Widener University - Pioneer Yearbook (Chester, PA)

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TESTING MACHINES IN ENGINEERING LABORATORY . ENGINEERS'IN THE FIELD

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Both the First and the Second Classes are required to devote such time as may be assigned to the study of cur- rent engineering periodicals and special subjects related to the course. FIELD AND OFFICE WORK In field-work, every student is trained to handle the level, transit, plane-table, and other appliances belonging to the equipment of the civil engineer. Special attention is given to the form and accuracy of the field-notes. The study of the theory of Surveying is supplemented by extended practice in the field. The work of the Second Class year consists of Land Surveying, including the laying- out and dividing-up of land, and problems pertaining to City and Topographical Engineering. In the Fall Term, First Class year, the class is organized as a corps under the Professor of Engineering, and makes a reconnaissance and preliminary survey for a railroad. The field-notes are plotted, grades and curves determined, and calculations and estimates made preparatory to the locating of the line. In the Spring Term, First Class year, the final survey is made, in which the curves are run, the slope stakes set, and the culverts, bridges, crossings, switches, and turn-outs located. The more common problems confronting the young Main- tenance-of-Way Engineer are also taken up for consid- eration. . DRAWING Mechanical Drawing is appointed for-,six hours a week during the Fourth Class Year. The following subjects are treated: Working Drawings, Simple Projections, Geometri- cal Problems, Orthographic Projections, Intersections and Developments, Machine Drawings, Involutes, Spirals, Helixes, Screw Threads, Gears and Cams. Descriptive Geometry is appointed for five hours a week during the Fall Term of the Third Class Year. The course covers problems relating to points, lines and planes, together with the intersection and development of surfaces. The method of instruction consists of recitations as well as practice in the Drafting Room. 20

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Engineering Drafting is taken by the Third Class dur- ing the Winter Term for five hours a week. The aim of. the course is to acquaint the student with the working draw- ings of Engineering construction, the plotting of survey- ing notes, and the making of estimates. Maps drawn dur- ing the course are traced and lettered. Descriptive Geometry is also continued to include Shades and Shadows, and Linear Perspective. Throughout all the drawing courses, emphasis is laid on Lettering and Standard Drafting Practice. CHEMISTRY The General Chemistry of the Metals is taken up by the Second Class during the Winter Term, especial emphasis being given to such portions as relate to the preparation and uses 'of building materials. In connection with this theoretical work, the Qualitative Analysis of simple bases and acids, by both the blow-pipe and wet methods, is prac- ticed, care being taken to familiarize the student with the properties, uses and tests of compounds in common use. Ten hours a week throughout the term are assigned to this subject. . ENGINEERING LABORATORY For determining the strength and other physical prop- erties of materials used in construction, the Laboratory has a Riehle screw machine of 50,000 pounds capacity, for ten- sion, compression and transverse stresses, the power being furnished by a two horse-power electric motorg and a Riehle cement tester of 2000 pounds capacity, with molds, sieves and measures. THESIS WORK Each student of the First Class is required to prepare a thesis on some subject germane to the course of study, under the supervision of the Professor of Engineering. The object of this instruction is to acquaint the student with the methods of handling engineering questions, and to develop originality of thought and resourcefulness of investigation. The College retains the theses and the draw- ings made to illustrate them. 2l