Introduction to Technical Literature by Writing Review Papers Dan Cordon Steven Beyerlein

Class Context ME 433 Combustion Engine Systems  Technical Elective courses feature specialized knowledge  Design is a central function in engineering practice  Research efforts often superficial in design projects  Tech. Writing courses stress documenting ideas for others but lack disciplinary focus

Inter-related Methodologies Research  Gap/credibility in current knowledge  Review what others know and current theory  Formulate research question/hypothesis  Design a research project (Research Proposal)  ……  Submit for publication  Integrate feedback in to re- write Design  Problem Definition Client need Needs analysis Information gathering Problem clarification Create Design Specs  Conceptual Design  Preliminary Design  Detailed Design  Finalized Design

Goal of Literature Review Assignments  Expand information source beyond textbook  Students experience locating and reading technical literature used by experts in field  Strengthen understanding of research process  Practice writing an archival publication

Course Implementation  Class #1 – Literature review paper introduced in syllabus as semester deliverable  Class #17 – Rationale for assignment discussed. Sample topics given.  Class #19 – HW question to identify topic area  Interest in area, personal background/knowledge, motivating research questions, and preliminary reference list  Class #23 – 5 minute Instructor/Student meetings to approve topic and scope

Course Implementation  Class #25 – HW question to refocus topic, identify five relevant references, and ask for assistance in acquiring resources  Class #29 – HW question requesting one page of detailed notes for each of five references  Class #30 – Suggested outline for literature review paper and Q/A about SAE template  Class #32 – First submission of 4 page paper  Class #35 – Review form returned to authors  Class #40 – Final submission of 4 page paper

Student Work – Topic Area Selection  Water injection  Emissions  Performance  Hardware  Modeling  Thermal Management  Catalytic converters  Thermostat

Student Work – Focused Topic  Thermal Management  Transient effects of engine temperature on efficiency and emissions

Student Work – Abstract  Abstract from Jeremy B. Paper

Student Work – Final Manuscript  Page 2 of Jeremy B.’s Paper

Student Feedback Likes  More depth on specific topics of interest not covered in class  Richness of adopting a research mindset  Opportunity for self- directed learning  Methodology supports higher quality work in capstone design projects Dislikes  Much more time- intensive than usual homework assignment  Special effort required to physically obtain supporting resources  Demands depth over breadth of coverage  Technical literature less readable than textbooks

Instructor Insights  critical points effective to boost morale and elevate critical thinking  Design teachable moments distributed throughout course rather than concentrated in 2-3 classes  Separate assessment & evaluation of student work  Distribute scoring rubric at front end  Ask for student feedback throughout class, share results, and respond to good ideas  Use intermediate deadlines emphasis key process elements and to improve final work products