078-Dredging and the Environment - Part 2 (Dredging of Contaminated Sediments)
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is Part Two multi-part course on Dredging that examines dredging as it relates to various types of environmental projects. This Course covers Dredging of Contaminated Sediments, which examines basic design concepts as well as the Management/Constructability ("how-to") aspect of dredging as it relates to various types of environmental waterway restoration projects. If the reader is not already familiar with the fundamentals of dredging, we suggest a review of our course titled "Dredging and the Environment Part One", also available on this site, before launching into this course, as there are a number of important terms and subjects covered in Part 1 that will be applied in this course, and without an basic understanding of the material covered in Part One the reader may not get the full benefit of this course. Subjects that will be covered in this Part 2 course are:"
- Historical Overview
- Nature and Identification of Contaminated Sediments
- Sampling and Site Investigation
- Survey
- Sediment Sampling
- Quality Control
- Design Procedures and Precautions in Waterway Remediation
- Design Overview
- Bottom Graded Finish — what to expect
- Dredging Accuracy
- Side Slopes
This course is recommended as an introduction for the individual that is interested in the overall aspects of how the Dredging process can be used as an environmental restoration tool. The course material is suggested for the designer, permitting specialist or regulator; it is intended to help broaden the understanding of this technology. It is also intended to be very practical in nature, and focused on how the dredging process can work best in the restoration of waterways. It will also cover many of the dos and don'ts of dredging and project management — as well as what can and cannot be expected and accomplished using today's available technology.
092-Dredging and the Environment - Part 3 (Beach Nourishment and Wetland Restoration)
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is a multi-part course examines dredging as it relates to various types of environmental projects. If you are not already familiar with the fundamentals of dredging please review Dredging and the Environment Part One, (available on the SunCam web site at: /continuing-education/100186.html), we suggest that you consider taking that course before launching into this course. There are a number of important subjects covered in Part 1 that will be implemented in this course, and without an basic understanding of the material covered in Part 1 you may not get the full benefit of this course. Major points that will be covered in this course are:
- Beach nourishment projects.
- Wetland habitat restoration projects (which would also apply to mitigation sites, nesting islands and the like).
This course is recommended as an introduction to the individual who is interested in the overall aspects of how Dredging can be used as an environmental restoration tool. The course material will be very practical in nature, it will cover many of the dos and don'ts — as well as what can and cannot be accomplished using today's available technology.
043-Introduction to the Design of Wood Trusses
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses have become very popular for wood frame construction, especially in the home building industry. The purpose of this document is to provide an introduction to the most significant concepts relating to the design, manufacture, and erection of metal plated wood trusses and their application to residential and light commercial construction. This course is intended for professionals who are involved in building design or construction or otherwise interested in the topic of metal plated wood trusses.
The course initially covers commonly used definitions in the truss industry along with descriptions of the most common truss shapes. Responsibilities of the various individuals and companies involved in the process of producing and installing the trusses are then reviewed. The important topics of truss bracing, issues involving girder trusses, and the practical limits for wood trusses are discussed next. The course concludes with a discussion of software and truss optimization.
219-Repair Techniques for Wood Trusses, Part 1: Simple Repair Concepts
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses are engineered products that are manufactured in a controlled environment and are now used extensively in the woodframe construction industry. Wood trusses provide the architect or building designer greater flexibility in the design of the structure than conventional framed (stick-built) construction. The design is not as limiting with regard to bearing wall locations which enables longer spans and greater ability to shape complicated roof and ceiling profiles. These pre-manufactured wood trusses facilitate a quicker construction schedule and an overall lower cost.
Wood, a renewable resource, has a great deal of manufacturing flexibility. Wood members are easily formed into standard framing sizes, cut into appropriate lengths with odd angles if necessary, and attached to form the wood structure. However, wood is more susceptible than steel or concrete to damage due to internal defects, handling issues, and long term deterioration. Design or manufacturing errors, shipping damage, miscommunication, and change orders are possible causes for the inadequacy of a wood truss for a specific application and therefore a repair or modification of the pre-manufactured wood truss is required. The purpose of this document is to address various repair techniques that could be used to correct damage to the wood members or metal plates, reinforce trusses that do not meet the required specified design loads, or adjust the truss profile or member location to meet other design requirements.
This course is the second part in a three part series which consists of a total of 11 chapters between all three parts. Chapters 1 through 3 provide an introduction to the terms, concepts, and process involved in truss repairs. Chapters 4 through 11 contain actual truss repairs to provide instruction through the use of example. These chapters are broken down as follows:
- Part 1: Introduction and Simple Repair Concepts – Five Chapters.
- Chapter 1 – Definitions
- Chapter 2 – Repair Design Concepts
- Chapter 3 – Wood Truss Repair Connections
- Chapter 4 – Member Damage and Defects
- Chapter 5 – Plate Damage
- Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs - Four Chapters
- Chapter 6 – Manufacturing Errors
- Chapter 7 - Stubs and Extensions
- Chapter 8 – Minor Modifications
- Chapter 9 – Major Modifications
- Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs - Two Chapters – Current Part
- Chapter 10 – Volume Ceiling Changes
- Chapter 11 – Girders and Truss Loading
It is highly recommended to complete Parts 1 and 2 before attempting Part 3. The techniques developed in the earlier chapters provide a good basis for the complex truss repairs presented in Part 3.
266-Repair Techniques for Wood Trusses, Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses are engineered products that are manufactured in a controlled environment and are now used extensively in the wood frame construction industry. Wood trusses provide the architect
or building designer greater flexibility in the design of the structure than conventional framed (stick-built) construction. The design is not as limiting with regard to bearing wall locations which enables
longer spans and greater ability to shape complicated roof and ceiling profiles. These pre-manufactured wood trusses facilitate a quicker construction schedule and an overall lower cost.
Wood, a renewable resource, has a great deal of manufacturing flexibility. Wood members are easily formed into standard framing sizes, cut into appropriate lengths with odd angles if necessary, and attached
to form the wood structure. However, wood is more susceptible than steel or concrete to damage due to internal defects, handling issues, and long term deterioration. Design or manufacturing errors, shipping damage,
miscommunication, and change orders are possible causes for the inadequacy of a wood truss for a specific application and therefore a repair or modification of the pre-manufactured wood truss is required. The purpose of this
document is to address various repair techniques that could be used to correct damage to the wood members or metal plates, reinforce trusses that do not meet the required specified design loads, or adjust the
truss profile or member location to meet other design requirements.
This course is the second part in a three part series which consists of a total of 11 chapters between all three parts. Chapters 1 through 3 provide an introduction to the terms, concepts, and process involved in
truss repairs. Chapters 4 through 11 contain actual truss repairs to provide instruction through the use of example. These chapters are broken down as follows:
- Part 1: Introduction and Simple Repair Concepts – Five Chapters:
- Chapter 1 – Definitions
- Chapter 2 – Repair Design Concepts
- Chapter 3 – Wood Truss Repair Connections
- Chapter 4 – Member Damage and Defects
- Chapter 5 – Plate Damage
- Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs - Four Chapters:
- Chapter 6 – Manufacturing Errors
- Chapter 7 – Stubs and Extensions
- Chapter 8 – Minor Modifications
- Chapter 9 – Major Modifications
- Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs - Two Chapters – Current Part:
- Chapter 10 – Volume Ceiling Changes
- Chapter 11 – Girders and Truss Loading.
It is highly recommended to complete Parts 1 and 2 before attempting Part 3. The techniques developed in the earlier chapters provide a good basis for the complex truss repairs presented in Part 3.
051-Considerations In Estimating Tailwater Elevations
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Determination of a reasonable/accurate tailwater elevation is important in locations such as central, southern, and coastal Florida where the terrain is predominately flat, low-lying, and includes areas of high groundwater. In these areas, a few tenths of a foot difference in water surface elevation on the upstream side of a hydraulic structure (headwater) can be the determining factor in whether a project gets a stormwater permit from the applicable regulatory agency, because of the potential to adversely impact adjacent properties. That same relatively small difference in water surface elevation can also lead to larger pipe sizes for culvert and storm drain systems, larger stormwater ponds, and has a direct impact on the amount of fill needed for projects.
Hydraulic structures in these areas typically flow under "Outlet" control for the design event. The downstream water surface elevation at the discharge point, or tailwater elevation, while a significant component in hydraulic calculations is often given the least amount of attention during design.
This course is of interest to a wide variety of engineers that work on both public and private infrastructure and site development projects. This course discusses those less than ideal, yet typical tailwater conditions encountered during actual practice. It addresses typical agency design requirements as well as some of the more common pitfalls encountered in estimating tailwater elevations. The course discusses the impacts of over and underestimated tailwater elevations and identifies things the designer should consider during the design to avoid the more common pitfalls.
059-Digital Control of Second and Higher Order Systems
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course covers the methodology for developing a digital controller using a modern digital controls approach. Model development for both analog and digital representations are shown and performance compared. The time-shift "q" operator is introduced in accordance with the Zero-Order Hold (ZOH) behavior produced by the sampling and analog-to-digital converter used in the loop. The time-shift operator is used to produce an error predictor and model-prediction errors used to produce control equations.
A digital controller is written and used to control both digital and analog systems and the results are compared. The controller is modified to use different sampling periods and the results are compared to show the performance of the digital control over the same analog system and its dependence on sample rates. The methodology is shown to provide a fast digital controller for a high order system without a complex compensator.
060-Converting Feedback Systems from Analog to Digital Control
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course covers a methodology for developing a digital controller by converting an existing compensated analog controller to a digital model. An analog system is developed, along with a Pole-Zero compensator for use as a typical example. The purpose and effects of the compensator are discussed. The effects of discrete-time sampling of the signals is discussed, along with delay and excess phase effects in accordance with the Zero-Order Hold (ZOH) behavior introduced by the analog-to-digital converter used in the loop.
A system block diagram approach is introduced with integrators in both analog and digital forms. The original analog controller, as well as the compensator model, is produced using a bilinear-transform version of a digital integrator. The performance effects of the sampling are discussed, along with the need for a high enough sampling rate to avoid aliasing and excess phase effects on stability. Implementation alternatives for the digital controller are discussed as well as practical considerations of the effects of digital word-widths on the computation requirements.
062-Switchmode Buck Power Converter Using Voltage-Mode Control
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course covers a methodology for designing a Switch-Mode Buck power converter employing a voltage-mode feedback control approach. The Buck power conversion topology is introduced and considerations for selecting inductor and capacitor components essential for efficient energy transfer are discussed.
Topologies for two states of switching are shown and a state-space averaged model is produced. A small-signal model linear model is produced to examine potential stability issues. Zero-Order Hold (ZOH) effects of the discrete-time nature of switching within the control loop are included. Pole-Zero (PZ) compensators necessary to stabilize the open-loop characteristics of converters with disparate switching frequencies are designed.
The Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) is introduced it into the feedback loop. Both feedforward and feedback capabilities are added to the PWM and contrasted.
067-Switchmode Buck Power Converter Using Current-Mode Control
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The Switchmode Buck converter is used widely for high efficiency conversion of DC power available at a higher voltage and delivered to a load at a lower voltage. This course develops models of the Buck converter with current-mode control. Basic operation, a practical set of examples, and large/small signal models are discussed. The considerations for feedback regulation and load-current limiting control of the converter are introduced.
The selection of appropriate inductor and capacitor values are discussed, considering the frequency of operation and other design parameters. A constant-frequency Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) controller is employed for pulse-by-pulse peak-current control. And a method for constructive use of inductor parasitics is employed for current monitoring. We introduce the peak-threshold current control in the open-loop model to illustrate a current-limit function, and then develop that control into the pulse-by-pulse current-mode control for voltage feedback. We develop the feedback conditions for frequency-domain, small-signal, stability in the open-loop model and include a Pole-Zero (PZ) compensator for good margins. We introduce the Zero-Order-Hold (ZOH) effects of the inherent sampling caused by cycle-by-cycle control and include those effects in the (PZ) compensator. The loop is closed and a "soft-start" capability added to avoid current-limiting during startup. Line and load regulation is shown for the example as well as transient load recovery. Finally, the need for "Slope Compensation" in some designs is discussed and a means for adding it is shown.
071-Switchmode Boost Power Converter Using Voltage-Mode Control
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The Switchmode Boost converter is used widely for high efficiency conversion of DC power available at a lower voltage and delivered to a load at a higher voltage. This course develops models of the Boost converter with voltage-mode control. Basic operation, a practical of example, and large/small signal models are discussed. The considerations for feedback regulation and feedforward control of the converter are introduced.
The selection of appropriate inductor and capacitor values are discussed, considering the frequency of operation and other design parameters. A constant-frequency Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) controller is employed. We develop the feedback conditions for frequency-domain, small-signal, stability in the open-loop model and include a Pole-Zero (PZ) compensator for good margins. We introduce the Zero-Order-Hold (ZOH) effects of the inherent sampling caused by cycle-by-cycle control and include those effects in the (PZ) compensator. The loop is closed and a "soft-start" capability added to high inrush currents during startup. Line and load regulation are shown for the example as well as transient load recovery. The material covered should enable a working engineer to construct a stable Boost converter using voltage control.
072-Switchmode Boost Power Converter Using Current-Mode Control
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The Switchmode Boost converter is used widely for high efficiency conversion of DC power available at a lower voltage and delivered to a load at a higher voltage. This course develops models of the Boost converter with current-mode control. Basic operation, a practical of example, and large/small signal models are discussed. The considerations for control of the converter are introduced.
The selection of appropriate inductor and capacitor values are discussed, considering the frequency of operation and other design parameters. A constant-frequency Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) controller is employed. We develop the feedback conditions for frequency-domain, small-signal, stability in the open-loop model and include a Pole-Zero (PZ) compensator for good margins. We introduce the Zero-Order-Hold (ZOH) effects of the inherent sampling caused by cycle-by-cycle control and include those effects in the (PZ) compensator. Current-limit control is introduced and used as the basis for the introduction of cycle-by-cycle current-mode control. The loop is closed and a "soft-start" capability added to high inrush currents during startup. Line and load regulation are shown for the example as well as transient load recovery. The need for "Slope Compensation" is introduced and explained and an example shown contrasting behavior with and without it. The material covered should enable a working engineer to construct a stable Boost converter using current-mode control.
075-QAM Digital Communications
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course introduces both analog and digital communications concepts and some of the reasons for the migration from analog to digital technologies. Pertinent analog signal and system concepts are reviewed for comparison and contrast to corresponding digital concepts. Digital representation of analog signals is introduced in both the time and frequency domains so that analog transmission of digital signals could be compared.
Versions of "Suppressed Carrier" modulation progressing from the original Weaver modulator architecture are developed for "Single-Sideband, Suppressed Carrier" analog voice applications through variations to other applications. We add phase modulation and amplitude modulation to the Weaver architecture showing the development of quadrature techniques for using both upper and lower Weaver sidebands to produce independent "I" and "Q" communications channels. Only one bit of information is discussed for each of the phase modulation and amplitude modulation in a simple QAM example, but the groundwork is laid for extending the system. The concept of symbol rate and bit rates is introduced. The importance of frequency and phase synchronization of the receiving Weaver modulator is introduced and examples of issues discussed. The practicing engineer should be able to understand the important issues of QAM digital communication and choose system components in a meaningful way on completion of the course.
079-DSSS Digital Communication
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course introduces both analog and digital communications concepts and some of the reasons for the migration from analog to digital technologies. Pertinent signal and system concepts are reviewed for comparison and contrast.
The course develops the theory and practical issues and examples leading up to Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Communication. The information theoretic foundation for trading bandwidth and improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is introduced mathematically, but other useful properties associated with particular spreading sequence properties are introduced by example. The gradual development based on the Weaver architecture for frequency translation of single-sideband, suppressed carrier signals through digital QPSK examples into pseudo-noise (PN) sequence spreading of QPSK of sub-carrier sidebands and finally to direct-sequence, spread-spectrum QPSK is employed to build awareness of the relationships between the spectral energy and the modulation processes. The PN sequence generation, its auto-correlation and cross-correlation attributes are introduced and employed in example with a justification for the development of the matched-filter/correlator approach to sequence de-spreading. Some issues of carrier synchronization and problems are introduced but not developed in detail. Finally, the statistical properties of the correlator approach are shown to be the basis for Code-Division, Multiple Access (CDMA) spectrum sharing to ameliorate the extra bandwidth occupied by the spreading.
The practicing engineer should be able to understand the important issues of DSSS digital communication and choose system components in a meaningful way on completion of the course.
083-Phase Lock Loops
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course introduces the Phase-Lock Loop (PLL) with considerations from classical feedback theory producing a simple analog loop for demonstration purposes. The components are analyzed, linearizing them as required and showing the second-order nature of the loop with the PZ compensation filter for stability. The PLL capability as a Frequency-Shift Keyed (FSK) receiver demodulator for a Frequency-Modulated (FM) signal is demonstrated.
The Costas Loop variant of the PLL for double-sideband, suppressed-carrier synchronization using a Bi-Phase modulated signal is introduced, as well as the "Double-Loop" variant of the Costas Loop, showing the equivalence of the saturated signal paths for the Bi-Phase modulation in a summing loop, and the requirements for a difference term for Quadri-Phase Shift Keyed (QPSK) signals. The 180° phase uncertainty associated with the receiver synchronization is shown and discussed.
A digital PLL for frequency synthesis applications is demonstrated with the relationships between loop bandwidth and channel spacing shown. The "Exclusive-OR" logic function is demonstrated as a phase detector and the Phase-Frequency Detector (PFD) and Sink-Source-Float (SSF) implementations are introduced. The stability requirements for the components and the design of a PZ compensator for the digital PLL, including the use of a transconductance and impedance for loop filter application are discussed.
The effects of the sampling delay on the magnitude and phase characteristics of the loop are discussed.
The time and frequency domain performance of a macro-model using the parameters developed show that the discrete-time performance is well predicted, but that there are noise effects from the PU/PD pulses in the PFD.
Fractional-N synthesis technique is introduced and contrasted between the averaging and Δ-Σ modulator approaches to the oversampling used in the Fractional-N approach.
The engineer who completes this course should be able to design a working Phase Lock Loop, making it stable for their application.
