HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Structures.
The theory of structures is taught during the last term of the third year.
This includes the equilibrum and stability of frames, cords, arches, buttresses, chimneys, abutments, piers, retaining-walls, dams, etc.
Analytical and graphical methods of treatment are elaborated.
A treatise on masonry construction is also used as a text-book, and the strength, properties and cost of cement, mortar, concrete, brick and stone masonry, together with all the more important kinds of foundations, are considered.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Resistance of Materials.
The elasticity and resistance of the materials of engineering are considered during the first term of the fourth year.
The fundamental equations of the theory of flexure are first determined and applied to a consideration of the strength of simply supported and continuous beams and of columns.
Practical formulee for the strength of beams are determined and the right-line long-column formula, and those of Gordon and Euler, are deduced.
Attention is also paid to the graphical representation of the strength of columns.
Theoretical formulae for torsion are developed and applied to a consideration of the strength of shafting.
The design of riveted joints for boiler and tube work is taken up and the proper size and pitch of rivets determined.
In the practical part of the subject the coefficient of elasticity, elastic limit, ultimate resistance and other properties of cast and wrought iron, malleableized iron, steel, bronze, copper and other metals in tension, compression and shear are studied, and the students are required to make experiments on the testing-machine and determine their properties as above outlined.
The value of wood, stone, brick, etc., for use as materials of engineering is investigated, and each student also determines the strength of cement by the use of a cement-testing machine.
Attention is paid to the fracture and appearance of metals and also to the effect of repetition and reversal of stress.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Resistance of Materials.
The elasticity and resistance of the materials of engineering are considered during the first term of the fourth year.
The fundamental equations of the theory of flexure are first determined and applied to a consideration of the strength of simply supported and continuous beams and of columns.
Practical formulee for the strength of beams are determined and the right-line long-column formula, and those of Gordon and Euler, are deduced.
Attention is also paid to the graphical representation of the strength of columns.
Theoretical formulae for torsion are developed and applied to a consideration of the strength of shafting.
The design of riveted joints for boiler and tube work is taken up and the proper size and pitch of rivets determined.
In the practical part of the subject the coefficient of elasticity, elastic limit, ultimate resistance and other properties of cast and wrought iron, malleableized iron, steel, bronze, copper and other metals in tension, compression and shear are studied, and the students are required to make experiments on the testing-machine and determine their properties as above outlined.
The value of wood, stone, brick, etc., for use as materials of engineering is investigated, and each student also determines the strength of cement by the use of a cement-testing machine.
Attention is paid to the fracture and appearance of metals and also to the effect of repetition and reversal of stress.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Bridges and Roofs.
The course on bridges and roofs is given in the first and second terms of the fourth year.
The first part is devoted to the theory of stresses.
In this the student becomes familiar with the calculation of stresses in plate girders, in Howe, Pratt, Whipple and lattice bridges and in trusses with curved chords; also in cantilever, suspension and drawbridges, and in various kinds of roof trusses.
Analytical and graphical methods and the method of wheel concentrations and of panel loads are used.
Details and connections are carefully considered and studied from the very large collection of blue prints of existing structures of all kinds in possession of the Institute.
A set of bridge specifications forms a part of the course, upon which recitations are required, and hand-books of bridge and iron works are used for reference.
During this course the class is taken out for an examination and comparison of various styles of bridges in the vicinity, and a bridge shop is also visited and the machines and methods of manufacture explained.
The second part of the course in the second term is taken up with the design of bridges and parts of bridges.
The student makes all the calculations and complete shop drawings of the work in hand, each bridge being different from the others, and tracings and blue prints are finally made.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Bridges and Roofs.
The course on bridges and roofs is given in the first and second terms of the fourth year.
The first part is devoted to the theory of stresses.
In this the student becomes familiar with the calculation of stresses in plate girders, in Howe, Pratt, Whipple and lattice bridges and in trusses with curved chords; also in cantilever, suspension and drawbridges, and in various kinds of roof trusses.
Analytical and graphical methods and the method of wheel concentrations and of panel loads are used.
Details and connections are carefully considered and studied from the very large collection of blue prints of existing structures of all kinds in possession of the Institute.
A set of bridge specifications forms a part of the course, upon which recitations are required, and hand-books of bridge and iron works are used for reference.
During this course the class is taken out for an examination and comparison of various styles of bridges in the vicinity, and a bridge shop is also visited and the machines and methods of manufacture explained.
The second part of the course in the second term is taken up with the design of bridges and parts of bridges.
The student makes all the calculations and complete shop drawings of the work in hand, each bridge being different from the others, and tracings and blue prints are finally made.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Hydraulics.
This subject is taught in the fourth year.
It includes hydrology, hydrostatics, theoretical hydraulics, the flow of water through orifices, over weirs and dams, through tubes and pipes, and in conduits, canals and rivers, the measurement and cost of water-power, the dynamic pressure of flowing water, hydraulic motors and the general principles of naval hydromechanics.
Numerous examples illustrating the principles are given.
