Introduction

Laboratory techniques are fundamental to mechanical engineering research, testing, and development. This course provides a hands-on approach to experimental mechanics, covering precision measurement, materials testing, thermal and fluid dynamics experiments, advanced instrumentation, and data analysis. Participants will gain practical skills in operating lab equipment, interpreting experimental results, and ensuring accuracy and repeatability in engineering investigations.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Master calibration and precision measurement techniques.
2. Understand mechanical testing of materials (tensile, impact, hardness, fatigue).
3. Gain expertise in thermal and fluid measurement systems.
4. Conduct vibration, acoustics, and non-destructive testing (NDT).
5. Operate CNC machines, 3D printers, and advanced manufacturing lab tools.
6. Apply data acquisition systems (DAQ) and signal processing techniques.
7. Learn safety protocols and laboratory best practices.
8. Explore emerging trends in smart sensors, AI-driven diagnostics, and automation.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Mechanical Engineers and Technicians working in R&D and quality control.
• University Students and Researchers seeking advanced lab skills.
• Industry Professionals handling material testing, fluid mechanics, thermal analysis, and automation.
• Manufacturing Engineers focusing on precision machining and metrology.
• Energy and Automotive Engineers involved in experimental testing and diagnostics.

Course Outline

Day 1: Precision Measurement and Metrology

• Morning Session:

  1. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Techniques.
  2. Calibration and Standards (ISO, ASTM, NIST, DIN, ASME, BS).
  3. Linear and Angular Measurements: Micrometers, Vernier calipers, Optical comparators.
  4. Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and Optical Profilometry.

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Surface Roughness Measurement and Profiling.
  2. Non-Contact Metrology: Laser Scanners, White Light Interferometry.
  3. Hands-on Workshop: Calibration and Measurement of Mechanical Components.
  4. Best Practices in Measurement Uncertainty and Error Analysis.

Day 2: Material Testing and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE/NDT)

• Morning Session:

  1. Tensile, Compression, and Hardness Testing.
  2. Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics: Stress-life and strain-life approaches.
  3. Impact Testing (Charpy and Izod): Energy absorption and fracture behavior.
  4. Creep and Stress Rupture Testing.

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Techniques: Ultrasonic, Eddy Current, Radiography, Magnetic Particle Inspection.
  2. Thermography and Infrared Inspection for Structural Integrity.
  3. Hands-on Workshop: Conducting Material Testing and NDT Inspections.
  4. Case Study: Failure Analysis of Aerospace and Automotive Components.

Day 3: Thermal and Fluid Measurement Techniques

• Morning Session:

  1. Temperature Measurement Sensors: Thermocouples, RTDs, Infrared Thermometers.
  2. Heat Transfer Experiments: Conduction, Convection, Radiation Testing.
  3. Thermal Imaging and Heat Flux Sensors.
  4. Advanced Cooling and Thermal Management Systems in Electronics and Vehicles.

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Flow Measurement and Fluid Mechanics Lab Techniques.
  2. Pitot Tubes, Hot Wire Anemometry, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).
  3. CFD Validation using Experimental Data.
  4. Hands-on Workshop: Conducting Wind Tunnel and Water Flow Experiments.

Day 4: Vibration, Acoustics, and Dynamic Testing

• Morning Session:

  1. Vibration Measurement and Modal Analysis.
  2. Experimental Modal Testing and Frequency Response Analysis.
  3. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Smart Sensors.
  4. Shock and Impact Testing Techniques.

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Acoustic Testing and Noise Reduction Techniques.
  2. Laser Doppler Vibrometry and Optical Strain Measurement.
  3. Hands-on Workshop: Conducting Vibration and Acoustics Experiments.
  4. Case Study: Diagnosing Structural Failures using Dynamic Testing.

Day 5: Advanced Lab Techniques and Automation

• Morning Session:

  1. Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems and Signal Processing.
  2. Integration of IoT and AI in Mechanical Testing.
  3. Automation in Lab Experiments: Robotics, Digital Twins, and Smart Labs.
  4. Safety Procedures and Lab Best Practices.

• Afternoon Session:

  1. Final Project Presentation: Experimental Analysis of a Mechanical System.
  2. Q&A and Troubleshooting Common Lab Issues.
  3. Assessment and Certification Exam.
  4. Certification Ceremony.

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Mechanical Engineering Lab Techniques, demonstrating expertise in experimental mechanics, material testing, metrology, and advanced lab instrumentation.

Key Benefits of the Course:

✔ Hands-on Training in cutting-edge mechanical lab techniques.
✔ Practical Exposure to precision measurement, NDT, CFD validation, and dynamic testing.
✔ Industry-Relevant Case Studies from aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.
✔ Taught by Industry Experts in mechanical engineering research and testing.