084-Filters and Equalizers
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course reviews the notation for roots of polynomial expressions describing Linear-Time Invariant (LTI) systems in the frequency domain, and relates the operator notation to the time-domain response using complex exponential notation. A single pole circuit is introduced and responses analyzed in the frequency domain and time domain. An ideal delay is introduced for comparison and sets a reference for step response behaviors.
Polynomial root locations are described in the complex s-plane and complex conjugate pairs plotted and described using (w0, z) notation as well as (t0, Q) notation. Phasor notation is introduced for evaluation of steady-state sinusoidal excitation of transfer functions. Second-order, complex conjugate pole pairs are introduced and the asymptotic behaviors developed and contrasted to the single-pole behaviors in magnitude, phase, and group delay attributes. Straight-line approximations are produced and the errors of approximation discussed.
Classical Butterworth, Chebyshev, and Bessel filters are introduced and the construction formulae developed. The Cauer filter is also illustrated, but mathematical development using elliptic functions is not included. Frequency domain and time domain responses are developed using a 4th design form as representative of even-order forms and a 5th order design as representative of odd-order forms. Only the 5th order Bessel filter example is synthesized from the equations. A 5th order equalizer is examined for the 5th order Chebyshev and Cauer filter and shown to provide equivalent results for both Chebyshev and Cauer filters. An additional pole pair is added to the 5th order equalizer and the justification and improvements noted. Transformations are discussed to convert low-pass prototype designs to high-pass and band-pass filters.
The course is designed for a practicing engineer seeking a capability for designing and specifying filters and equalizers for frequency domain and time domain applications.
087-Embedded Systems; Analog, Digital, and Microcomputers
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course traces background history leading to current "Embedded Systems" from the introduction of system classification concepts through modern digital computer concepts, and first-practice digital computer embedded systems leading up to the current methodologies, tools, and practice involved in the design of Embedded Systems.
The digital computer hardware is traced from the vacuum-tube era through the advances of solid-state technology to today's integrated circuits. The software is shown in parallel with introduction of abstract languages, operating systems and "hard" real-time software, program code and library practices, through C-Code editing, compilation, and system building. Hardware Design Language (HDL) concepts are introduced in the context of adding digital functionality to the included microcomputer capabilities.
A Top-Down design methodology is used in the context of Embedded Systems development with both open-source and proprietary tools from an Engineering System Level (ESL) through an implementation at the demonstration-board level with two different examples. The design-flow through the use of tools is discussed prior to the example use of those tools so that the "big picture" is seen first. A simple Delta-Sigma (DS) analog-to-digital converter is used as an analog/digital or mixed-signal example with some modeling and simulation relating to the analog functions and some relating to the digital functions. The use of the top-down approach makes the system simulation of behavior clear prior to the "binding" of the functions to analog or digital components.
Two different implementation hardware boards: the BeagleBoard featuring a Texas Instruments (TI) OMAP™ IC with an ARM processor and TI proprietary Digital Signal Processor (DSP) onboard, and Cypress Semiconductor PSoC5™ with an ARM processor and proprietary configurable analog and digital blocks on a "First Touch" board are introduced as a hardware target candidates.
Software development tools are introduced and representative usage shown for both open-source and proprietary tools using a C/C++ path in both an open-source Linux environment and a MicroSoft Windows™ environment. Code generation automation is discussed and manual code entry discussed in the context of the tools.
The example system is explored in detail from within the context of the Cypress Semiconductor PSoC5™ "First Touch" environment with some alternatives introduced. The steps necessary and the code example for the PSoC5™ "First Touch" environment are referenced, as well as the necessary hardware and software requirements to enable the example in the BeagleBoard are shown and links provided to obtain the accelerometer, display, cables, and software required. The MathWorks PolySpace™ semantic run-time code checker software is shown with illustrations of the checking capabilities.
A 50% discount coupon on products from Cypress Semiconductor Corporation is included with this course.
153-Decision Making in Engineering Planning and Design
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course illustrates the categories of decision making under conditions of Certainty, Uncertainty, and Risk and introduces some tools related to decision processes in engineering planning and design. Conditions of Certainty may be assumed as a reference or bench-mark for defining the best possible outcomes, but may also be used as a simplification often used to provide a first level of feasibility checking or for conditions with negligible risk. A first example of decision making under conditions of certainty is taken from the use of Linear Programming (LP) tools to optimize constrained resource allocation to optimize a monetary return. Both a graphical approach and the "Simplex Method" are introduced to illustrate how to identify an optimum. A second example is taken from the use of the Critical Path Method (CPM) as used in determining the planning of a project. Extensions of CPM to include elements of risk and the PERT Method in the decision making under conditions of Risk are deferred until that risk is discussed, but the CPM elements are used as a framework. A short discussion of decision making under conditions of Uncertainty is included with introduction of payoff tables and both optimistic and pessimistic approaches. Because the predominant form of decision making is under conditions of Risk, concepts of probability are discussed including conditional probability, Bayes' Theorem, expected values, the value of research and information, and the extensions of CPM to develop estimates in the PERT scheduling technique. Links are provided in several locations to available free, open-source software tools associated with certain topics. The tools and techniques are useful both during initial planning and as more information becomes available suggesting plan revision.
154-Free Open-Source Software (FOSS) in Engineering
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course introduces the engineer to the subject of "Free Open-Source Software" (FOSS). Materials from various sources are referenced widely throughout the course. Each source of software is described along with a "screen shot" of its source from the internet. Although there is a rich history of free distribution of software, some commercial ventures have striven to eliminate the practice, providing proprietary commercial and often copyrighted software products as an alternative. Commercial software has its advantages with deep and wide support that is sometimes lacking in the open-source community. However, the price of commercial software is often a barrier-to-entry for emerging "Small and Medium Enterprise" (SME). The materials are introduced by progressing from a general case of operating system software and general-purpose documentation, modeling, and system-level examples through ever-more specialized tools. As a particular case exemplified in this course, the "Silicon Renaissance Initiative" is used to counter the high-cost of Engineering Design Automation (EDA) software tools and the design flow for that use in Integrated Circuit (IC) design. As commercial tools often require hundreds of thousands of dollars investment to support the design effort, FOSS EDA tools offer an attractive alternative. In the USA, with its copyright enforcement, the SME may face competition from foreign entities with "illegal" copies of commercial software and thus cannot compete. This course illustrates both the general tools available and useful for any computer user and professional engineer with any practice specialty, as well as the professional engineer involved in designing electronic circuits.
066-Ball Bearing Technology
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides, with ample illustration, technological information on all phases of ball bearings. It starts out with the basics such as description, theory of operation, sizes, and types. The features and capabilities of the three different kinds of ball bearings are described along with an explanation of the compromise that is involved in the design of inner and outer ring pathway curvature and shoulder height. Next, a discussion follows of how ball bearing operating life is calculated and why it is given as a probability number and how preloading spindle bearings can improve the accuracy of manufacturing machines. Finally, bearing seals, material, and lubrication methods are given along with an explanation of how the use of double sealed ball bearings can be an advantage to the machine designer. Every effort has been made to provide step-by-step, easy to read material with factual information and descriptive illustrations to enhance the student's knowledge of ball bearing technology.
Since ball bearings are used in a wide variety of product, this course will provide useful information to a wide variety of engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Civil, Manufacturing, and any other with a Machine Design option or having an interest in mechanical products. There is always a need for new faces and new ideas in the bearing industry to improve product performance in such demanding fields such as high speed aircraft and space vehicles where light weight and extremely harsh environments continually push the performance of today's products to their limit. Even more earthly environments such as wind turbines are proving to be a design challenge to the bearing engineer because of unexpected and sometimes hard to explain failures that are occurring in ever increasingly sized megawatt units.
090-Introduction to Gear Technology
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Much scientific study and development work has been completed on gears. Formulas have been developed and standards established to make gear design and application as easy an endeavour as possible. The gear tooth has been so successfully perfected that, when two gears mesh, almost perfect rolling takes place. Most gears operate in the high 90% range similar to anti-friction bearings where virtual pure rolling does take place.
This course provides, with ample illustration, established technological information on gears. It has almost as many pages of illustrations as it does text. It starts out with terminology and types of gears. Next the type of material used and the method of manufacture are explained. A sample problem is posed whereby allowable transmitted horsepower formulae for tooth bending and pitting are used to evaluate a simple gearset. The gearset is then revaluated with several design options and the results compared to baseline data. Gear mounting is examined by solving an equation for gear rim design and an equation for shaft size. Finally drawings are presented and expert analysis given for gears in power transmission devices.
This course is written in an effort to make it attractive to Mechanical Engineers or anyone else with a technical discipline that is interested in broadening their background in mechanical power transmission basics. The field is full of opportunities and challenges especially in the aerospace industry where new gear variations have been developed that perform beyond the limits of today's existing designs and the search is on for even better concepts that will deliver even more power with less weight for future generation vehicle use.
099-Roller Bearing Technology
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Roller bearings, along with ball bearings, are designed and manufactured to such perfection they operate in the high 90% efficiency range and are known as "anti-friction" devices. This course provides engineering information on the two different types of roller bearings; cylindrical roller bearings and tapered roller bearings. Engineering information is provided with easy to follow text and an ample amount of descriptive illustrations. Detailed explanations of both types of bearings are given along with material and manufacturing methods. The advantages of using the many different configurations of cylindrical roller bearings and the unique design and operating characteristics of tapered roller bearings are revealed. There are pertinent sample problems of each that teach how to calculate predicted design life under a number of different operation conditions. Recommend lubricants are given for different operating conditions along with a unique graph on how to calculate lubricant viscosity for various size bearings operating at a variety of speeds and temperatures. Finally, sketches are given of both types in actual applications with expert analysis of each.
Since roller bearings are used in a wide variety of product, this course will provide useful information to a wide variety of engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Civil, and Manufacturing and any other with a Machine Design option or having an interest in mechanical products. There is always a need in the bearing industry for new faces and new ideas to meet the challenge of designing higher performing products for use in the aircraft, space vehicle, and wind turbine industries.
105-Automotive Bearing Technology
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course deals with the application of anti-friction bearings in automotive vehicles. It contains pertinent text along with and an ample number of illustrative sketches to provide the student with an easy grasp of the subject matter. It explains the use of bearings in manual and automatic transmissions. It has an in depth discussion of vehicle wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are considered safety items by the auto manufacturers and their design and manufacture is of vital importance to passenger well being. There is a discussion regarding the new "Integral Spindle Wheel Bearing" which was designed and mass-produced by one of the major U.S. car companies. Integral spindle wheel bearings are incorporated in the new front-drive light weight passenger cars and are considered a major engineering and manufacturing break through. Finally, there is information presented on the special design aspects of engine coolant pump bearings and an explanation of the operation of the drive axle differential system. The bulk of the mathematical equations for this course are contained at the end in the form of Appendix pages for reader convenience.
085-Introduction to Daylighting
2 $17.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides the basic understanding of daylighting, beginning from its origins: the history of its use throughout time, why we stopped using daylight for its benefits and why we are seeing resurgence.
Successful integrated building design includes utilizing daylight for its positive benefits, and which may include lowering energy costs by reducing the required HVAC system size of a building, a closer connection with the outside for those working and living in a building, and reducing environmental impact, specifically carbon emissions.
Daylighting may contribute to a building achieving LEED certification, and this course discusses the LEED system, version 3, and the rating systems under Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance (EBOM).
098-LEED for Existing Buildings
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Today's built environment is being scrutinized due to current economic conditions, reduced availability of non-renewal resources, and tenant requests for healthier workspaces. This combination has changed the way we build, operate, and manage our buildings.
LEED® certified buildings are one way in which the places we work are meeting expectations of building owners, mangers, and the people who work in them. LEED for Existing Buildings, Operations and Maintenance (EB:O&M), is one standard within the LEED family of certifications, which specifically addresses the operational activities of the current inventory of commercial buildings in the United States, and sets guidance for increase profitability and sought after real estate.
This paper will introduce the LEED - EB:O&M rating system, demonstrate the benefits of a certified building, offer examples of how to successfully design a project, and provide examples of Federal, State, and Local Incentives related to sustainable buildings.
086-Introduction to Storm Sewer Design
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course explains in detail the basic principles of storm sewer design and is intended for design persons with little or no previous practical experience. It covers use of the Rational Method to determine peak flow rates from various sites and Manning's Equation to analyze open channel flow. Insight into the design process from the author's long career as a drainage engineering professional is woven into the fabric of the course.
After you purchase the course, you will receive a link for downloading the Excel spreadsheet.
094-A Gentle Introduction to Ultra-wide Band (UWB) Radio Technology
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This well illustrated course provides a gentle introduction to Ultra-wide band (UWB) radio technology that contrasts UWB specific characteristics with conventional narrow band radio characteristics. The treatment focuses on concepts rooted in the historical development of wireless technology. We trace early wide-band wireless on its march to conventional narrow radio, and then to increasing signal bandwidths to take advantage of performance improvements inherent to wide bandwidths. We observe wireless technology mature, and culminate in today's UWB technology. We will see how UWB signals can coexist with other systems. A simple UWB transmitter will be shown, and system performance will be explained. Finally we will investigate the potential applications space for UWB technology.
097-Cell Phone and RF Exposure Awareness
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The objective of this course is to raise awareness and understanding of human exposure to, and safety considerations of Radio Frequency (RF) and electromagnetic (EM) fields from transmitters and antennas such as cellphones and mobile phones, which are among the most prevalent transmitting devices with which people come into contact. We will explore the origins of RF exposure standards, and see how they have evolved. Technical terms will be explained and concepts will be clarified with analogies to familiar experiences. The course is relevant to everyone who operates or uses a portable transmitting device, and is especially relevant to those who work with radio transmitters and antennas.
102-Memories in Computers — Part 1: Overview and DRAM Introduction
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Modern computers include many types of memories, including magnetic hard drives, Flash memories, Static Random Access Memories (SRAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memories (DRAM). The characteristics, advantages and limitations of each of these memory implementations are described and compared. The most important of these memory types is DRAM, and this course takes you inside the DRAM so you can understand how it operates and why it is the largest selling integrated circuit ever invented.
DRAMs were a $38B (USD) business in 2010, and appear in every computer (PC, Mac, tablet, laptop, desktop, server or mainframe) and home gaming console (PlayStation, Xbox or Wii). DRAMs first appeared on the scene in 1970, introduced by a small start-up company called Intel. Today they are a commodity, produced by companies all over the world in essentially interchangeable form.
Both the original DRAM architecture, called the asynchronous DRAM, and the higher speed synchronous version, the SDRAM, are discussed in detail. You will be introduced to the concepts of refreshing, access time, multiplexed addresses, fill frequency, CAS latency and burst length. No math beyond simple arithmetic is required.
Outline
- Memories in Computers
- DRAM History
- DRAM Architecture and Basic Operation
- Accelerated Access Modes
- Fill Frequency
- SDRAM Architecture and Operation
- SDRAM Operation
- Access Time in SDRAMs
- Data Burst Operation
- Multiple Data Pins
- Multi-Bank Architecture
- Mode Register
- Memory Standardization
111-Memories in Computers — Part 2: DDR SDRAMs
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
As the largest dollar volume portion of the semiconductor industry, memories appear in every computer, printer, home game console and car; as well as a growing number of home appliances. Total memory sales were $124B in 2017, out of $412B worldwide semiconductor sales. DRAM sales alone grew by 77% in 2017, to a total of $72B.
Since the late 1990s, four increasingly capable Double Data Rate (DDR) Synchronous DRAM architectures have evolved.
The first generation, DDR, doubled the rate of information flow to and from the memory device as compared to single-data-rate synchronous DRAMs. To meet the resulting very tight timing requirements, a new circuit called the delay locked loop was introduced.
The second generation, DDR2, added several features to improve device usability. In particular, on-die termination (ODT) improved signal integrity and reduced external component count.
The third generation, DDR3, provided a refined ODT capability and further defined external device timing in terms of clock cycles instead of internal device parameters.
The fourth generation, DDR4, continued increasing storage capacity and improving the rate of data transmission. But it also emphasized reducing power by many architecture modifications and feature additions.
This course discusses the characteristics and advantages of each of those architectures in a clear and concise manner that any technically trained person can understand. You will be introduced to and become familiar with concepts such as CAS latency, burst length, delay locked loops, on-die termination, prefetch, mode registers and redundancy. Memory packaging in dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) is also discussed.
This course builds on, but is independent of, Memories in Computers—Part 1. No math beyond high school algebra is required.
112-Memories in Computers — Part 3: Flash Memory
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Flash memories will account for $26B in sales in 2010. They are used in all modern digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones, PDAs, music players, home video game machines and computers.
Why is flash so popular? Flash excels in three areas: technical, physical and financial. The technical reasons are (1) nonvolatility–flash memory retains its information for more than 10 years even with no power applied and (2) speed–flash memory is 100 to 1000 times faster than magnetic hard drives. The physical reasons are (1) density–flash memory has 8x as many bits per chip as DRAM, and (2) power–flash memory consumes far less power than magnetic hard drives. In the financial area, flash memory is about 40% of the cost of DRAM on a per bit basis.
Why isn't flash memory used in place of DRAM and magnetic hard drives? Again, there are three areas that hold back flash: reliability, speed and cost. Regarding reliability, flash memories can endure from 5000 to over 100,000 erase/program cycles. That is adequate for many but not all applications. Flash speed is indeed much faster than magnetic hard drives, but programming speed is far slower that DRAMs; much too slow for main memory applications. And flash cost, although lower than DRAMs, is still far above that of magnetic hard drives.
This course discusses all of the above issues, as well as the historical background, physical basis, cell structure, and chip architecture and operation of these omnipresent devices. You will learn and understand hot electron injection, Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, NOR and NAND array structures and operation, multi-level storage and error correction coding. The flash memory market, including applications and major producers, are explored; and two major portions of that market, flash memory cards and solid state drives, are examined in detail.
This course builds on, but is independent of Memories in Computers–Part 1. No high-level math is required.
103-Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design for Buildings - Part one
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is Part One of a three-part course that covers the fundamentals of post-tensioned concrete for building structures using unbonded tendons. This course is intended to be an introductory course for structural engineers new to post-tensioned concrete design, and is a good refresher for experienced structural engineers. Part One should be taken before Parts Two and Three.