In the direction of water-supply engineering there are considered general rainfall statistics, precipitation, evaporation, the collection and storage of water and its impurities; the practical construction of water-works, including reservoir embankments, waste-weirs, partition-walls, conduits, distributing systems and the various methods of filtering.
The delivery of water by pumps is here touched upon, though this matter is more thoroughly treated in the course on the steam-engine.
The theory and efficiency of the various forms of water-wheels are investigated and the students are instructed with regard to the different kinds of turbines, with their draught-tubes, diffusers and governors.
They are required to measure the flow of adjacent streams by means of weirs, and thus practically to find the discharge.
Practice in the measurement of the velocity of streams by means of current meters and floats is also given, and models of valves, motors, practical working turbines, etc., add value to the instruction.
The subject of aerodynamics is also taken up in this course and the flow of air through orifices and in pipes, blowing-engines, the relations between the velocity and pressure of the wind, anemometers, windmills, etc., are studied.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Hydraulics.
This subject is taught in the fourth year.
It includes hydrology, hydrostatics, theoretical hydraulics, the flow of water through orifices, over weirs and dams, through tubes and pipes, and in conduits, canals and rivers, the measurement and cost of water-power, the dynamic pressure of flowing water, hydraulic motors and the general principles of naval hydromechanics.
Numerous examples illustrating the principles are given.
In the direction of water-supply engineering there are considered general rainfall statistics, precipitation, evaporation, the collection and storage of water and its impurities; the practical construction of water-works, including reservoir embankments, waste-weirs, partition-walls, conduits, distributing systems and the various methods of filtering.
The delivery of water by pumps is here touched upon, though this matter is more thoroughly treated in the course on the steam-engine.
The theory and efficiency of the various forms of water-wheels are investigated and the students are instructed with regard to the different kinds of turbines, with their draught-tubes, diffusers and governors.
They are required to measure the flow of adjacent streams by means of weirs, and thus practically to find the discharge.
Practice in the measurement of the velocity of streams by means of current meters and floats is also given, and models of valves, motors, practical working turbines, etc., add value to the instruction.
The subject of aerodynamics is also taken up in this course and the flow of air through orifices and in pipes, blowing-engines, the relations between the velocity and pressure of the wind, anemometers, windmills, etc., are studied.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Sewerage Systems.
The design of sewerage systems is taken up in the fourth year.
A comparison of the cost and efficiency of the different systems is made and the conditions under which each should be used explained.
The various methods of sewage disposal are exemplified and their efficiency discussed.
The effect of the surface slope and magnitude of area drained in connection with the maximum rainfall is considered and main and branch sewers for the separate and combined systems are proportioned and their cost determined.
The materials of construction, foundations required, methods of laying and descriptions of details, such as branches, man-holes, catch-basins, etc., are also given.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Sewerage Systems.
The design of sewerage systems is taken up in the fourth year.
A comparison of the cost and efficiency of the different systems is made and the conditions under which each should be used explained.
The various methods of sewage disposal are exemplified and their efficiency discussed.
The effect of the surface slope and magnitude of area drained in connection with the maximum rainfall is considered and main and branch sewers for the separate and combined systems are proportioned and their cost determined.
The materials of construction, foundations required, methods of laying and descriptions of details, such as branches, man-holes, catch-basins, etc., are also given.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, continued ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Steam Engineering.
The course in steam engineering is given during the last term of the fourth year.
It consists of a series of lectures by a well-known consulting mechanical engineer.
The properties of steam are first elaborated, and afterwards the details and construction of the various engines and boilers in ordinary use considered.
The strength of their parts are calculated and their general operation explained.
The course also includes pumping machinery.
The lectures are illustrated by drawings, photographs and hand-books, and books of reference are used for consultation.
Each student makes a general design for a locomotive, pumping, marine or other form of engine, though detailed drawings are not expected.
He is also required to take indicator diagrams from some engine and determine from them its power.
Examinations of various forms of steam-engines in the vicinity are also made under the direction of the instructor.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, continued ...
Steam Engineering.
The course in steam engineering is given during the last term of the fourth year.
It consists of a series of lectures by a well-known consulting mechanical engineer.
The properties of steam are first elaborated, and afterwards the details and construction of the various engines and boilers in ordinary use considered.
The strength of their parts are calculated and their general operation explained.
The course also includes pumping machinery.
The lectures are illustrated by drawings, photographs and hand-books, and books of reference are used for consultation.
Each student makes a general design for a locomotive, pumping, marine or other form of engine, though detailed drawings are not expected.
He is also required to take indicator diagrams from some engine and determine from them its power.
Examinations of various forms of steam-engines in the vicinity are also made under the direction of the instructor.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
HISTORY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, concluded ...
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, concluded ...
Theses.
A thesis on some technical subject must be written by each student during each summer vacation.
A graduating thesis, which must be either a review of or a design for a machine, structure, plant, system, or process belonging to a department of scientific or practical technics, is also required.
In the department of Civil Engineering designs are generally required, while in that of Natural Science special investigations of a scientific nature are expected.
