Introduction to Experimental Methods

Dr. Terry W. Armstrong served as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at New Mexico State University. He developed and taught courses in Experimental Methods I (mechanics), Experimental Methods II (heat transfer and fluid mechanics), Aerospace Systems Engineering, Engineering Analysis (advanced engineering mathematics), Thermodynamics, Dynamics, and he created a new lab-based engineering calculus course. Dr. Armstrong holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from New Mexico State University, a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science from the United States Air Force Academy. His teaching awards include the Mechanical and Aerospace Academy Outstanding Teaching Professor, Donald C. Roush Award for Teaching Excellence and Frank Bromilow Engineering Teaching Excellence. Prior to university instruction, Lt. Colonel Armstrong served 21 years in the US Air Force, first as a T-38 instructor and then as an F-15C combat pilot and instructor pilot. Lt. Colonel Armstrong led combat missions over Iraq during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH with 150 combat flight hours. His duties have included command of Detachment 1, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Tyndall AFB, FL, Chief of Flight Safety, USAFE, Ramstein AB, Germany, and Director of Special Test programs at Kirtland AFB, NM, before retiring in 2006. Lt. Colonel Armstrong holds several aviation top gun awards, distinguished graduate awards, flight instructor awards, and his service medals include the Air Medal and Aerial Achievement Medals. “How much better to get wisdom than gold; to get insight rather than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16)

Preface; Author; About the Cover; 1. Approach to Experimentation. 2. The Team. 3. Deliverables. 4. Design of Experiments. 5. Sample Size. 6. Managing Experimental Errors. 7. System Modeling and First-Order Systems. 8. Discrete Vibrations and Second-Order Systems. 9. Continuous System Vibrations. 10. Waves. 11. Stress and Strain. 12. Photoelasticity. 13. Fractures. 14. Non-Destructive Inspection. 15. Instruments and Sensors. 16. Analyzing Data Sets. 17. Evaluating the Hypothesis. 18. Virtual Experiments. 19. Unexpected Results. 20. Reporting Numbers. 21. Active Writing. 22. Presentations. Lab Manuals. Appendices. Index.