Part One gives a brief historical background and post-tensioned members are differentiated from pre-tensioned members. You will learn about the load balancing concept, hyperstatic moments, pre-stress losses, the basic requirements of ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete), and nominal flexure and shear capacities of post-tensioned members.
Part Two illustrates examples of two of the structural systems commonly used in buildings and parking structures, namely a one-way continuous slab and a two-span beam. Part Two is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
Part Three continues with the study of two-way, post-tensioned slab systems, including a complete design example using the Equivalent Frame concept. Part Three also covers related topics such as punching shear for two-way slabs and moment transfer at the column. Part Three is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
By successfully completing all parts of this three-part course, you should be comfortable performing a preliminary design by hand and be able to quickly check a computer generated design or an existing design by hand.
160-Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design for Buildings-Part Two
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is Part Two of a three-part course that covers the fundamentals of post-tensioned concrete for building structures using unbonded tendons. This course is intended to be an introductory course for structural engineers new to post-tensioned concrete design, and is a good refresher for experienced structural engineers. Part Two should be taken after Part One and prior to Part Three.
Part One gave us a brief historical background and how post-tensioned members are differentiated from pre-tensioned members. You learned about the load balancing concept, hyperstatic moments, pre-stress losses, the basic requirements of ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete), and nominal flexure and shear capacities of post-tensioned members.
Now, in Part Two, we will follow design examples of two of the structural systems commonly used in buildings and parking structures, namely a one-way continuous slab and a two-span beam. Part Two is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
Part Three continues with the study of two-way, post-tensioned slab systems, including a complete design example using the Equivalent Frame concept. Part Three also covers related topics such as punching shear for two-way slabs and moment transfer at the column. Part Three is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
By successfully completing all parts of this three-part course, you should be comfortable performing a preliminary design by hand and be able to quickly check a computer generated design or an existing design by hand.
161-Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design for Buildings-Part Three
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This is Part Three of a three-part course that covers the fundamentals of post-tensioned concrete for building structures using unbonded tendons. This course is intended to be an introductory course for structural engineers new to post-tensioned concrete design, and is a good refresher for experienced structural engineers. Part Three should be taken after Parts One and Two.
Part One gave us a brief historical background and how post-tensioned members are differentiated from pre-tensioned members. You learned about the load balancing concept, hyperstatic moments, pre-stress losses, the basic requirements of ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete), and nominal flexure and shear capacities of post-tensioned members.
Part Two illustrated examples of two of the structural systems commonly used in buildings and parking structures, namely a one-way continuous slab and a two-span beam. Part Two is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
Part Three now continues with the study of two-way, post-tensioned slab systems, including a complete design example using the Equivalent Frame concept. Part Three also covers related topics such as punching shear for two-way slabs and moment transfer at the column. Part Three is an example-intensive course, with key concepts introduced along the way.
By successfully completing all parts of this three-part course, you should be comfortable performing a preliminary design by hand and be able to quickly check a computer generated design or an existing design by hand.
123-Reliability in Wastewater Systems
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this training seminar is to familiarize the professional engineer with typical RELIABILITY design criteria and their application to the waste water industry. This course provides high level orientation for the engineer with ample references for deeper study.
The learning objective is to provide the design professional instruction on RELIABILITY means and methods within wastewater treatment works. This seminar has a healthy dose of civil, process, mechanical and electrical discipline information. Although the theme of this seminar is concerned with RELIABILITY in wastewater treatment systems, it directly relates to other large industrial and municipal works for general RELIABILITY design criteria.
No outside resource materials or prerequisite courses are required. Although some wastewater treatment works knowledge is helpful, general definitions and examples are included to aid any engineer with industrial process experience.
As with any continuing education course, this document is a living document. Any and all feedback, recommendations and correctional input is greatly appreciated. Updated photographs, examples and commentary are beneficial to all.
131-An Introduction to Pavement Construction - Part 1 - Concrete
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to concrete pavement construction covering pavement types, ingredients and mix designs, pavement uses, methods of paving, paving equipment, and recent changes in the industry and their benefits.
After completion the reader should have a basic understanding of the standard methods of concrete paving and the associated equipment needed. Additionally, which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific pavement types and applications. Lastly, what latest technological, social, and economic factors are changing the traditional perception of concrete pavement and are making concrete pavement a more desirable choice to alternate paving types.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient paving designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
262-An Introduction to Pavement Construction - Part 2 - Asphalt
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to asphalt pavement construction covering pavement types, ingredients and mix designs, pavement uses, methods of paving, paving equipment, and recent changes in the industry and their benefits.
After completion, the reader should have a basic understanding of the standard methods of asphalt paving and the associated equipment needed. Additionally, which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific pavement types and applications. Lastly, what latest technological, social, and economic factors are changing the traditional perception of asphalt pavement and are making asphalt pavement a more desirable choice to alternate paving types.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient paving designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
129-Reliability in Facility Design
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this training seminar is to familiarize the student with typical RELIABILITY design criteria and their application to the facilities and buildings system industry. This seminar provides high level orientation for the architect or engineer with ample references for deeper study.
The learning objective is to provide the design professional instruction on RELIABILITY design philosophies within facilities. This seminar has a healthy dose of core multi discipline information to orient the designer toward thinking holistically about RELIABILITY.
No outside resource materials or prerequisite courses are required. This is not a formulistic seminar and calculations are not necessary. The technical topic is presented in a narrative manner and hopefully, in a thought provoking style. Although some facilities and building systems knowledge is helpful, general definitions and examples are included.
As with any continuing education course, this document is a living document. Any and all feedback, recommendations and correctional input is greatly appreciated. Updated photographs, examples and commentary are beneficial to all.
149-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 1 - An Introduction
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction covering Casting Segments, Precast Substructure Erection, Precast Superstructure Erection — Span-by-Span Method, and Precast Superstructure Erection — Balanced Cantilever Method.
After completion the reader should have: a basic understanding of these methods of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, a basic understanding of which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific bridge applications, and lastly, a basic understanding of how these choices can affect the cost, schedule, quality, and safety of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail each process will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this type of bridge construction.
229-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 2 - Span by Span Erection Method
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction – An Introduction providing more detailed information on the Span-by-Span method of erection. Topics covered in the course include: Erection Equipment, Lifting and Transporting Segments, Truss Placement, Erection Geometry, Span Erection, and Stressing and Grouting.
After completion the reader should have: a better understanding of the span-by-span method of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, an understanding of the staging and some details of the phases to complete bridge spans, and lastly, the understanding of the method will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
230-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 3 - Stressing and Grouting
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction – An Introduction providing more detailed information on the Post-tensioning Stressing and Grouting operations. Topics covered in the course include: Brief introduction narrative, Common Terms and Definitions, Stressing operations outline, and Grouting operations outline.
After completion the reader should have: a better understanding of the post-tensioning stressing and grouting operations and the associated equipment needed, an understanding of the staging and some details of the phases to complete bridge spans, testing requirements and procedures, and lastly, the understanding of these operations will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
233-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 4 - Balanced Cantilever Erection Method
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction – An Introduction providing more detailed information on the Balanced Cantilever method of erection. Topics covered in the course include: Erection Equipment, Lifting and Transporting Segments, "Table-Top" Fabrication and Erection, Erection Geometry, Balanced Cantilever Erection, and Stressing and Grouting.
After completion the reader should have: a better understanding of the balanced cantilever method of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, an understanding of the staging and some details of the phases to complete bridge spans, and lastly, the understanding of the method will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
264-Precast Segmental Bridge Construction - Part 5 - Precast Segment Manufacturing
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A follow-on course to Precast Segmental Bridge Construction – An Introduction providing more detailed information on manufacturing bridge precast segments. Topics covered in the course include: Casting Equipment, Site Selection, Segment Formwork, Lifting and Transporting Segments, Concrete Placing and Finishing, Casting Geometry, and Stressing and Grouting.
After completion the reader should have a better understanding of the manufacturing and the associated equipment needed to precast bridge segments for erection, and an understanding of the staging and some details for acceptance of precast materials. Lastly, the understanding of the pre-casting method will assist the engineer in cost, schedule, quality, and safety decisions of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail other segmental bridge processes will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of each type of bridge construction.
142-Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Design Considerations
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Kitchen ventilation systems require the engineer to look at both the supply and exhaust requirements of the system in order to meet several design criteria. Codes and standards dictate the performance effectiveness of the exhaust of the kitchen as accomplished through a variety of types and styles of hoods. This course provides an insight to some state-of-the-art considerations in commercial kitchen ventilation design.
145-Variable Air Volume (VAV) For Laboratories
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems have been used for many years in commercial HVAC systems for a variety of reasons. Energy savings in HVAC systems is where the future of good engineering needs to focus. This course provides considerations for utilizing variable air volume systems in laboratories where safety is of concern both at the hoods and within the room in relationship to adjacent rooms.
146-Fabric Air Distribution
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Air distribution in America has been undergoing a material change over the past few years, literally. Engineers, interior designers, architects, facility owners and contractors have found that the use of fabric material ducts has provided the technical answer to air distribution problems that traditional sheet metal ducts haven't been able to achieve without significant additional cost. The use of fabric air distribution systems can be a paradigm shift that sets stagnant engineering and architectural minds in motion on a building design team. This course provides material for consideration when fabric air distribution systems are used in HVAC systems.
147-Airdoor Fundamentals and Applications
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
An opening in a building wall allows passage of people, material and/or light between two spaces. A door or curtain provides a physical barrier in the opening. Airdoors/air curtains also provide a barrier. This course will review some of the fundamentals of airdoor (air curtain) applications. The course will provide examples of where airdoors can be utilized and give suggestions on design considerations for selecting, sizing and specifying airdoors.
148-Seismic & Wind Information HVAC Engineers Should Know
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Every building is at risk of being subject to some form of "act of God" by natural forces on the earth. Sometimes these forces are predictable based on expectations developed by past history. This course covers some of the basics of understanding the codes and standards that have put the responsibility of designing buildings to protect against wind and seismic events on the shoulders of professional engineers while at the same time outlining duties and responsibilities of facility owners, code authorities, equipment manufacturers and installing contractors.
158-Industrial Floor Framing for Vibrating Equipment
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Industrial structures frequently house vibrating equipment such as blowers, centrifuges, vibrating screens, etc. Floors that support this type of equipment must not only be sufficiently strong to carry the weight of the equipment but must also have elastic properties that result in a specific natural frequency. If the natural frequency of the floor is too close to the operating frequency of the equipment, the floor will vibrate excessively, causing discomfort to people that stand on the floor or, in more severe situations, resulting in damaged equipment.
The purpose of this course is to introduce practical methods available for finding natural frequencies of beams, to describe guidelines used in the design of industrial floor framing and to illustrate the principles discussed with design examples.
The course describes some of the methods available for obtaining values for the natural frequencies of beams. Methods vary from simply matching the situation at hand with published values in the literature, to simplified hand calculations, to use of computer programs. This course will provide a background that should result in a better understanding of the modeling requirements of computer programs and consequently lead to their proper application. Parameters important in the design of supports for vibrating equipment are presented, and typical values commonly used in industrial practice are described. Finally, two floor framing design examples are given. The first is of a floor that supports a vibrating screen; it is an example of "high tuning". The second is of a floor that supports a blower/fan; it is an example of "low tuning".
162-Introduction to Compound Channel Flow Analysis for Floodplains
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Cross-sections of natural and restored waterways are generally composite compound channels as opposed to single geometric shapes with one constant roughness. This course covers eight composite compound channel analysis methods. Differences between the methods and typical applications of each method are discussed. The course also provides example calculations for each method. A few common hydraulic software programs are briefly introduced and the concepts and analysis methods they utilize are discussed.
163-Heat Load Calculations for Refrigerated Spaces
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course breaks down the heat gain calculations required for any refrigerated space into four categories; transmission, infiltration, product and miscellaneous. An Excel spreadsheet will be provided that calculates the thermal loads in each of these areas and automatically transfers that design data to a concise one page summary.
The course delves into the materials, properties, logic and equations required for heat load calculations in each of the above four areas. It also offers guidance with respect to industry norms and typical, basic cold storage construction techniques.
Upon completion of this course, a good understanding of the refrigeration requirements of most refrigerated spaces will be attained.
170-Horizontal Curve Design To Prevent the Rollover of Heavy Trucks
1 $11.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Heavy trucks, such as tractor-trailers and tanker trucks could rollover at speeds that are less than the design speed of the curve they are traveling on. Friction factors that have been established for design of horizontal curves may not be satisfactory for heavy trucks. This course will provide the highway engineer with the information necessary to check horizontal curves against the special needs of heavy trucks.
179-Interchange Ramp Characteristics - Selection and Design
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course will give the highway/interchange designer information that will aid them in producing a safe and economical interchange design.
The types of mainline ramp terminals are reviewed, so that the most appropriate terminal, for a specific project can be selected. There is also a section on connection ramps and loop ramps. The question, can a two-lane loop ramp replace an expensive connection ramp, is addressed in this course.
Due to economic and environmental constraints, most new or reconstructed interchanges are forced to be designed using minimum criteria. Therefore, also included is a section on the propensity of heavy trucks to rollover on small radius curves. This material is also covered separately in 170-Horizontal Curve Design To Prevent the Rollover of Heavy Trucks.
200-Design of Suburban Highways
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Suburban arterial and collector highways are often the most difficult to design. They serve densely populated residential areas that are usually bordered by continuous commercial development. This type of environment creates numerous closely spaced driveways and intersections. These roadways must not only accommodate vehicular traffic including, passenger cars, trucks and buses, but also provide for bicyclists and comply with the ADA requirements for pedestrians.
This course will provide the Highway Engineer with information that will aid in designing an economical and safe suburban highway.
182-Feedback Control System Fundamentals
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course discusses many fundamental concepts associated with classical feedback control theory. Feedback control measures the state of a physical system or device with a sensing system. The measured state is fed-back and compared to a desired state and the error used by a controller to reduce the difference between the actual and desired states. An example of a feedback control system is the central heating and air conditioning system for a home, or building. A thermostat or temperature sensor is the feedback sensor that measures the room temperature and compares it to the desired temperature or set point, calculating a difference or error. If the temperature is less than the set point, the error is used by the controller to force more heat into the room. When the set point is reached, the error is zero or below an error threshold and the controller will stop heating the room. Another example is the speed control in most of today's automobiles. The speed of the vehicle is measured and compared to a desired speed. Based on the difference between actual speed and the set point, acceleration or braking is applied to the automobile drive to null the error and maintain the desired speed.
Classical control deals directly with the differential equations that describe the dynamics of a plant or process. These equations are transformed into frequency dependent transfer functions. The transfer function is the ratio of two frequency dependent polynomials whose roots describe the response of the plant in a frequency domain. The controller or compensator shapes the closed feedback loop response, given the plant response, to achieve the control performance objectives. Classical feedback control design and analysis tends to require a good foundation in mathematics, however the purpose of this course is not to dwell on the math, although examples are provided, but to provide the basic design and analysis concepts.
The topics covered begin with a description of the basic block diagram in section 2. The relationships between time and frequency domain representations of the block diagram elements are discussed in section 3 followed by the key feedback relationships derived from the block diagram algebra in section 4. Control loop stability and methods to determine stability margins are described in section 5 followed by a discussion of specifying control loop performance in section 6. A couple of control loop design methods are provided in section 7. The basic theory is then applied to two examples; a home heating system in section 8 and motion control applications in section 9. Converting to a digital sample data controller is discussed in section 10; as related to the motion control example in section 9.
199-Forensic Analysis Involving Fugitive Natural Gas and Propane
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Engineers are frequently called upon to perform forensic analyses of the origin and cause of explosions and fires involving fuel gas systems that use either natural gas or propane. This course will consider those cases where the natural gas or propane vapor has escaped from its normal confinement and caused an explosion or fire or both.
This course will focus on two critical components of the engineer's expertise that may be brought to bear in such a forensic analysis. These concern the understanding of (1) how a fuel gas behaves when it is released from confinement, and (2) how the observed explosion damage may relate to the concentration of the fugitive gas and rate of release of the fugitive gas. Giving the engineer an understanding of these two areas of knowledge, from both a qualitative and a quantitative standpoint, will be the objective of this course.
013-Vibration - Modal Analysis
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This 4-hour continuing education course provides an introduction to modal analysis, the study of the dynamic properties of structures under vibrational excitation. Modal analysis may be applied to describe and model the vibrational behavior of complicated structures such as automobiles, aircraft, or spacecraft, but is equally important for simpler equipment including golf clubs, fans, and washing machines. Regardless of the object's size, shape, or function, the vibration behavior may be characterized by terms such as natural frequency, mode shape, and frequency response function. A primary objective of this course is to explore these concepts in detail.
The course begins with a review of the fundamentals of single and two degree of freedom free and forced vibrations. Through this review, the notation conventions for a description of modal analysis are established. This provides the necessary basis for describing frequency response function measurement and model development. The lesson concludes with a summary of measurement equipment and techniques.
021-Precision Measurement
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to displacement measuring interferometry, which offers high accuracy, range, and resolution for non-contact displacement measurement applications. The heterodyne (or two frequency) Michelson-type interferometer is described. Additionally, a brief review of the fundamentals of light theory, polarization, and interference is provided. Graphical descriptions are included to complement the text. Examples include figures that reinforce concepts in polarization, identify components in displacement measuring interferometers, and detail the function of fiber optics in interferometry. Upon completion of this course, the engineer should possess the basic knowledge required to select and implement displacement measuring interferometry in the desired application.
053-Introduction to Reverse Osmosis Desalination
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the key principles and performance parameters associated with reverse osmosis membranes and their use for brackish and seawater desalination. The course outlines the principle of reverse osmosis and explains factors that define membrane performance, including key source saline water characteristics types and structure of reverse osmosis membranes and their use in modern desalination systems.
