Development of a mechanical vibrations course for engineering technologists

A senior-level, elective course in mechanical vibrations has recently been developed for the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The course has many similarities to traditional vibrations courses offered in Mechanical Engineering programs across the country but it also has some distinct differences. The course is similar in that there is a progressive development of vibration theory from the natural response of single-degree-of-freedom systems without damping to the forced response of multiple-degree-of-freedom systems with damping. The course is different in that there is a lab component and that there are course objectives on vibration measurement, practical vibration suppression techniques, and computer simulation. These similarities and differences exist to support the role of the engineering technologist working in the field of vibrations or simply encountering vibration problems in general mechanical design and analysis. This paper will discuss further the similarities and differences to traditional vibrations courses, course goals and their relation to Mechanical Engineering Technology program outcomes, student evaluation of the course value and effectiveness, and plans for continuous improvement. It will also discuss current laboratory activities, the selection of textbook and laboratory manual materials, and vibration laboratory equipment needs.