. It explains how they offer many unique features including a better fuel economy and cleaner emissions. This contributes to the hybrids' growing popularity and, as a consequence, major automakers are producing their own hybrid models which include sedans, trucks and SUVs. The writer states that currently, these vehicles are more realistic than using fuel cells or diesel. The writer summarizes by claiming that all of these reasons point to the conclusion of hybrids as a definite part in the future of cars.

From the Paper
""If everyone in the US drove a hybrid instead of a traditional car, we could save roughly 1.6 billion barrels of oil a year" (Mihm 1). In the quest for cheaper gasoline and a cleaner environment, the one answer that comes to mind is the hybrid. The hybrid, a gasoline-electric car, seems to be the solution for the future. With lower emissions and better fuel economy, hybrids are thrilling consumers and environmentalists. Because of the unique features of these cars and its popularity among owners, several major automakers are following Toyota and Honda by producing their own hybrid model. This is starting a hybrid revolution whether it's for a sedan, SUV, or truck. With other fuel options such as diesel, all-electric, and fuel cells falling short, hybrids may have a secure spot in our future."

Tags:energy

Abstract
This paper explores an emerging technology known as the glass cockpit and explains the human factors that influence the implementation of this technology. This discourse describes the theoretical issues of the glass cockpit technology and the human factors associated with the invention and subsequent implementation of the technology. It also focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. The writer investigates the development of the technology and compares the glass cockpit technology with the traditional cockpit. It also discusses the military and civilian uses of the technology. Finally it explores the future trends of the glass cockpit.

From the Paper
"The term "Glass Cockpit" describes a cockpit in which all of the displays are painted onto the glass of a computer screen. Glass cockpits replace a number of, switches, gauges, and indicators with automated display systems. The use of computers to manage the on-board systems, allows pilots to describe what they want to observe at the exact time that they want to observe the indicator. Glass cockpits have allowed contemporary aircraft to require only two crewmembers as an alternative to the three needed by traditional cockpits. (Krell)"

Tags:flight, crew, indicator, NASA, transportation, aircraft, electronic, boeing, pilot, military

Abstract
The following paper aims to find the force required to move blocks of different weights across different surfaces, thus finding a value for friction and comparing the results with that of a textbook and recording any differences. The conclusion found in this paper is that friction is directly proportional to the weight force applied and is measured in terms of the coefficient of friction, represented by the Greek letter mu (m).

From the Paper
"The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the frictional force present and the normal reaction to the mating surfaces and is represented as,
m = Ff - Rn
Rn = Normal reaction, weight force
Fn = Frictional force
But may also be worked out by dividing the force required in Kg by the weight of the object. Eg the force required to move a 25Kg object is 5Kg so to work out the coefficient of the object we would divide 5 by 25 to give a coefficient of 0.2.
Because of this the surface area of the block is independent to that of the coefficient and is not needed when determining a value for friction.
The coefficient of wood against wood is 0.35 giving a relatively low value for friction whereas rubber against concrete is 0.8 meaning it would be hard to slide rubber on concrete. The coefficient can be greatly reduced if a lubricant of some sort is applied in between the surfaces as it forms a layer preventing the bumps on the surfaces rubbing together making it easier to slide the objects past each other."

Tags:equipment, human, error, molecule