113-Management of Desalination Plant Concentrate
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the alternatives for management of concentrate generated by brackish water and seawater desalination plants. The main focus of the course is on widely used alternatives for disposal of concentrate, including outfall discharge to surface water bodies; disposal to the wastewater collection system; deep well injection; land application; and evaporation. The reader will learn the basics of concentrate management and will gain knowledge on key criteria and factors for selection, implementation and design of the most commonly used concentrate disposal alternatives.
118-Re-mineralization of Desalinated Water
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Desalinated water has very low mineral content. Re-mineralization aims to supplement this water with chemicals which: (1) provide protection of the distribution system against corrosion and (2) add minerals needed to meet human dietary needs and to facilitate other potential uses of the desalinated water such as irrigation. This education course provides an overview of key alternative re-mineralization technologies, including: (1) direct addition of chemicals containing calcium and magnesium; (2) processes where re-mineralization is accomplished by blending of desalinated water and saline source water; and (3) treatment technologies where calcium or calcium and magnesium are added by dissolving naturally occurring minerals such as limestone and dolomite. The course focuses on the practical aspects of the implementation of these re-mineralization technologies and provides key design criteria and guidelines for their implementation and operation.
246-Compressed Air Systems for Forest Products Facilities
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Many manufacturing facilities use large quantities of compressed air. In designing such facilities, the Consulting Engineer will often be required assemble a bid package for the compressed air system. To do this, he must determine the Scope of Work, then size the equipment and write specifications. The purpose of this course is to provide instruction on completing these steps. The course is written for design of materials-handling facilities that do not require large amounts of instrument air, but rather use compressed air for power, cleaning and other unit operations. Specifically, it is written from perspective of the authors' experience in designing forest products manufacturing facilities.
On completing this course, the student should be able to:
- Calculate the basic compressed air requirements of the process.
- Calculate the design compressed air requirement for the plant.
- Determine the equipment supply requirements.
- Name some advantages of rotary screw compressors over reciprocating compressors.
- Describe the functions of an aftercooler.
- Name two types of dryers commonly used in forest products manufacture.
- Describe three types of regeneration systems for desiccant dryers.
- Name three purposes for compressed air receivers.
- Estimate the required size of compressed air receiver.
- Discuss the need for an oil/water separator with the client.
- Calculate the expected oil concentration in the condensate leaving the aftercooler.
249-Bulk Silos for Biomass Facilities
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Bulk silos are an essential part of most biomass and some forest products facilities. They are used for intermediate storage of partially processed raw material and storage of final product. The purpose of this course is to familiarize the engineer with the use of these silos, so that he can adequately specify them and provide for them in a plant layout.
On completing this course, the student should be able to:
- Determine the volume and weight storage requirements.
- Understand choices of different wall materials and constructions.
- Specify accessories that will be needed, including fire protection requirements and explosion protection.
- Understand the concept of "aspect ratio" of a silo.
- Understand the need for "mass flow" from a silo.
- Understand the difference between screw reclaim and passive reclaim.
- Estimate the working volume, height and diameter of a silo for a proposed application.
250-Project Management Through Client Management
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is intended to provide professionals with a different perspective in Project Management by addressing the Client’s needs in a Project Manager. The course will discuss the attributes that Clients expect and demand from the Professional that will be managing the project development.
The course will start with assessing the client, the project, and the professional's qualifications. This is followed by discussions of some of the client’s expectations, contracts, communications, relationships, and more. So many professionals fall short of what a client is looking for because the professional is focused on the technical aspects of the design and lose sight of the overall project development. This course is for all of those that honestly want to be a truly effective Project Manager for their Client and their company.
Detailed course outline with timeline
- 7 Minutes – Contents and Introduction
- 25 Minutes – Assessments
- 14 Minutes – Expectations
- 23 Minutes – Cheap Fast Good
- 11 Minutes – Contracts
- 18 Minutes – Schedule
- 24 Minutes – Communications
- 12 Minutes – Responsiveness
- 11 Minutes – Relationships
- 12 Minutes – Roles
- 14 Minutes – Multiple Clients
- 18 Minutes – Invoices
- 11 Minutes – Summary
- 40 Minutes - The Test
This course is an introduction on how to manage a project through managing the client.
Have you ever met a Project Manager that stated publicly that he's not a good project manager? Of course not! Every Project Manager believes he is a good manager. Part of being a good Project Manager includes working with the Client in the concept development, design, permitting, and construction process. Not working effectively with the Client in any one of these stages will pretty much eliminate you from future work with this Client. This course is for all of those that honestly want to be a truly effective Project Manager for their Client and their company.
252-Fundamentals of Foundation Design
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course covers the fundamentals of Foundation Design. This course is a good introductory course for engineers who wish to review the principles of foundation design and is a good refresher for experienced engineers. The course gives a background on soil mechanics and the design of shallow foundations. You will learn about bearing pressures, design of wall footings, design of an axially loaded two-way footing, bearing pressure under eccentrically loaded footings and basic reinforcing design for footings.
By successfully completing this course, you should be comfortable performing preliminary calculations for shallow foundations and footing design.
253-A Practical Design Guide for Welded Connections, Part 1 - Basic Concepts and Weld Symbols.
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Welded connections are used in many mechanical and structural applications. Fundamental knowledge of how to design welded connections is critical for engineers. This course provides a thorough, but easy to understand, approach that explains the essential details of weld analysis and design. The material presented in this course is at an introductory level, covering what every engineer should know about welded connections, and no prior understanding of welded connections is required. However, a general understanding of mechanics of materials (primarily basic stress and torsion) is helpful for this course.
This course is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 of this course largely focuses on the foundational knowledge of welding symbols. It is critical for engineers and designers to understand the proper use of welding symbols because they serve as communication between the designer and the fabricator.
Part 2 covers topics on the analysis and design of welded joints. The section covers the two main types of welded connections, fillet welds and groove welds, as they make up nearly 95% of all welded joints used in mechanical applications. Direct loading applications and eccentrically loaded applications are covered.
254-A Practical Design Guide for Welded Connections, Part 2 - Analysis and Design
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Welded connections are used in many mechanical and structural applications. Fundamental knowledge of how to design welded connections is critical for engineers. This course provides a thorough, but easy to understand, approach that explains the essential details of weld analysis and design. The material presented in this course is at an introductory level, covering what every engineer should know about welded connections, and no prior understanding of welded connections is required. However, a general understanding of mechanics of materials (primarily basic stress and torsion) is helpful for this course.
This course is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 of this course largely focuses on the foundational knowledge of welding symbols. It is critical for engineers and designers to understand the proper use of welding symbols because they serve as communication between the designer and the fabricator.
Part 2 covers topics on the analysis and design of welded joints. The section covers the two main types of welded connections, fillet welds and groove welds, as they make up nearly 95% of all welded joints used in mechanical applications. Direct loading applications and eccentrically loaded applications are covered.
256-Building Rebar Inspection
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Building Rebar Inspection takes the reader through a journey across the reinforced concrete construction of a new school center. It starts with the inspection of typical foundation pile caps and grade beams. Walls, slabs and other component features are described and illustrated. Sample Forms are provided for Inspectors to use as models to get started. Even the beginning designer or related professional will gain insight into how their design or contracting function fits into the concrete work happening in the field.
257- A Case Study in Engineering Ethics: The Deepwater Horizon Disaster
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to educate or remind licensees of the ethical expectations required of licensed engineers and surveyors. A case study on the Deep Water Horizon oil rig explosion will focus on the questionable as well as obvious ethical violations enacted by engineers and businessmen that have led to continuing litigation for an oil company. The course will decipher between ethical violations, and civil or criminal violations. The two can be mutually exclusive. This course will also recite established laws and rules related to ethics, as they relate to both engineers and surveyors. It will also highlight the positions taken and changes made by engineering societies and councils as a result of this disaster.
This course is not based upon investigative reporting, nor was it intended to be. It is a compilation of news from several reports, studies, and articles researched and collected by this author over the years. An attempt was made to compile authoritative and unbiased news from a wide variety of sources. Questions on ethical decisions were raised, but no one is judged except by a court of law. A partial list of resources are referenced for the reader’s convenience at the end of the course.
This course satisfies one
hour of the ethics training requirement for license renewal for the following state
engineering boards:
|
| Delaware |
3-6 hourse required |
| Florida |
1-hour required |
Indiana
|
1-hour required
|
Iowa
|
2-hours required
|
Louisiana
|
2-hours required
|
Maryland
|
1-hour required
|
Minnesota
|
2-hour required
|
Mississippi
|
1-hour required
|
New Jersey
|
2-hours required
|
New Mexico
|
2-hours required
|
New York
|
1-hour required
|
Ohio
|
2-hours required (rules or ethics)
|
Texas
|
1-hour required
|
Wisconsin
|
2-hours required
|
258-An Introduction to the Analysis and Design of Bolted Connections
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Bolted connections are used in many mechanical and structural applications. Fundamental knowledge of how to design bolted connections is critical for engineers. This introductory course provides a systematic and easy to understand approach that explains the essential details of the analysis and design of common bolted connections. The material presented in this course is at an introductory level, covering what every engineer should know about bolted connections, and no prior understanding of bolted connections is required. However, a general understanding of mechanics of materials (primarily basic stress and torsion) is helpful for this course.
The course covers basic terminology associated with threaded fasteners and the different styles of threaded fasteners. The different screw thread systems are covered along with the associated tolerance classes. Common materials used for threaded fasteners are discussed along with available coatings to improve corrosion resistance. SAE grades, structural grades, and metric classes are discussed. Bolt strength properties, such as proof load and tensile strength, are discussed and compared.
The general design procedure is explained for direct loading and eccentrically loaded connections. The direct loading applications focus on lap joints, with a general discussion of butt joints. Topics on eccentrically loaded connections focus on connections with bolts subjected to eccentric shear.
259-An Introduction to Heat Transfer in Structure Fires
5 $35.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Besides the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen), heat transfer is the driving factor behind how fires start, grow, and potentially threaten life and property. This course provides and introduction to methods for calculating conduction, convection, and radiation which occur in a typical structure fire. Methods are presented for calculating temperatures and velocities in side of compartments during a fire and how to calculate the activation time for a sprinkler head. A brief introduction into modern computer fire models is presented and an excel file is included with the course material which has been programmed to complete the equations used in the course.
Learning objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the role heat transfer plays in structure fires.
- Use hand calculations and computer programs to estimate the heat flux to objects from a fire.
- Use hand calculations and computer programs to estimate the ignition time for objects based on a given heat flux.
- Use hand calculations and computer programs to estimate the temperature inside of structures containing a fire.
- Describe the different kinds of computer fire models and their limitations.
260-Introduction to Manufacturing Methods for Metals Part 1-Casting and Forging Methods
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Many engineers work in areas related to product design. In product design it is very important to understand the manufacturability of parts. The cost of a part is greatly influenced by the method of production, so engineers need to have a good knowledge of the available methods. Engineers need to do product design so that the product will function properly, but they also need to design the part for the particular manufacturing method utilized. In other words, the engineer should design the part with a specific manufacturing process in mind.
This course provides a general overview of manufacturing processes related to metals. Focus is placed on comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different methods to help engineers determine which method to use for a specific product. The manufacturing methods covered in part 1 of this course are casting and forging. No previous knowledge of manufacturing methods is required for this course.
265-Verilog for Digital Design
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
With the recognition of the Professional Engineering status for the practice of Computer Engineering in April of 2009, the practice of Control Systems Engineering in October of 2011, and the practice of Software Engineering in April of 2013, there has been the need for specialized continuing education courses related to these practices. Computer Engineering majors may have taken a course with some component of digital design without using Verilog, or may have had a course using the VHDL language. Control Systems engineers will find Verilog to be a useful tool for modeling and simulating real-time hardware and embedded systems for control applications, Software engineers can apply the principles of the concurrent parallel system representations available in Verilog for numerous applications. Other disciplines, including Electrical Engineers will also find the digital design practices encapsulated in Verilog useful all the way to the device level representations available in the language.
We assume that all readers are familiar with digital design concepts, but are interested in an introduction to the capabilities of the Verilog Design Language and how to use it in the design practice. Likewise, we assume that readers generally have rudimentary experience with computer languages, text editors, and general concepts of computer program compilation.
We lead the reader through installation of Free, Open Source Software tools to enter designs, compile and display results, then take the reader through the Behavioral, RTL, and Structural levels of abstraction available, illustrating with simple examples. This course is not exhaustive on the topic but makes a case for the value and usage of Verilog in Digital Design.
267-Biomass Process Flow Calculations
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Process flow calculations are an essential part of any biomass project. They provide an aid in firming-up the basic process, sizing equipment and estimating the project. The calculations however are complicated by the fact the certain variables such as daily operating hours, bulk density and moisture content vary as the material progresses through stages of the process. This course presents a methodical approach that can render the calculations relatively simple and minimize opportunities for errors in complex projects.
On completing this course, the student should be able to:
- Understand the difference between block flow diagrams and process flow diagrams.
- Understand the basic methodology for performing process flow calculations.
- Understand the need for storage volume calculations as part of the process flow calculation procedure.
- Understand how to predict fuel requirement to a dryer.
- Understand how to calculate annual uptime rates.
- Understand the difference between dry basis and wet basis moisture contents and how to convert between them.
- Understand the advantage of working with "oven-dry" bulk density.
- Understand the considerations involved in selecting design factors.
268-Protocols For the Professional Engineer
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course shows some of the historical factors that have given rise to the large number of protocols in existence today. The International Standards Organization (ISO) produced the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) architecture model that was not necessarily followed, as those models developed since do not strictly adhere to its detail; but the OSI model is widely taught and nearly all involved with protocols know of the OSI model to some degree, so it is used in this course for a common reference.
History is used to show why so many protocols became necessary, when they were developed, and how they followed structures to outline the layered format of many of today's protocols. For the lowest levels of the standards, contrasting technologies in wired and wireless communications are used and two of the IEEE 802 standards were used for some level of detail to discuss how the same standard ISO level can be exploited to explain disparate standards.
Following the history leading to existing protocols, sections are included ongoing protocol developments and design and discussed high speed terrestrial and interplanetary protocols. The student should be able to understand the issues and technologies that have given rise to the many protocols in existence and contribute in the development of future protocols as needed.
269-An Introduction to Due Diligence Reports for Development Projects
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This course is intended to provide professionals with an introduction to the research conducted and the submittal required for a Due Diligence Report of a Development Project. The course will discuss the process for preparing a Due Diligence Report (aka the "Report") beginning with the initial meeting with the Client and then proceeding to the field investigation, and the regulatory research required to produce the final Report. In the course are tips and examples that are provided for assistance and clarification of the various topics being discussed.
As you will learn, there are professional liabilities and risks associated with Due Diligence Reports that the professional needs to understand in order to protect his company, and himself, before executing a contract with a Client. Also included at the end of the course documentation is a sample Due Diligence checklist that can be used as a starting point for conducting the research for a Due Diligence Report.
Course Description:
Detailed course outline with timeline
- 6 Minutes – Contents and Introduction
- 11 Minutes – Course Description
- 14 Minutes – The Contract
- 23 Minutes – Due Diligence Research
- 11 Minutes – Field Work
- 18 Minutes – Regulatory Research
- 24 Minutes – Environmental Research
- 12 Minutes – Legal Research
- 11 Minutes – Utilities Research
- 12 Minutes – Transportation Research
- 14 Minutes – Miscellaneous Client Requests
- 18 Minutes – Estimates of Development Costs
- 11 Minutes – Summary
- 40 Minutes - The Test
270-Fundamentals of Linux For the Professional Engineer
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
With the recognition of the Professional Engineer (PE) status for the practice of Computer Engineering in April of 2009, the practice of Control Systems Engineering in October of 2011, and the practice of Software Engineering in April of 2013, there has been the need for specialized continuing education courses related to these practices.
In some curricula, the operating system employed is assumed to be learned by the student without a formal course. We have chosen to examine Linux because it is a Free Open-Source Software (FOSS) system and as such we can delve into any and all of its components to draw examples.
Also, as software is increasingly included as an integral part of the practice of all disciplines of Professional Engineering practices and it is the legal responsibility of the PE that all results are correct, all disciplines face the need for understanding the tools they employ.
In recent years, the computer community has become acutely aware of the possibility of malicious attacks on software; most often through internet connections of the operating system. This course offers an overview of the Linux operating system discussing its operation and structure and why it is perceived to be less vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
This course introduces the origins of Linux along with the Free-Software and Open-Source developments leading to today’s distributions. We discuss the relation of the Linux kernel to popular distributions and two examples from the diverse suite of distributions. Using the bootstrap process involved in loading the Linux kernel, we discuss the memory management, I/O bus hardware interface and file system loading. In a set of appendices, we show how the VirtualBox application is used to support virtual machines and demonstrate concurrent installations of two Linux distributions. We contrast those distributions into the arena of the shell interface, shell programming, process management, communications and applications support.
We introduce many of the topics germane to the study of operating system software in the context of a Free Open-Source Software environment and equip the student with sufficient knowledge to answer basic why and how questions about operating systems software.
273-MBBR Wastewater Treatment Processes
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is intended for civil engineers, chemical engineers and environmental engineers. Topics included are general information about the MBBR wastewater treatment process; MBBR process design
calculations for BOD removal and nitrification, including single stage BOD removal, single stage nitrification, two stage BOD removal and two stage BOD removal and nitrification processes; background information
about MBBR denitrification processes; post-anoxic denitrification process design calculations; and pre-anoxic denitrification process design calculations. A sample spreadsheet is included that
illustrates the use of a spreadsheet to make some of the calculations discussed in the course.
The overall objective of this course is to provide the attendees with knowledge about the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) process for wastewater treatment and process design calculations for MBBR
wastewater treatment. A more detailed list of learning objectives is included in the course document.
At the conclusion of this course, the student will
- Know the differences between attached growth and suspended growth biological wastewater treatment processes.
- Be familiar with the general configuration and components of an MBBR wastewater treatment process.
- Be able to name the six MBBR process configurations discussed in this course.
- Be able to calculate the loading rate of a wastewater constituent to an MBBR process (in lb/day and g/day) for specified wastewater flow rate and constituent concentration.
- Be able to calculate the required carrier surface area for an MBBR wastewater treatment process for specified SALR and loading rate.