The titles of some recent theses follow:
* Design for a Railroad Bridge with Curved Upper Chord and Secondary System. Span 400 feet.
* Design for a Wrought Iron Railroad Viaduct with Spans of 60 and 30 feet.
* Design for a Through Pratt Truss Railroad Bridge. Span 175 feet.
* Design for a Bowstring Highway Bridge with a Buckle-plate Floor. Span 160 feet.
* Design for the Roof of a Factory. Span of Trusses 120 feet.
* Design for the Steel Skeleton of a Building 75 feet by 125 feet, 11 Stories High.
* Design for an Additional Water-supply for the City of Troy. Gravity system.
* Design for the Distributing System and Stand-pipe for a Town of 5000 Inhabitants.
* Design for a Driven-well System of Water-works for a City of 20,000 Inhabitants.
* Design for a Turbine Plant developing 2500 Horse-power under a Head of 45 feet.
* Design for a System of Sewers for a Town of 50,000 Inhabitants.
* Design for a Stone Arch Railroad Bridge. Two Spans of 60 feet each.
* Design for the Substructure of a Railroad Bridge, with different conditions, viz : On Clay; using Coffer Dam; Piles; Caisson.
* Design for a Steel Dam 100 feet High, with a discussion of the Relative Cost of Steel and Masonry Dams.
* Design for a Pair of Triple-expansion Marine Engines to develop 10,000 Indicated Horse-power.
* Design for the Blooming-mill of a Steel Rail Plant, capacity 1000 Tons per diem.
* Design for a Hydraulic Plant to develop 400 Horse-power under a Head of 250 feet and the Electric Transmission of this Power for a Distance of four Miles.
* Design for a Dynamo to Supply Power for Operating a Street Railway.
* Design for a Double-U Magnet Motor of 15 Horse-power.
* Design for an Interlocking Switch and Signal System for the D. and H. Yards at Green Island, N. Y.
* The Hardening of Steel and its Effect upon the Ultimate Resistance.
* The Effect of Overstrain on Metals.
* Research on the Oxidation of Organic Matter in Potable Water.
* The Manufacture of Super-phosphates.
These titles illustrate the general character of the course and the capacity of students who have taken it to deal with diverse problems of an engineering and scientific nature.
Theses for which the Macdonald prize has been awarded have been criticised in a most favorable manner by some of the most eminent American engineers.
CHAPTER IX.
CURRICULUMS OF THE TWO EXISTING COURSES, concluded ...
Theses.
A thesis on some technical subject must be written by each student during each summer vacation.
A graduating thesis, which must be either a review of or a design for a machine, structure, plant, system, or process belonging to a department of scientific or practical technics, is also required.
In the department of Civil Engineering designs are generally required, while in that of Natural Science special investigations of a scientific nature are expected.
The titles of some recent theses follow:
* Design for a Railroad Bridge with Curved Upper Chord and Secondary System. Span 400 feet.
* Design for a Wrought Iron Railroad Viaduct with Spans of 60 and 30 feet.
* Design for a Through Pratt Truss Railroad Bridge. Span 175 feet.
* Design for a Bowstring Highway Bridge with a Buckle-plate Floor. Span 160 feet.
* Design for the Roof of a Factory. Span of Trusses 120 feet.
* Design for the Steel Skeleton of a Building 75 feet by 125 feet, 11 Stories High.
* Design for an Additional Water-supply for the City of Troy. Gravity system.
* Design for the Distributing System and Stand-pipe for a Town of 5000 Inhabitants.
* Design for a Driven-well System of Water-works for a City of 20,000 Inhabitants.
* Design for a Turbine Plant developing 2500 Horse-power under a Head of 45 feet.
* Design for a System of Sewers for a Town of 50,000 Inhabitants.
* Design for a Stone Arch Railroad Bridge. Two Spans of 60 feet each.
* Design for the Substructure of a Railroad Bridge, with different conditions, viz : On Clay; using Coffer Dam; Piles; Caisson.
* Design for a Steel Dam 100 feet High, with a discussion of the Relative Cost of Steel and Masonry Dams.
* Design for a Pair of Triple-expansion Marine Engines to develop 10,000 Indicated Horse-power.
* Design for the Blooming-mill of a Steel Rail Plant, capacity 1000 Tons per diem.
* Design for a Hydraulic Plant to develop 400 Horse-power under a Head of 250 feet and the Electric Transmission of this Power for a Distance of four Miles.
* Design for a Dynamo to Supply Power for Operating a Street Railway.
* Design for a Double-U Magnet Motor of 15 Horse-power.
* Design for an Interlocking Switch and Signal System for the D. and H. Yards at Green Island, N. Y.
* The Hardening of Steel and its Effect upon the Ultimate Resistance.
* The Effect of Overstrain on Metals.
* Research on the Oxidation of Organic Matter in Potable Water.
* The Manufacture of Super-phosphates.
These titles illustrate the general character of the course and the capacity of students who have taken it to deal with diverse problems of an engineering and scientific nature.
Theses for which the Macdonald prize has been awarded have been criticised in a most favorable manner by some of the most eminent American engineers.