Combined Research and Curriculum Development: Nontraditional Manufacturing

Nontraditional manufacturing (NTM) involves nontraditional transport phenomena and often nontraditional media. Thermally based energy transfer is the main material removal mechanism for several nontraditional machining processes including electrical discharge machining (EDM) and laser machining (LM). Thermal phenomena are also central in processes such as laser forming and direct metal deposition. Substantial progress in research and development has been made in recent years. It is important to develop up-to-date pedagogic materials to help students and working engineers understand the processes and the phenomena in NTM processes. This presentation reports a collaborative effort in a web-based development supported by NSF Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC). The features of the development include incorporation of recent research results, web implementation with interactive capabilities, and systematic introduction. Areas of focus include EDM/ECM, LM, and abrasive water jet * Author of correspondence: Wenwu Zhang, MB235 GE Global Research, Schenectady, NY 12309. Tel: 5183875833, Email: [email protected] machining. Cross process innovation and general philosophy in NTM research are presented and needs for further pedagogic development are discussed.