- Be able to calculate the required MBBR tank volume for specified carrier surface area, carrier specific surface area, and the carrier fill %.
- Be able to calculate the liquid volume in an MBBR tank for known tank volume, carrier volume and carrier % void space.
- Be able to calculate the BOD, NH3-N, or NO3-N removal rate for known values of the surface area removal rate (SARR) and design carrier surface area.
- Be able to calculate an estimated effluent BOD, NH3-N, or NO3-N concentration based on known values of the appropriate loading rate, estimated removal rate, and design wastewater flow rate.
- Be able to use the sample spreadsheet included with the course to make process design calculations for a single stage BOD removal process in either U.S. units or S.I. units.
- Be able to use the sample spreadsheet included with the course to make process design calculations for a single stage nitrification process in either U.S. units or S.I. units.
- Be able to make process design calculations for a post-Anoxic denitrification MBBR process, including required tank sizes, estimated effluent concentrations, alkalinity requirement and carbon source requirement.
- Be able to make process design calculations for a pre-anoxic denitrification MBBR process, including required tank sizes, estimated effluent concentrations, and alkalinity requirements.
Detailed Course Outline with Timeline
- Introduction (2 min)
- Learning Objectives for the Course (5 min)
- General Information about the MBBR Wastewater Treatment Process (15 min)
- MBBR Process Design Calculations for BOD Removal and Nitrification
- Overview of MBBR Process Design Calculations (15 min)
- Single-Stage BOD Removal Process Design Calculations (20 min)
- Single Stage Nitrification Process DesignCalculations (20 min)
- Two-Stage BOD Removal Process Design Calculations (20 min)
- Two-Stage BOD Removal and Nitrification Process Design Calculations (15 min)
- Introduction to MBBR Denitrification Processes (15 min)
- Post-Anoxic Denitrification Process Design Calculations (20 min)
- Pre-Anoxic Denitrification Process Design Calculations (20 min)
- Summary (3 min)
- References
- Quiz (20 min)
275-What Every Engineer Should Know About Engineering Probability and Statistics I
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The concept of probabilistic design is quite pervasive across the engineering disciplines because of its implication on engineering design decisions. Typically, assumptions and simplification of
engineering and other related natural processes are often idealistic and do not consider uncertainties inherent in those processes and phenomenon (be they mechanical, chemical, electrical, biological,
etc). There is also the tendency to assume that the situation is either deterministic or qualitative or both. Under certain circumstances such assumptions may suffice. However, in the realm
of engineering design, such assumptions and simplifications are not acceptable as uncertainties are unavoidable in almost all engineering analyses and design activities. Thus, any recommendations that are
formulated without proper identification and assessment of the inherent risks and uncertainties would not only be invalid but would paint a wrong picture of the situation under consideration.
The purpose of this course therefore is to present the fundamental concepts of probability and statistics from the perspective of engineering practice. As part of the learning objective, the course would demonstrate:
- The role of probability and statistics in engineering design decisions, and
- The concepts of variability
Additionally, the student will be able to:
- Develop an appreciation of the notion of events, the sample space and the real line.
- Understand the notion of enumeration and counting techniques that are applicable in probability and statistics analyses.
- Explore the meaning of density and mass functions with respect to their relationship to random variables.
- Discover some of the common discrete and continuous distributions that are employed in describing engineering problem situations and scenarios
276-What Every Engineer Should Know About Engineering Probability and Statistics II
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The concept of probabilistic design is quite pervasive across all engineering disciplines because of its implication on engineering design decisions. Quite often because of the complexity of the processes and the difficulty in explicating the inherent relationships, assumptions about engineering and other related natural processes are simplified and so do not consider uncertainties inherent in those processes and phenomenon. Safety factors and safety margins have often been employed to overcome the need for probabilistic designs. Under certain circumstances such assumptions may suffice. However, in the realm of engineering design, such assumptions and simplifications may not be acceptable as uncertainties are unavoidable in almost all engineering analyses and design activities. Therefore any recommendation developed without proper identification and assessment of the inherent risks and uncertainties would not only be invalid but would paint an unrealistic and unrepresentative picture and thus could jeopardize public safety.
This second course in the series focuses on an important area of engineering analyses and design, namely Statistical Inference. Statistical Inference is about how we analyze data and use the information to make decisions about a given engineering problem. The process of explicating the complexities of the data to yield information that would eventually be used to make design or mission decisions is known as inference or more appropriately Statistical Inference. If we examine the relationship between the population and the sample (as we did in the first course) we note that there is sort of a symbiotic (parent-population, offspring-sample) relationship between the two. Probability deals with the population with its parameters (parent values) while Statistical Inference deals with the sample and its statistic (values computed from the sample and used to estimate the population or universe parameters). The following areas would be covered in the course but not necessarily in the order shown:
- The Point Estimates for the Mean and the variance.
- The Central Limit Theorem (CLT) and its role in estimating parameters of a population.
- Sampling distributions for means and variances with variance both known and unknown
- Sampling distribution for two means & two variances with variance known and unknown
- Point Estimator, Interval Estimators and Tests of Hypothesis
- Error of estimation and the effect on sample size (n).
- Type I and Type II errors and the effect on ample size n
- Confidence Intervals for one means and one variances
- Confidence Intervals for two means and two variances
Due to the nature of the materials, a significant number of numerical examples have been included to provide better insight into the materials presented. At the end, the engineer should feel well equipped to explore the important area of Statistical Inference and what it offers with regards to Engineering design decisions.
277-A Review of Site Features
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course provides a refresher to site-civil engineers and introduces the topic to engineers of other disciplines who are not familiar with site work.
The course identifies some nuances between various site features, and explains these distinctions. The course also identifies and explains some missteps associated with some site features and site feature detailing.
This course will benefit the experienced site development engineer who is looking for some reference or history associated with some site features, as well as those who may be inexperienced with land development. Understanding the basics of site features is important for any civil engineer who is involved in a property development project.
278-Introduction to Wastewater Clarifier Design
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course introduces the reader to the key issues and considerations associated with successful and cost-effective design of primary and secondary clarifiers for wastewater treatment plants. The course presents an overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of rectangular and circular clarifiers and provides key design criteria for primary and secondary clarifiers.
In the course the reader will find guidance of how to select the most appropriate configuration, surface overflow rate, hydraulic detention time, and depth of primary and secondary clarifiers and how to tailor clarifier design to the typical challenges facing almost all wastewater treatment plants such as: excessive transient flows during wet weather conditions; septicity of the plant influent and primary sludge, occasional upsets of the activated sludge system resulting in poorly settling sludge; and episodes of rapid increase of sludge blanket depth, and deterioration of clarifier effluent quality.
The course discusses how the configuration and type of the selected plant influent pump station, screening and grit removal equipment impact clarifier performance as well as how clarifier operation influences other key wastewater treatment plant facilities such as the activated sludge aeration basins, sludge thickeners, and aerobic and anaerobic digesters. The reader will learn about the typical approaches used for optimization of the clarifier – activated sludge system design and will find case studies implementing such approaches at full-scale wastewater treatment plants.
279-Fundamentals of Clarifier Performance Monitoring and Control
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Clarifiers are integral part of most wastewater treatment plants. The main learning objective of this course is for the reader to gain understanding of the common practices, technologies and equipment used for monitoring and control of the performance of primary and secondary clarifiers.
The course presents an overview of the key perfomance parameters used for clarifier design and operation, and of the working principles of popular clarifier montioring equiment such as turbidimeters, ultrasonic solids analyzers, nuclear solids density meters, and sludge balanket level detectors.
This course provides guidance regarding the typical areas of application, key advantages and technology limitations for each type of clarifier monitoring equipment. Knowledge gained from the course would build your skills and understaning of how to select the most appropriate methods and equipment for succesful monitoring and control of clarifiers for the site specific conditions of a given wastewater treatment plant. Most of the fundamental knowledge presnted in this course can also be applied for monitoring and control of clairifiers in drinking water plants.
280-Intro to Thermodynamic Cycles Part 1 - 1st Law and Gas Power Cycle
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The focus of this course is to introduce some of the most common thermodynamic cycles. The course is divided into three parts. Part 1 of the course provides a quick overview of the first law for both closed and open systems and discusses gas power cycles. Part 2 covers vapor cycles and part 3 of this course covers the second law of thermodynamics along with refrigeration cycles.
Part 1 is intended to cover the preliminary concepts and theories required to analyze gas power cycles. The course begins with basic concepts of thermodynamics; with a brief coverage of topics such as the laws of thermodynamics, processes and cycles, properties of a pure substance, heat capacity, and the ideal gas law. The first law of thermodynamics is covered for both closed systems and open systems. Gas power cycles are covered with a focus on the Otto cycle and the diesel cycle using air-standard analysis.
This course is at an introductory level, and no prior knowledge of thermodynamics is required.
281-Environmental Review & Permitting of Desalination Projects - Part 1
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
With this course the reader will gain through understanding of the key environmental issues and challenges as well as reliable solutions associated the implementation of desalination projects.
The Part 1 of the course provides an overview of the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of desalination plants and to presents alternatives for their minimization and mitigation. The course focuses on three key environmental impact aspects: (1) intake impingement and entrainment; (2) concentrate impact on aquatic environment; and (3) carbon footprint of desalination plant operations.
282-Environmental Review & Permitting of Desalination Projects - Part 2
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
With this course the reader will gain through understanding of the key environmental issues and challenges as well as reliable solutions associated the implementation of desalination projects.
In Part 2 of the course, the reader will learn about the scope and content of supporting environmental studies, which government regulatory agencies require to be completed by the desalination project proponent in order to obtain necessary permits for collecting intake water, for discharge of desalination plant concentrate and for introducing desalinated water into the municipal drinking water supply system.
283-What Every Engineer Should Know About the Design and Analysis of Engineering Experiments I
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Design of experiment is an activity that every Engineer should take very seriously. Engineers are called upon every day to make decisions regarding programs, processes and systems that have
significant implications on the safety and well-being of society, be they chemical processes, the environment, infrastructure, machinery and equipment, and others. And while Engineers are known for sound
and fact based judgment, those laudable qualities and characteristics may not be enough and may not serve them well in certain circumstances. This is especially true when they are called upon to make decisions
regarding variables and factors whose underlying distributions are stochastic and thus have uncertain, albeit questionable, predictability. Handling these situations requires an understanding of
the formal schemes and structures necessary to deal with variability, bias, and randomness.
This is the first of a two-course sequence in this subject area. As the prerequisite to the second course, it provides the Engineer with the rudimentary, but necessary, toolkit
needed to plan, design and analyze basic engineering experiments and to make recommendations about design and operational decisions. It sets the stage for the second course, where more robust and higher
level designs are explored, including Factorial designs, Fractional designs, Nested designs, Confounding schemes and Regression Analysis. The second course also addresses a fundamental problem of design,
namely cost and resource utilization, and also the all important issue of missing values. While the two courses are not strictly about mathematics and statistics, they do utilize those subject matters to
further elucidate how to plan, design, and analyze engineering experiments. Some of the areas covered in this course include:
- The Role of Experiments in the Engineering Design Process
- The Role of Statistics and Probability in Engineering Design
- Purpose and Nature of Planned Experiments
- Important Issues in Planned Experiments
- The Effects of Changes in the Independent Variables
- The Effect of Noise in An Experiment
- Restrictions on Randomization
- Single Factor Experiments including Model Analysis
- Randomized Block Designs
- Latin and Other Designs
- Incomplete Block Designs
285-What Every Engineer Should Know About the Design and Analysis of Engineering Experiments II
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Design of experiment is an activity that every Engineer should take very seriously. Engineers are called upon everyday to make decisions regarding programs, processes and systems that have significant implications on the safety and well being of society, be they chemical processes, the environment, infrastructure, machinery and equipment,
and others. Engineers are known for sound and fact based judgment but while those qualities and characteristics are laudable, they may not be enough and may not serve them well. This is especially true when they are called upon to make decisions regarding variables and factors whose
underlying distributions are stochastic and thus have uncertain and questionable predictability. Handling these situations requires an understanding of the formal schemes and structures necessary to deal with variability, bias, and randomness.
This second course, in the two-course sequence, focuses on some of the more practical issues that engineers encounter during the design and analysis of experiments. This course focuses on more robust and higher level designs such as Factorial designs, Confounding Schemes Fractional
designs, Fixed and Random factors, Expected Mean Squares, Nested or Hierarchical designs, and Regression Analysis. The course also addresses, with realistic examples, some of the common problem in design of experiments, namely, missing data or missing values. It also provides practical justification for confounding, which arises due to the physical limitation as it relates to acquiring all the needed data.
It addresses the issue of cost and resource utilization where fractional factorial designs are used because the cost to run full higher order designs is prohibitive. The course has a very practical bent and while there are theoretical foundations undergirding the material, the course itself utilizes basic arithmetic for computation and analysis. Some of the areas covered in the course include:
- The Role of Experiments in the Engineering Design Process
- Missing Values for Randomized Block and Latin Designs
- Factorial Designs for 2f and 3f
- Confounding Schemes for 2f and 3f
- Fractional Factorial Designs for 2f and 3f
- Modeling of Fixed and Random Effects and Expected Mean Square (EMS)
- Nested/Hierarchical Designs
- Regression Analysis
286-Engineering Methods in Microsoft Excel - Part 1: Linear Algebra
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
In their fields of specialty, Engineers are constantly challenged with solving a wide range of complex analytical and computational problems. These problems involve analysis methodologies and the management of
data. The application of computers enables repetitive, time-consuming and often tedious calculations to be conducted rapidly, efficiently,
and less prone to errors. The application of computer tools also enables the results and outputs of such engineering analyses to be readily transferred and incorporated into reports and other engineering
documents. An even greater advantage—in terms of productivity and efficiency—is realized when these calculations and outputs are replicated across numerous projects. Competence in computer skills
predisposes engineers to pursue and develop more creative and innovative solutions to problems.
Microsoft Excel is an electronic spreadsheet program developed by the Microsoft company, and is part of
the software products. A spreadsheet is a grid that organizes data and calculations into columns and rows. The intersection of a column and a row is called a cell. An
electronic spreadsheet enables users to store, organize, manipulate, and analyze data in the cells of the spreadsheet. As of this publication, the software is into the 2016 release.
Microsoft Excel is widely and increasingly being used as a tool to assist engineers in conducting and replicating intricate calculations and analysis, designing complex
systems, and managing large data sets. This course presents a selection of engineering analysis topics and how to formulate, implement and solve them in Microsoft Excel.
This course presents fundamental principles and engineering applications of problems in linear algebra, and demonstrates the Excel tools, methods, and strategies that can be used to formulate and solve them.
Upon completion of this course, participants will have gained insight into applying Excel tools, methods, and strategies in analyzing, formulating and implementing a
variety of engineering related problems, as well as managing large sets of complex data. Participants will also be able to identify professional situations where the application of innovative
Excel techniques will be of great benefit and advantage, and will enable practitioners to significantly improve their productivity, efficiency, and the quality of their work product.
287-Engineering Methods in Microsoft Excel - Part 2: Applied Optimization
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is part of a series on engineering methods in Microsoft Excel tailored to practicing engineers. This course series presents Microsoft Excel
tools that can be used for a wide range of engineering analyses and data management. This course covers an introduction to applied optimization problems. This course presents a review of the fundamental principles
followed by a real-life example encountered by a practicing engineer. The real-life examples are then formulated and implemented in Microsoft Excel and worked using
the various Excel tools, spreadsheet techniques, and built-in functions. Examples from various engineering fields are used to demonstrate the concepts and methods
learned throughout this course. Upon completion of this course, practitioners will be able to apply the methods learned to a variety of engineering problems, and also to identify situations in their fields
of specialty where the innovative application of these tools and methods will be advantageous to their output and to their work product.
288-Engineering Methods in Microsoft Excel - Part 3: Data Analysis
7 $157.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is part of a series on engineering methods in Microsoft Excel tailored to practicing engineers. The course series presents Microsoft Excel tools that can be used for a wide range of engineering analyses and data management. This course covers introductory topics on engineering data analyses. Each topic includes a review of the fundamental principles followed by a real-life example encountered by a practicing engineer. The real-life examples are then formulated and implemented in Microsoft Excel and worked using the various Excel tools, spreadsheet techniques, and built-in functions. Examples from various engineering fields are used to demonstrate the concepts and methods learned throughout this course.
Upon completion of this course, practitioners will be able to apply the methods learned to a variety of engineering problems, and also to identify situations in their fields of specialty where the innovative application of these tools and methods will be advantageous to their output and to their work product.
289-Shoring and Reshoring Fundamentals
2 $17.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
"Shoring and Reshoring Fundamentals" provides an overview of what every engineer and construction professional should know about shoring, reshoring, and backshoring. The user will learn common terms, the difference between shoring, reshoring, and backshoring and why the distinction is important. At the end of the course, the user will have a basic understanding of the various materials used in shoring and reshoring as well as a basic grasp of the concrete construction sequencing. This course is written to appeal to a wide range of engineering professionals and no special prerequisites should be required.
290-What Every Engineer Should Know About Reliability I
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Reliability Engineering is concerned with the design, implementation, and prediction of the life profiles of a system or component using a disciplined analysis approach that has strong roots in statistics, mathematics and engineering. Given a system, subsystem or component, one of the major challenges of the discipline is to understand the inherent failure mechanisms that govern the system and the development of the appropriate analytical scheme to determine the system's life profiles. The problem becomes even more acute given the phenomenon of aging and related transient phenomenon as well as the practical realities of little or no data. Today, these challenges still persist especially as companies try to shorten the time to market in order to gain market share.
This first in a two-course sequence has examined some of the basic issues related to reliability such as:
- Understand the various viewpoints of reliability, especially the engineering design viewpoint.
- The use of nonparametric approach to estimate the reliability and hazard function functions
- Understand the performance measures used to characterize reliability.
- Appropriate reliability based intervention strategies that lead to optimally maintained system.
- Availability, Maintainability and related Performability measures.
Under these broad themes, the topics to be covered include:
- Reliability Models
- Static Reliability
- Reliability Improvement
- Reparable Systems-Availability Models
- System Redesign
- Maintenance
The second sequence will focus on the all important area of dependency analysis, interference theory, data analysis and testing.
293-What Every Engineer Should Know About Reliability II
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Reliability Engineering is concerned with the design, implementation, and prediction of the life profiles of a system or component—using a disciplined analysis approach that has strong roots in statistics, mathematics and engineering. Given a system, subsystem or component, one of the major challenges of the discipline is to understand the inherent failure mechanisms that govern the system and the development of the appropriate analytical scheme to determine the system's life profiles. The problem becomes even more acute given the phenomenon of aging and related transient phenomenon, as well as the practical realities of little or no data. Today, these challenges still persist especially as companies try to shorten the time to market in order to gain market share.
This second in a two-course sequence has examined some more practical issues related testing and parameter estimation as well as some topology or configurations that are practical and realistic but have not received enough attention.
Some of the issues addressed include:
- Understand the various viewpoints of reliability, especially the engineering design viewpoint.
- The use of nonparametric approach to estimate the reliability and hazard function functions
- Understand the performance measures used to characterize reliability.
- Appropriate reliability based intervention strategies that lead to optimally maintained system.
- Availability, Maintainability and related Performability measures.
Under these broad themes, the topics to be covered include:
- Reliability Models
- Static Reliability
- Reliability Improvement
- Reparable Systems-Availability Models
- System Redesign
- Maintenance
The second sequence will focus on the all important area of dependency analysis, interference theory, data analysis and testing.
291-Proportional, Integral, and Derivative Controller Design Part 1
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
In this course, the design and application of Proportional plus Integral plus Derivative (PID) controller’s is discussed. Some familiarity with feedback control may help in providing a better understanding of the course material. PID control is a technique used extensively in feedback control systems. Its origins date back to the 19th century, being used for governor speed control, and since then in numerous applications with a wide variety of actuators and sensors. The controller is simple structure; being the sum of three terms as the name implies. The PID structure provides for a fairly wide range of tuning adjustment in a feedback control loop, especially for relatively simple processes. A PID uses the error, it’s integral and derivative to derive a control signal driving the error to a null state. The controller can be structured in many configurations; P-only, PI, PD, PID, plus others to be discussed. PID control is central to most process control systems; but can also be found in numerous applications other than process control ranging from positioning control loops to pointing, tracking and platform stabilization control loops. The PID can also be integrated with higher level control strategies such as model predictive control, adaptive controllers and fuzzy logic control described in Part 2 of the course.
Starting with an introduction in section 1.0, topics covered are a description of the basic feedback control loop block diagram in section 2 and how the PID relates to the control loop. The relationships between time and frequency domain representations of the block diagram elements are discussed in section 3 followed by the key feedback relationships derived from the block diagram algebra in section 4. The PID control algorithm is described in section 5 which includes the frequency domain characterization of the PID (5.1), the effect of each PID term has on response (5.2) and finally different forms of the PID used in actual applications. In section 6 a discussion of specifying control loop performance is presented. PID control loop design methods are provided in section 7. The basic theory is applied to an example; a home heating system, in section 8.
292-Proportional, Integral, and Derivative Controller Design Part 2
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
As discussed in Part 1, PID controllers are used in many control applications; possibly the most common form of feedback control compensation. The versatility of the PID may reside is a fairly simple control structure, easy to implement in software or hardware, offering loop gain adjustment, an integrator to reduce or null servo error, and the phase lead of a derivative improve loop stability or act as a predictive element. This PID structure provides for a fairly wide range of tuning adjustment in a feedback control loop, especially for relatively simple processes. The controller can be configured in many configurations; P-only, PI, PD, PID, plus others are discussed. This part of the course focusses on the digital implementation of the PID controller and its implementation with higher level control strategies; adaptive controllers and fuzzy logic control.
Starting with an introduction in section 1.0, topics covered are a summary of the basic feedback control loop block diagram relationships in section 2. The PID control algorithm, as presented in Part 1, is summarized in section 3 followed by the digital implementation of the PID within the constraints of a sampled control system. The building temperature control example, used in Part 1, is analyzed again in section 4.0 but now using a digital PI controller. Section 5.0 provides another example for a motion control application using a digital PD controller. Finally section 6.0 describes implementation of the PID within a model reference adaptive control (MRAC) architecture and also configured with a fuzzy logic controller (FLC).
294-Drones for Engineers
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Drone technology has leaped forward as the Federal Aviation Administration issued its part 107 rules for small unmanned aircraft system drones. About 40,000 remote pilots had been certified in the first year. Engineering firms have recognized the benefits accrued by using a stable airborne platform to see and document views necessary for their facility inspections. Surveyors see the photogrammetry business evolving as an inexpensive way to create topography maps. Construction companies are using drones to track project progress.
For engineers and firms interested in exploring drone use, this course gives an overview of drone uses. Whether developing an in-house drone program, purchasing a license to use drone software for a particular function, or subcontracting out work to a drone specialty company, knowing the drone basics presented here is essential.
295-Review of Engineering Dynamics, Part 1: Kinematics of Particles and Rigid Bodies
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
It is common in engineering analysis and design to deal with systems in motion. Dynamics is the study of systems in motion. This course discusses the essential topics that every engineer should know about the field of engineering dynamics. Example problems are provided throughout the course, and the focus primarily on topics relating to engineering applications. Part 1 of the course will focus on kinematics of particles and rigid bodies, while part 2 will cover kinetics of particles and rigid bodies.
Dynamics can be a difficult topic. Most of the confusion stems from the idea that there are many ways to solve any given dynamics problem. This course will outline a systematic approach to solving dynamics problems. Following the step-by-step process presented in this course will help you to quickly determine the appropriate equations to use for any problem relating to engineering dynamics.
It is helpful to have a very basic understanding of derivatives, especially simple derivatives of polynomials. A review section is provided in the course to cover the essential calculus topics for the course.
296-Repair Techniques for Wood Trusses, Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal plated wood trusses are engineered products that are manufactured in a controlled environment and are now used extensively in the wood frame construction industry. Wood trusses provide the architect or building designer greater flexibility in the design of the structure than conventional framed (stick-built) construction. The design is not as limiting with regard to bearing wall locations which enables longer spans and greater ability to shape complicated roof and ceiling profiles. These pre-manufactured wood trusses facilitate a quicker construction schedule and an overall lower cost.
Wood, a renewable resource, has a great deal of manufacturing flexibility. Wood members are easily formed into standard framing sizes, cut into appropriate lengths with odd angles if necessary, and attached to form the wood structure. However, wood is more susceptible than steel or concrete to damage due to internal defects, handling issues, and long term deterioration. Design or manufacturing errors, shipping damage, miscommunication, and change orders are possible causes for the inadequacy of a wood truss for a specific application and therefore a repair or modification of the pre-manufactured wood truss is required. The purpose of this document is to address various repair techniques that could be used to correct damage to the wood members or metal plates, reinforce trusses that do not meet the required specified design loads, or adjust the truss profile or member location to meet other design requirements.
This course is the second part in a three part series which consists of a total of 11 chapters between all three parts. Chapters 1 through 3 provide an introduction to the terms, concepts, and process involved in truss repairs. Chapters 4 through 11 contain actual truss repairs to provide instruction through the use of example. These chapters are broken down as follows:
- Part 1: Introduction and Simple Repair Concepts – Five Chapters
- Chapter 1 – Definitions
- Chapter 2 – Repair Design Concepts
- Chapter 3 – Wood Truss Repair Connections
- Chapter 4 – Member Damage and Defects
- Chapter 5 – Plate Damage
- Part 2: Moderate Truss Repairs - Four Chapters
- Chapter 6 – Manufacturing Errors
- Chapter 7 – Stubs and Extensions
- Chapter 8 – Minor Modifications
- Chapter 9 – Major Modifications
- Part 3: Complex Truss Repairs - Two Chapters – Current Part
- Chapter 10 – Volume Ceiling Changes
- Chapter 11 – Girders and Truss Loading.
It is highly recommended to complete Parts 1 and 2 before attempting Part 3. The techniques developed in the earlier chapters provide a good basis for the complex truss repairs presented in Part 3
297-What Every Engineer Should Know About Statistical Process/Quality Control I
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines Quality Assurance (QA) as "All of those planned or systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that an item will perform satisfactorily in service". A more operational definition of quality is the one that defines as: "Fitness for Use" This points to the inescapable fact that it is the customer rather the producer or manufacturer that determines what quality is or should be.
There is a tendency to think of quality as a recent development or phenomenon. However, the basic idea of making a quality product with high degree of uniformity has been around for as long as man has made a product the idea that statistics may be instrumental in assuring the quality of manufactured products goes as far back as the advent of modern production. The widespread use of statistical methods in problems of quality control is even more recent. Many problems encountered in the manufacturing or of product and services and the associated supply chains exhibit process characteristics and as such are amenable to statistical treatment or analysis. Statistical Process/Quality control refer to three special techniques:
- Process/Qualitycontrol,
- Acceptance control,
- Parameter design and the establishment of tolerances.
The course places emphases on the significance of process control rather than inspection as a means of reducing rework and nonconformance. Many experts agree that inspection (especially human inspection) does not add value to quality and thus is a necessary but non-value adding activity.
This first in a two-course sequence will focus on Process/Quality control with emphasis on:
- Historical review of Statistical Process/Quality Control
- Cost of Quality (Cost of Poor Quality)
- Quality Auditing Process
- The difference between Quality of Design and Quality of conformance
- Differences and similarities between SQC and SPC
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- The Three Gurus of TQM
- Lean Six Sigma
- Off-line Control and On-Line Control
- Shewhart Control Charts--Interpreting Shewhart Control Charts
- Process Capability Evaluation
The second course will focus on acceptance sampling and will explore some of the Military and Commercial Standards that have been developed to aid acceptance control.
298-Temperature Control for Spacecraft
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is recommended for:
- All engineering disciplines - Since this is a fundamentals (breadth) level course, professional engineers in any discipline can benefit from this course.
- All mechanical engineers - To expand discipline knowledge by learning how temperature control is applied to spacecraft.
The main objective of this course seeks to answer the following question:
- How does a spacecraft maintain its temperatures in space?
299-Floodplain Engineering - Modeling Flood Profiles Using HEC-RAS - Part 1
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is intended for engineers are involved in flood studies or need to do work within a floodplain. HEC-RAS is the most up-to-date software for calculating flood profiles. It has the capability of determining multiple flood profiles and can deal with complicated stream conditions with multiple bridges and culverts.
The overall objective of this course is to provide an overview of the HEC-RAS program and to review in detail the basic input parameters. Photographs and diagrams are provided to help illustrate the concepts.
301-Spacecraft Propulsion
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is recommended for:
- All engineering disciplines - Since this is a fundamentals (breadth) level course, professional engineers in any discipline can benefit from this course.
The main objective of this course seeks to answer the following question:
- How does a spacecraft in orbit or deep space maintain or change its position in space?
302-HVAC Design – Cooling Towers
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course in HVAC Design – Cooling Towers will benefit design professionals including engineers, architects, and designers, as well as those involved in facility management and maintenance. Upon completion of this course, you will have a better understanding of the principles involved in cooling tower sizing and selection as well as the design of related systems.
We begin by embarking on a journey where you are in charge of inventing the modern cooling tower. Along the way we review basic cooling tower operating principles. From there we take a look at all of the various types of cooling towers. Then we dive into the specifics of mechanical applications, piping arrangements, system design and redundancy. The text is filled with useful examples and colorful illustrations.
In the hands-on design section we cover cooling tower sizing, siting and location, code requirements, and construction materials. Next we study the unique nature of open systems, then delve into the details of pump sizing, cooling tower water consumption, filtration, and water treatment. HVAC Design – Cooling Towers is a valuable resource that no design professional should be without.
303-Pressure Vessels - Thin and Thick-Walled Stress Analysis
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Pressure vessels are very common in industry with examples such as pipes, water towers, hydraulic cylinders, and boilers. It is important for engineers to understand stresses developed in pressure vessels when subjected to internal or external pressure loads. This course provides a general introduction to understanding stresses in thin-walled and thick-walled pressure vessels. Though some theory is provided, the course focuses on applications of stress equations. Failure theories are discussed for brittle and ductile materials. The failure theories are used to discuss design of pressure vessels.
A general understanding of mechanics of materials is required for this course. Equations of stress and strain are used to develop equations for pressure vessels. Concepts of principal stresses are used for failure theories.
This course covers the basic stress analysis of pressure vessels and does not cover specific design codes for pressure vessels due to the vast types of applications. The reader should consult any appropriate codes, such as ASME Code Section VIII, for more details.
304-Floodplain Engineering - An Overview of Floodplain Management
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is intended for engineers work ion flood-prone areas. It describes many of the resources available to engineers working in these areas including how to access FEMA flood maps. In addition, there is a description of how to calculate hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, and other forces associated with flooding. Finally, some flood control projects are described and illustrated.
The overall objective of this course is to provide an overview of the different types of flooding and floodplains and help engineers to understand these phenomena.
306-Spacecraft Telemetry & Command
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is recommended for:
- All engineering disciplines
Since this is a fundamentals (breadth) level course, professional engineers in any discipline can benefit from this course.
The main objective of this course seeks to answer the following question:
- How do we communicate with a spacecraft in order to monitor its health (telemetry) and make changes (command) when necessary?
307-Combined Stress and Mohr’s Circle
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Stress analysis is a fundamental part of engineering. Loading that causes a single type of stress include simple axial loads, torsional load, and bending loads. In practice, however, it is common to encounter combined loading where the basic equations of shear, torsion, and bending do not apply.
It is critical that engineers understand stresses caused by different combined loading conditions and be able to determine the location of maximum stress. This course covers stresses caused by common types of combined loading. Some combinations, such as combined bending and axial loading, are solved using superposition methods. Other complex combinations, combining normal and shearing stresses, are solved using Mohr’s circle. Concepts are illustrated by using common applications in examples.
Statics concepts, such as rigid body equilibrium, will be used in this course and on exam questions. Topics from mechanics of materials, such as simple stress and beam moment, are used throughout the course and exam.
309-Spacecraft Payloads
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is recommended for:
- All engineering disciplines
Since this is a fundamentals (breadth) level course, professional engineers in any discipline can benefit from this course.
The main objective of this course seeks to answer the following question:
- What is the purpose of a spacecraft as identified by its payload subsystem?
308-Commercial Land Development - A Basic Step-by-Step Guide
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to give an individual the basic steps in
developing a parcel of land for commercial purposes. You will
learn the important agencies to contact and what types of information
you will need to obtain; as well as what information you will need to
provide.
There is no prerequisite knowledge for this course. It is for
anyone wishing to understand the overall commercial land development
process.
311-Counterflow Natural Draft Cooling Towers - For Electric Power Generating Plants
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: The objective of this continuing education course, Counterflow Natural Draft Cooling Towers, is to fortify the technical expertise of the professional engineer in the area of counterflow natural draft cooling tower maintenance and thermal performance enhancement.
Course Description:
This course represents the second in a series of cooling tower-related training courses developed by John Cooper, one of the world's most experienced natural draft cooling tower thermal and hydraulic design engineers. Formally trained in the Federal Republic of Germany, where the framework for modern cooling tower thermodynamics originated, John's SunCam courses include numerous photographs and quality drawings as an accompaniment to his description of counterflow natural draft cooling tower maintenance issues and thermal upgrade strategies.
This Course Includes:
- A review of the Belgian technology incorporated in 61 U.S. counterflow natural draft cooling towers
- History of the evolution of counterflow natural draft cooling tower designs
- Descriptions of maintenance issues associated with asbestos-cement cooling tower fill, piping, and drift eliminators
- Water quality guidelines required to ensure durability of asbestos-cement cooling tower components
- Identification of fill installation workmanship issues that impact natural draft cooling tower thermal performance
- Recommended design modifications for counterflow natural draft cooling tower thermal performance enhancement
310-Introduction to Natural Draft Cooling Towers - For Electric Power Generating Plants
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: The objective of this introductory course is to provide a sound technical foundation for those professional engineers that wish to investigate the secret empirical science of natural draft cooling tower thermal design engineering.
Course Description:
This course represents the first in a series of cooling tower-related training courses prepared by John Cooper, one of the world's most experienced natural draft cooling tower thermal and hydraulic design engineers. Formally trained in the Federal Republic of Germany, where the framework for modern cooling tower thermodynamics originated, John's first SunCam course utilizes numerous photographs and quality drawings as an accompaniment to his descriptions of various natural draft cooling tower designs, systems and components.
This Course Includes:
- John's thoughts on why the natural draft cooling tower has become the icon of the global nuclear power industry
- A discussion of the nature of cooling tower thermodynamics
- Comparison and contrasting of crossflow and counterflow natural draft cooling tower designs
- The impact of micrometeorology on the thermal performance of natural draft cooling towers
- Natural draft cooling tower winter operation procedures
- A description of state-of-the-art natural draft cooling tower ice prevention systems
312-Residential Subdivisions Planning and Design Elements
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide the individual with a basic understanding of the planning and design elements that are involved in the residential subdivision development process. The reader will learn what types of agencies should be contacted, some common sources of information and what components are generally presented in the final design.
There is no prerequisite knowledge for this course. Some familiarity with land infrastructure items is helpful but not necessary.
314 - Reliability in Mission Critical Applications Part I - Electrical Systems
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is developed to provide an introduction to reliability associated with mission critical applications. This may also be considered a good refresher course for those who work in the electrical engineering field and have a familiarity with mission critical systems. Mission critical reliability is a useful topic for any Engineer to be familiar with associated with their interest in design of mission critical systems.
This course will review some electricity basics, it will provide an explanation of several electrical components important to providing redundancy, and it will establish definitions so as to help the reader understand how different levels of reliability can be and are frequently quantified.
The reader of this course should be able to use the tools gained to understand reliability in mission critical applications.
315-Introduction to Electrical Theory and DC Circuits
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
It is important for any engineer to have a fundamental knowledge of electrical circuits. This course provides an introduction to electrical theory and DC circuits. The content can be used to introduce yourself to these topics or can serve as a general review. No previous knowledge of electrical theory is required for this course.
Many applicational example problems are provided for general theory and for DC circuits. Circuits are analyzed in several arrangements including series, parallel, and a combination of series and parallel arrangements. Basic problems are presented first that cover key electrical concepts such as Coulomb's law, resistance, Ohm's law, and power. Series and parallel arrangements are discussed based on developing equivalent resistance for the circuit. More complex analysis tools like voltage divider rule, current divider rule, and Kirchoff's laws are also used.
Advanced Florida Building Code - Sixth Edition (2017) Florida Building Code-Building
2 $38.00
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, participants will have a better understanding of the Florida Building Code 6th Edition (2017) Building and be able to:
- Discuss the application, enforcement, administration and scope of the Florida Building Code.
- Identify major changes to the 6th Edition of the Florida Building Code (2017) Building (FBCB) (Chapters 1 through 10).
- Explain definitions for terms used throughout the Florida Building Code-Building (FBCB) and understand that every word, term and punctuation mark can add to or change the meaning of the intended result.
- Recognize and generally understand the extent of the changes, additions and deletions reflected in the 6th Edition of the Florida Building Code (2017) Building (FBCB) (Chapters 1 through 10).
Course Description:
Instructor: Thomas Martineau
Credit Hours: 2.00
Approval Number: 908.0
This course satisfies the requirements of Florida Statute 471.0195 and board rule 61G15-22.001 F.A.C.
Florida Building Commission Advanced Course Accreditation Number 908.0
This two-hour online distance learning course is designed to give the design and construction professional insight
into the Florida Building Code-Building Code 6th Edition-Building (2017). It covers the fundamental changes, additions
and modifications to the code. This course offers no opinions concerning any motivations behind these code changes. We
leave it up to others to debate the potential impacts, merits or drawbacks, if any, of these new code provisions.
Instead, changes are explained as objectively as possible within the scope of this course to clarify the extent and
detail of the code modifications, the new provisions, or the deletions as these are now incorporated in the 6th Edition of the FBCB.
317-What Every Engineer Should Know About Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine Plant Cooling Towers
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: The objective of this continuing education course, What Every Engineer Should Know About Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine Plant Cooling Towers, is to fortify the technical expertise of the professional engineer in the area of counterflow mechanical draft cooling tower designs for state-of-the-art CCGT plants.
Course Description:
This course represents the third in a series of cooling tower-related training courses developed by John Cooper, one of the world's most experienced power plant cooling tower thermal and hydraulic design engineers. Formally trained in the Federal Republic of Germany, where the framework for modern cooling tower thermodynamics originated, John's SunCam courses include numerous photographs and quality drawings as an accompaniment to his description of counterflow mechanical draft cooling tower designs for combined-cycle gas turbine plants.
This Course Includes:
- A review of the impact of the shale gas revolution on nuclear and coal-fired electric power generation
- Description of a typical combined-cycle gas turbine power plant
- Advantages of CCGT plants over nuclear and coal-fired power plants
- Description of cooling tower designs commonly used in CCGT plants
- Issues with existing CCGT plant cooling towers: wood structure degradation, fill fouling, and nuisance vapor plumes
- Description of new technologies that can improve CCGT plant cooling tower durability and reliability, and reduce environmental intrusiveness.
318-Practical Forensic Engineering -- Property -- Part 2
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Practical Forensic Engineering -- Property -- Part 2
APPLIANCE WATER LOSSES
DISHWASHERS AND WASHING MACHINES
This course is a follow-on to Practical Forensic Engineering – Property – Part 1. In this course we delve into one of the more common issues regarding Property Losses – water losses from appliances. The course covers some general issues and then focuses on two major household kitchen appliances – washing machines and dishwashers. These machines cause the greatest number of appliance water losses. The course discusses the losses and causes most often encountered, illustrates the failure conditions with photos of actual losses, and provides practical advice and guidance in determining the origin, cause and timeframe of the event.
319-Design Considerations for School Site Plans
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide the engineer or designer with some basic design considerations involving school site plans. The information presented will enable the individual who is unfamiliar with school site plans to understand relevant issues in the design process.
There is no prerequisite knowledge for this course. It is for anyone wishing to learn about the unique elements of school site plans.
320-What Every Engineer Should Know About Systems Engineering
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is recommended for:
- All engineering disciplines
The main objective of this course seeks to answer the following question:
- What every engineer should know about systems engineering?
321-What Every Engineer Should Know About Endangered Species
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is intended as an overview of the Endangered Species Act and how it relates to land development projects. This knowledge is helpful in the early planning stages of a development and can prevent costly delays as the project progresses.
The overall objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding of what endangered species are and how their presence can affect land development. The course includes information as to where an engineer can gain preliminary data on this topic for a specific project.
323-What every Engineer should know about Power Engineering fundamentals
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Want to know more about Transformers, and not the kind in the movies? Electrical power is utilized for just about everything in the world. Without electricity, we could not function as a technical society. Electrical equipment can be seen everywhere, be it your house, office, stores or along the roads. What happens when you lose power at your house? Do you every wonder how things are powered up? Ever wonder what the big green humming box is near your offices front door? Do you want to know what a panelboard, circuit breaker, conductor or conduit is? This course will provide some fundamentals of electrical power engineering.
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand about the major equipment for electrical power equipment.
- Learn more about residential electrical equipment.
- Learn about conduits and conductors and other electrical equipment seen around construction sites and residential houses
- Learn power equipment names seen in the consulting industry
- Learn what major power equipment looks like
- Learn about electrical construction tips
326- Railroads - An Introduction
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to railroads. The intent of the course IS NOT to make you an expert in railroad design, but rather, introduce you to the fundamental components that make up a railroad system. This course IS intended for those engineers that need to become sufficiently familiar with rail systems to discuss railroad requirements with a client, understand what the railroad representatives are saying, know what questions to ask on your client's behalf, and ease the pains involved if you get a project that requires a railroad construction permit. The course will begin by providing a very brief… but interesting… history of railroads in North America before presenting the technical topics on the subgrade, ballast, ties, rail, turnouts, road crossings, ladder tracks and… of course… frogs. Again, this introductory course is about what a railroad encompasses and provides the basic information necessary for an engineer to be able to discuss the topic intelligently with a client but is NOT intended to provide the knowledge to actually design a railroad, the turnouts, or any railroad signals that may be required.
Detailed course outline with timeline
- 7 Minutes – Course Description & Introduction
- 25 Minutes – History
- 14 Minutes – Railway Forces
- 23 Minutes – Railway Alignments
- 11 Minutes – Transit Rail
- 18 Minutes – Track Structure
- 24 Minutes – Subgrade and and Sub-ballast
- 12 Minutes – Drainage
- 11 Minutes – Ballast
- 12 Minutes – Railroad Ties
- 14 Minutes – Rail
- 18 Minutes – Turnouts
- 18 Minutes – Road Crossings
- 18 Minutes – Rail Crossing Signage, Gates, & Signals
- 18 Minutes – Customer Rail Facilities
- 18 Minutes – Glossary
- 11 Minutes – Summary
- 40 Minutes - The Test
327-An Introduction to Pond and Lake Dredging
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is designed to be an introduction into the planning, assessment, design and execution of dredge projects in inland waterways of Ponds and Lakes (coastal waterbodies that are tidally influenced will need to be approached differently). These bodies of water are an incredible resource in our country, they are sources of our drinking water, they provide flood storage and recreational opportunities, and are an integral part of our landscape.
There are numerous influences that affect the quality of our Ponds and Lakes, from development within the watershed, changes in environment and water levels (floods and droughts), and aging infrastructure (both on the inputs and the outlet/control structures). All of these influences may result in diminished water quality, invasive aquatic species, and sedimentation and infill of the waterbody. Dredging is an effective approach to counteract these negative effects on the waterbodies and that's what we will discuss in this course. It is important to note that dredging may help reduce the negative impacts of the past, but it should also be paired with compatible projects to reduce those impacts from the future, including stormwater management treatment strategies, invasive species monitoring, and other strategies, which will not be covered in this course.
330-Railroad Curves Simplified
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering and to familiarize the professional engineer with the principals of superelevation and spiral transition curves in the design and evaluation of rail lines.
Course Description:
Railroad Curves
Centrifugal force is a function of both train speed and track curvature. If trains operated at a low velocity or on a straight track, centrifugal force would not factor into the engineering of a railway, but high speeds and curved track require an engineered solution. That solution is superelevation which is also known interchangeably as "cant".
This course will teach the physics of centrifugal force and the mathematics used by railroad engineers to select a cant angle and spiral transition curve that provides a comfortable ride and minimizes wear on rails and wheels. "Rail-Curve" is the free spreadsheet software that comes with the course and takes care of all the number crunching so that we can concentrate on the principals of railroad curve design and evaluation.
There is an eye-opening section on "Vactrain" (Vacuum Tube Train) concepts that promise train speeds of 760 mph (1,200 kph) for Elon Musk's Hyperloop to 4,000 mph (6,437 kph) for Nic Garzilli's Hyper Chariot.
The software runs on Excel 97 or later. It's available for download after you purchase the course and it is yours to keep for the rest of your engineering career.
328-Pile Supported Foundation Design
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course covers the design of pile supported foundations. This course is a good introductory course for engineers new to the design and analysis of pile cap design and is a good refresher for experienced engineers. The course gives a brief background of the types of piling utilize in deep foundations. You will learn about piling arrangement, pile load calculations due to axial loads and moments, direct shear, deep beam shear and punching shear as it applies to pile cap design.
By successfully completing this course, you should be comfortable performing calculations relating to flexural reinforcement, pile cap thickness required to resist shear and procedures which are per the Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-14).
329-Mooring Field Layout and Design
2 $45.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course has been designed to provide a background and broad overview of mooring systems and their components, as well show the design process behind laying out a mooring field. Moorings provide for easy and secure vessel tie up in areas of transient boat users or in locations in which berths or slips are not available. The advantage of a mooring over anchoring the vessel is that the moorings are typically selected based on the harbor bottom sediment types and are weighted and/or secured to better hold and secure various types of vessels in that area. When properly designed and laid out, a mooring field will represent a safer, more manageable harbor area, with less disruption and damage to the seabed, and less chance of damage between vessels.
341-Accelerated Bridge Program - Intro to Prefabricated Bridge Unit (PBU) Construction
3 $23.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
A brief introduction to Prefabricated Bridge Unit Construction covering Casting Units, Crane Erection of Units, SPMT Erection of Units, Brige Slide Erection of Units, & Finishing items.
After completion the reader should have: a basic understanding of these methods of bridge construction and the associated equipment needed, a basic understanding of which construction methods and equipment choices are more suitable for specific bridge applications, and lastly, a basic understanding of how these choices can affect the cost, schedule, quality, and safety of a project.
From better understanding of the construction methods, engineers can account for better access and staging areas, and more efficient bridge designs to suit a construction method that is advantageous to the project.
Future courses that further detail each process will be available to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this type of bridge construction.
342- A Guide to Port Redevelopment Assessments
3 $67.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course to provide a guideline on how to conduct an assessment for a port redevelopment project, specifically looking at the infrastructure and environmental constraints present within the properties to be reviewed. This initial assessment phase should be considered non-invasive, i.e. no sampling of soils, groundwater, and physical buildings and structures, but more of a roadmap for where future investigations should be focused should a site be attractive for redevelopment. The assessment should be used as a tool to analyze the environmental impacts and physical infrastructure present at the site with relation to the potential redevelopment of the Site. A complete redevelopment assessment will go beyond engineering review and include economic assessments (market analysis) and planning assessments, as well as legal reviews. This course will focus on the environmental and infrastructures assessments associated with a port site, since this course is aimed at an engineering audience. Sometimes redevelopment assessments are conducted with a specific new use in mind, which helps narrow the scope of the assessments, other times its conducted with a broader view of what could happen with the site in the future. For the purposes of this course, we will spend the most time looking at the broad view redevelopment aspects, but we will also discuss screening site for a specific end use as well.
Oftentimes ports that have potential for redevelopment are blighted and have fallen past their peak usages, therefore, the environmental impacts dominate the redevelopment options. Environmental limitations are common within properties that have current and historical industrial usage and do not represent a barrier to redevelopment, rather they represent factors and limitations that need to be addressed as part of the redevelopment.
Similarly, the physical infrastructure for sites that are being eyed for redevelopment may have fallen into some level of disrepair or less frequent maintenance. Other times the physical infrastructure on site is in good working order, however your client is anticipating or exploring a market change. In any redevelopment scenario, it’s important to look at the physical infrastructure to see how it has played a role on site in the past, currently, and what role it could play in a redeveloped site.
It is very important however during these initial assessments to highlight what the potential issues could be with respect to both infrastructure and environmental considerations so that your client or the end-user can have a better understanding of what cost considerations could impact the redevelopment of the site and warrant further investigation.
344- The Highway Capacity Manual - 6th Edition: Overview and What’s New
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The 6th Edition of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) was released in 2016 and is now the standard for both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The title of this new HCM is "HCM 6th Edition: A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis". This edition of the HCM provides methods for evaluating multimodal operations of freeways, highways, and arterial streets. The focus of this course is on providing a general overview of the content and organization of the HCM 6th edition and highlighting revisions/updates from the previous edition of the HCM (HCM 2010). The course does not provide detailed coverage of analysis methodology elements. Due to the volume of material covered in the HCM, some general knowledge of the document(s) may be helpful to completing this course, but it is not required.
Highway Capacity Manual 6th Edition Cover
Source: Transportation Research Board
In this course, you will learn about:
- HCM edition history
- Why the HCM title was changed
- Why the need for a new HCM edition
- HCM 6th edition structure – revised
chapter layout design to help practitioners use the manual
- New HCM analysis methodology capabilities
- Future directions/updates to the HCM
345- What Every Engineer Should Know about Statistical Process/Quality Control II
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The focus of this course is to provide an understanding of the principles of Quality Assurance with a focus on Design for Robustness, Quality Loss, Loss Function Computation, and Acceptance control as well as current definitions, terminologies, inherent assumptions that are applicable in industry and as required by the US Government. It also introduces the student to the relevant Military Standards and other Government publications used in the industry. The course also further develops the concepts of system design, parameter design, and tolerance design, as the foundational elements of Robust Product Design. It also goes into a detailed analysis of the use of MIL-STAD-1916 and MIL-HDBK-1916 in establishing attribute-based Acceptance Sampling plans. The course is replete with numerical examples on the computation of the probability of acceptance (Pa) and other important parameters for single, double and multiple sampling plans including; the Average Outgoing Quality (AOQ), the Average Outgoing Quality Limit (AOQL), the Average Total Inspection (ATI), as well as the Average Sampling Number (ASN).
The course is concept based and uses basic arithmetic to develop the fundamental aspects of the techniques. The topics covered include:
- Designing for Robustness
System Design, Parameter Design, Tolerance Design, Process Capability (Cp, Cpk) and Process Performance (Pp, Ppk), Process Errors, Quality Loss, and Loss Function
- Acceptance Control
Lot Acceptance Sampling Plans (LASP):
Single sampling plans (SSP), Double sampling plans (DSP), Multiple sampling plans (MSP), Sequential Sampling Plans (SSP), Skip Lot Sampling Plans (SLSP), Operating Characteristics Curves (OC Curves), AOQ Curve
- MIL- STD-1916 and MIL-HDBK-1916
Requirements and Applicability of MIL-STD-1916 and MIL-SHDBK-1916
Preferred sampling plans
Determination of sampling plan: Verification Level (VL), Code Letter (CL)
Sampling of lots or batches
Disposition of nonconforming product
346-Tiny Houses Part 1-Planning and Design Considerations, Legality, and the Engineer's Role
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: After completing this course participants should be able to:
1. Understand the differences between tiny houses on wheels, recreational vehicles, and manufactured homes.
2. Recognize the professional services opportunities in the tiny house industry available to engineers.
3. Comprehend the challenges in determining where and how tiny houses on foundations and tiny houses on wheels may be legally placed.
4. Identify the different building/manufacturing standards available for a tiny house on wheels and the pros and cons of each standard.
5. Understand the importance of the addition of Appendix Q to the 2018 International Residential Code.
6. Know the reasoning behind maximum width and maximum height thresholds for mass produced tiny houses on wheels and how and when to exceed these thresholds.
Course Description:
This course serves as an introduction to designing tiny houses (houses 400 square feet or less in size). The majority of this multi-part course series focuses on tiny houses mounted on trailers which are often referred to as tiny houses on wheels (THOW). This introduction covers general planning and design considerations regarding trailers, appliances, utility connections, floor plans, and lofts. It also goes over the legal issues concerning construction standards and physical placement of both THOW and tiny houses on foundations. The basis of this course came from my own research, planning, designing, and construction of a THOW I built myself.
347 - Tiny Houses Part 2 - Structural Design
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: After completing this course participants should be able to:
1. Understand the pros and cons of using wood and metal structural framing members.
2. Size floor joists and roof joists using tables from the International Residential Code.
3. Calculate the size of wood loft joists and window headers using allowable stress design methodologies.
4. Recognize when advanced framing techniques are useful or not useful in given situations.
5. Recall additional structural measures often used for highly mobile tiny houses on wheels.
Course Description:
This course is part two of a multi-part course series on designing tiny houses (houses 400 square feet or less in size). The majority of this multi-part course focuses on tiny houses mounted on trailers, which are often referred to as tiny houses on wheels (THOW). This second course focuses on structural design. Also presented are specific techniques to structurally handle the mobile nature of THOW. Both prescriptive and engineered methodologies are used. Five extensive examples with calculations and 35 figures and photos are included. The basis of this course came from my own research, planning, designing, and construction of a THOW I built myself.
348-An Overview of Computer Aided Design and Finite Element Analysis
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
NOTE: This is a course in Computer Aided Design (CAD) for professional engineers, not a course in the related subject of Computer Aided Drafting.
Computer aided design (CAD) is the use of computer software to assist the design engineer in the overall creation and analysis of parts and assemblies. Finite element analysis (FEA) is a numerical method used to determine approximate solutions of physical problems. Proper use and integration of CAD and FEA can greatly improve efficiency of the design process.
This course provides a general overview of methods and applications of computer aided design and finite element analysis to expose the reader to the many design features of solid modeling software. The intent of the course is to explain ways computer aided design can improve the overall design process and allow for easier design changes. The course will explain how to properly use computer aided design and finite element analysis methods to optimization designs and have greater confidence in how a design will function. General knowledge of solid modeling software is helpful for this course but not required. Though this course discusses the general concepts of solid modeling, the course does not teach concepts of computer aided drafting. General understanding of the equations of stress and strain would be beneficial for understanding the applications of FEA.
The information provided in this course is not limited to any single software package. This course does not focus on teaching any single solid modeling software package and does not provide step-by-step tutorials of CAD or FEA. Information is presented in a way to develop concepts of computer aided design and finite element analysis that can be applied to any solid modeling software. Illustrative examples of CAD procedures are given using Solidworks and Inventor, though the concepts would apply to any software package. The same software packages are used to illustrate the concepts of FEA, yet the concepts can be transferred to other FEA software.
349-Engineering Economics Made Easier with MS Excel
5 $112.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
When we submit engineering proposals, we often have to overcome a number of physical limitations in order to come up with the "best" way of solving a problem.But we should also ask ourselves, "Is this the most economical way of solving the problem?"
We must be able to speak both our "technical language" and the "language of managers" (paraphrasing slightly from quality guru Joseph Juran). Managers are concerned with the bottom line and want to ensure that resources are being used in the best way possible.As engineers, we too have a similar responsibility as we protect the welfare of the public.
The field of engineering economics, formerly known as engineering economy, estimates the costs and potential savings of proposals, and then determines if the proposals make "money-sense". Because the value of money today is not the same as money in the future, we must account for the time value of money, and calculate the proposal's "net present value" based on a rate of return desired by the organization.
Back in those engineering economy days, we often would have to go to tables of numbers and look up the correct "factors" to use to calculate present values and future values. We would have to "interpolate" from the tables if we were to use an interest rate of 7.5% (because the tables skipped from 7% to 8%).It was difficult to "back into" a rate of return for a proposal, or to estimate how long it may take to recoup an investment based on a desired rate of return. (Dare I mention slide rules?)
When you take this course, you will see that MS Excel has quite a few functions that will speed through calculations involving present value, future value, annuities, rates of return, and others. Woven throughout the course are engineering, business, and personal illustrations to help you better relate to the time value of money and the rate of return.
Engineering economics is not easy.But after completing this course, you should be able to see how Excel can make it "easier".
The FREE Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet that accompanies this course will be available for download after purchase. You will need Excel version 1997 or later to open the file.
350- Steel Column and Base Plate Design Fundamentals
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
For a basic definition, columns are axially loaded compression members used to carry vertical loads down through a structure and into foundations. Unlike axially loaded tension members, the effects of instability (buckling) must also be considered when designing columns. The course focuses on the fundamentals of analysis and design of steel columns; other materials are not discussed. The course begins at a basic mechanics of materials level of column analysis and builds into design procedures using the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) steel design manuals. Procedures for column design and base plate design are covered.
Design procedures are presented using both Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) procedures. Design equations and summary tables are included in the course content, so it is not required to have a copy of the design manuals for this course. Examples within the course use wide flange shapes, so it is helpful to have access to property tables for wide flange shapes. Such tables are available online if you do not have AISC design manuals.
Knowledge of basic concepts of axial stress (load divided by area) is required for this course. Any mechanics of materials textbook can be referenced for additional coverage. This course does build on the concept of axial stress to develop equations for long and intermediate columns, so prior knowledge of columns is not required.
351 - Indiana Statutes and Rules: Building Codes
1 $22.50
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for Indiana professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering and meeting the Indiana training requirement for Statutes and Rules.
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the laws and regulations that create, implement, and enforce Indiana's 2014 Building Code. We all freely accept that most buildings in Indiana must comply with the Indiana Building Code. This course explores whywe follow the Indiana Building Code as well as who actually writes it and who has the authority to change it. In an easy to understand style, the course explains the differences between statutes, regulations, and codes, and explores the legal foundation and structure of the Indiana Building Code and answers all of these questions and more. Upon completion of this course, you will understand which two branches of the Indiana state government work together to create the system of statutes and regulations that operates as the 2014 Indiana Building Code.
This course meets the Indiana Board of Engineers requirement for one-hour of Indiana Statutes and Rules training. The course is also accepted for general credit in all states except New York, Ohio and New Mexico.
352-Fundamentals of Masonry Part A
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The science of masonry construction is extensive, thorough, and is the foundation of the profession. But there is an artistic component bounded only by the imagination of the designer and the skilled mason.
Masonry construction has been practiced for thousands of years beginning with the ancient Greeks and the Romans. The "language" of the craft has been developed over this time. Today we use words that clearly identify pieces and parts of the industry that can bewilder or confound those unfamiliar with them – words such as wythe, shiner, and grapevine.
Masonry construction has exploded during the last century and a half due in large part to advances in manufacturing technology. For example, in the early years of manufacturing, each concrete block was made by hand – about 10 blocks per hour per man. Today, with modern machinery, production can be as high as 2,000 blocks per hour. And, each year around 4-billion concrete
blocks are manufactured – enough to build about 3.5 billion square feet of wall. Up until about 150 years ago, clay bricks were made individually and by hand. Today, with modern machinery and kilns, about 50-billion clay bricks are manufactured each year – enough to build about 7.5 billion square feet of wall.
This two course series was created to provide fundamental knowledge about masonry construction for the engineer, contractor, architect, and anyone else who is interested in having a basic understanding of the topic.
354-Mechanical Fatigue of Metals
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Metal fatigue is the most
common form of failure among the many applications of dynamic mechanical
equipment. This course provides characteristics of fatigue and guidelines for
use of the traditional (S-N) method for designing against failure. Mechanical
design factors are the primary emphasis but relevant metallurgical factors are
also discussed. For overall context, brief descriptions of the three methods
generally used for fatigue design and analysis of metal failures are given.
These are cyclic stress values versus number of cycles to failure (S-N), cyclic
strain values versus number of cycles to failure and linear elastic fracture
mechanics (LEFM).
The major portion of the
information is devoted to the use of the traditional S-N design method for
ferrous, i.e., iron-based, alloys in the high-cycle (H-C) form of fatigue. Many
ferrous alloys develop a fatigue limit at higher number of stress cycles.
Designing relative to clearly defined fatigue limits is the key to design for
those types of alloys. A major emphasis here is that fatigue data developed in
most laboratory tests cannot be used directly in design. This is because
conditions most often used in lab fatigue testing typically differ from
conditions found in actual service applications.
Methods to adjust laboratory
fatigue data for practical use in design and analysis is a primary learning
objective of the course. Another objective is to show some of the many topics
in fatigue and the potential complexity of the subject. Reference sources used
here and for investigating fatigue topics not included in this course are
listed.
The course is intended
primarily for mechanical engineers that do design, alloy selection and failure
analysis of equipment that may be subject to fatigue.
355-Reliability in Mission Critical Applications Part II – Mechanical Systems
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course is developed to provide a continued introduction to reliability associated with mission critical applications. This may also be considered a good refresher course for those who work in the mechanical engineering field and have a familiarity with mission critical systems. Mission critical reliability is a useful topic for any Engineer to be familiar with associated with their interest in design of mission critical systems.
This course will review some cooling system basics, it will provide an explanation of several mechanical equipment components important to providing cooling and redundancy, and it will reiterate definitions identified in Part 1, so as to help to reader understand how different levels of reliability can be and are frequently quantified.
The reader of this course should be able to use the tools gained to understand reliability in mission critical applications; especially as relates to mechanical systems and primarily computer room type cooling systems.
353-Introduction to Arduino
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
Have you ever had an idea for an electronic device but did not have the toolset to implement the idea? Enter Arduino, a programmable electronics platform that lowered the barrier of entry for making things. Anyone can pick up programming for Arduino, as it was originally intended for non-technical people. For engineers it is a great tool for quickly creating a prototype.
This class will introduce the basics of Arduino development and give you the foundation for building your ideas. Some experience programming is helpful, as Arduino uses C++, but do not worry if you have not done much programming before.
356-Industrial and Systems Engineering - The Fundamentals
4 $90.00
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
This course presents principles and practices of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE) . The focus of IISE is Operations, namely; Operations Analysis and Design, Operations Control, and Continuous Improvement. IISE practices use science, mathematics, and engineering methods to analyze, design, and improve complex systems and operations. And, because these systems are so large and complex, IISE principles involve knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines; require a broad systems perspective and the ability to work well with people.
A course about Industrial Engineering would not be complete without a brief description of why and how the profession began. The origins of Industrial Engineering began in the early 1900 as part of the scientific management movement. The definition of Industrial Engineering is:
Industrial Engineering is concerned with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, material, information, equipment, and energy. It draws upon specialized knowledge and skills in the mathematical, physical and social sciences together with the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design to specify, predict and evaluate the results to be obtained from such systems.
Accordingly, Industrial Engineering emerged as the foundation for connecting engineering methods and economics to set quality and cost standards for delivering goods and services in business and industry. Industrial Engineers apply their knowledge and skills to set operations process standards through the use of planning, design, statistical analysis, methods engineering, interpersonal communications, quality control, computer simulation, and problem solving. At the end of the course is a set of questions that highlights the take-aways for the reader to remember and use for solving operations and systems problems in their organization.
357-Transformers - What Every Engineer Should Know
2 $17.95
Course Objectives: The purpose of the course is to give non Electrical and novice Electrical engineers a basic understanding of transformers.
Course Description:
The course starts with the basic theory of operation to simple calculations and then considerations when specifying a transformer.
359-Sightline Control Basics for Geo-Pointing and Locating - Part 2
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: Describe theory and system level architectures
Course Description:
This part of the course will apply the sightline control (SLC)
fundamentals described in Part 1.0 to the geo-pointing and location problem.
Initially Section 1.0 Part 1.0 is reviewed, particularly pointing performance
requirements which directly impact geo-pointing and location performance. Geo-pointing
is then described, effectively delving deeper into the material begun in
section 8.0 in Part 1.0 of the course. Geo-pointing errors are related back to
the SLC pointing problem with its limitations serving as a foundation for
pursuing different geo-location approaches. Geo-location techniques are
generally categorized as either direct or image geo-registration derived. The
errors associated with the pointing solution for direct geo-pointing provide a
basis for examining geo-location techniques that use image geo-registration to
improve performance. Image geo-registration is also used in many
applications that require geo-referenced sensed imagery as well as location; discussed in Section 4.0 of Part 2.0 of the course. As this is
effectively a technology in itself, only the salient aspects of the process are
reviewed but should provide a source for further study and investigation, if of
interest. Regardless of the geo-location technique used, however, geo-pointing
will generally be part of the solution. If not the solution, it will provide
coarse location estimates for the image geo-registration process. A substantial
amount of image spatial processing is required to obtain an accurate solution
to an image geo-registered location and the processing is described at a
functional system level to capture the overall design process. The benefits
that image geo-registration provides beyond that of location are significant
since it can used to obtain situational awareness as defined for many
applications. Military and civilian surveillance is an obvious application, but
even the use of image
information within the transportation infrastructure for highway and bridge maintenance
management, damage and structural deterioration assessment, traffic pattern
analysis and control, etc. is a growing application. The goal of this part of
the course is to provide a system level functional description of the
geo-location process and how performance relates back to that of geo-pointing with
SLC. The camera sensor requirements for image geo-registration location are
discussed in Part 3.0, the last part of the course.
358-Sightline Control Basics for Geo-Pointing and Locating - Part 1
4 $29.95
Course Objectives: Describe theory and system level architectures
Course Description:
This is a three part
course discussing geo-pointing and locating. With the proliferation of unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAV) coupled with advancements in camera and inertial
measurement sensor technology; this is fast becoming a technology used in many
applications requiring geo-referenced imagery. Historical applications for
military and civilian surveillance and navigation are fairly well documented and continue to grow. But the
technology is now the cornerstone for numerous situational awareness
applications such as environmental, fire protection, road/bridge surveillance,
maintenance and protection. It may even be part of your pizza delivery service,
which for those of you with bevy of children could be a sobering thought. The course is organized
as three topics; the first addresses generic sightline control (SLC). As
geo-locating requires geo-pointing and pointing requires maintaining a stable
line of sight (LOS) to a targeted object or area, then an understanding of SLC
is important. The second topic focusses on the geo-pointing problem given a
stable sightline to the object to be geo-located. Finally the basics of
geo-location, using direct and image geo-registration, are described. Many SLC
sections in Part 1.0 require some background in control theory as well as
mathematical operations with vectors and matrices. For those interested in
geo-pointing and location at a system level; these sections will be somewhat
tedious. However, it is not essential to follow all the math but it is
important to understand the need for it and how it plays into an overall
solution. Similarly there is a lot of detailed discussion on pointing
techniques, for example one section is dedicated to using mirrors for pointing.
The details may not be critical, but it is important to understand that with
all the benefits obtained using a pointing mirror, they also have
characteristics that must be understood and accounted for in the design or one
will be in for a rather unpleasant surprise. Pointing design should follow a
top down design procedure; beginning with requirements through HW and SW design
and implementation. However given cost and schedule constraints, one is often
forced into an off the shelf design with compromised performance. Understanding
the design requirements, however, should not be compromised so related
performance can be quantified and improved in future designs. The purpose of
the course is to lay a framework for understanding this design process. There
should be sufficient math detail for those interested at the equation level but
hopefully adequate course structure for those not so inclined to still follow
the overall design process. Test questions are at a system level. The course
has a two part structure; Part 1.0 covers SLC basics and geo-pointing, Part 2.0
provides a brief review of Part 1.0 followed by a focus on geo-locating, and
finally Part 3.0 describes camera sensor characteristics and requirements for
geo-locating.
360-Sightline Control Basics for Geo-Pointing and Locating - Part 3
2 $17.95
New Course
Course Objectives: Provide design algorithm approach for geo-pointing and locating providing a basis more detailed design
Course Description:
This final part of the course discusses sensor characteristics and
requirements for geo-location image geo-registration, as described in Part 2.0
section 4.0 of the course. The focus is primarily on cameras and sensors whose
response is in the visible and near infrared wavelength spectrum. Sensor
characteristics that drive sensitivity and noise as well as camera sensor and
optics parameters that determine scene coverage and resolution are all reviewed
in this section. In total the three part course should provide an overview of
geo-pointing and locating sufficient to plan for such an application and
detailed design areas that require further investigation and study to perform
an actual design.
366-Resiliency Strategies for Smaller Scale Sites
2 $45.00
New Course
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is written specifically for professional engineers with the objective of relating to and enhancing the practice of engineering.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to explore different options that are available for helping to make smaller scale sites more resilient and adapted to better handle the larger, more frequent storm events. Resiliency is usually thought of being done at a much larger scale; municipalities and states implementing large scale strategies that are focused at making their target areas more resilient and less susceptible to large storm events or rising sea levels. Those large-scale resiliency projects are often complicated and very expensive; therefore, it doesn’t seem like there is much that can be done on a smaller site. In the course, however we will exam some of the ideas and strategies that are implemented on a large scale and see how they can be scaled down to be viable on a smaller site. We will also review other strategies that can be implemented to make a site better situated to withstand or minimize the impact of a large storm event. It may not be feasible to completely protect a site and its infrastructure by itself, however we will review design strategies and actions that can mitigate or reduce impacts from large storm events, flooding, and sea level rise. There are both physical and operational changes for almost every budgetary range that can be made to make a site more resilient and better protected from rising sea levels, flooding and larger, more frequent storm events.
361-Motor Starters Protection and Control The Basics
2 $45.00
New Course
Course Objectives: This continuing education course is intended to provide training and education about the following topics, along with an introduction to applicable codes and standards.
1. The basics of AC induction motors
2. The purpose and function of a motor starter
3. Components of motor starter power circuits
4. Basics of motor control
Course Description:
This course is intended to be introductory training about motor starters and control for AC induction motors. It covers the basic functionality and ratings for motor contactors, overload relays and short-circuit protection. Power and control circuits are explained along with references to applicable codes and standards.
362-Python Programming for Engineers - Part 1: Expressions, Data Types, Variables and Strings
5 $112.50
New Course
Course Objectives: This course presents introduction to the Python programming language. This course presents the concepts of expressions, data types, variables, strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries and sets, and how they are applied in the Python programming language. Upon completion of this course learners will be able to use Python to perform engineering calculations, manage data, and build desktop applications.
Course Description:
This course is the first of a series on the Python programming language. The course presents a general overview
of computers and computer programming, followed by an introduction to the Python programming language. The course presents
applications
for developing and testing Python programs.
363-Python Programming for Engineers - Part 2: Branching and Looping, Functions and Error Handling
5 $112.50
New Course
Course Objectives: This course presents introduction to the Python programming language. This course presents the concepts of conditional statements, looping structures, functions, modules, input and out (I/O) functions, file handling, and error handling techniques, and how they are applied in the Python programming language. Upon completion of this course learners will be able to use Python to build computer programs that manage large data sets, automate complex and repetitive engineering calculations and implement algorithms.
Course Description:
This course is
the second of a series on the Python
programming language. This
course presents techniques and programming structures of the Python programming language for
automating complex, repetitive tasks and implementing algorithms. This course
presents techniques for troubleshooting and debugging Python
programs.
368- - Tiny Houses Part 3 - Building Enclosure Design
4 $90.00
New Course
Course Objectives: After completing this course participants should be able to:
1. Understand the importance of climate zones as they relate to tiny house insulation and vapor retarder requirements.
2. Comprehend the differences between vented and unvented roof assemblies.
3. Recognize the code approved, and most commonly used, materials for THOW roofs and exterior siding.
4. Identify the most common interior finish materials used in THOW and why some materials used commonly for THOW are different than those used for tiny houses on foundations.
Course Description:
This course is part three of a multi-part course series on designing tiny houses (houses 400 square feet or less in size). The majority of this multi-part course focuses on tiny houses mounted on trailers, which are often referred to as tiny houses on wheels (THOW). This third course focuses on building enclosure design: insulation, air sealing, roof assemblies, ventilation, exterior siding, doors, windows, and interior finishes. Over 60 figures and photos are included. The basis of this course came from my own research, planning, designing, and construction of a THOW I built myself.
