Design a cost-effective Bending/Compression educational laboratory test apparatus

Abstract—This paper is focused on an undergraduate design project on designing and implementation of a dual-purpose test apparatus that can be used as both a Bending test apparatus to determine the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and a compression test apparatus to determine the Compressive strength of a material. During this project, students will also satisfy the writing unit requirement of the General Education curriculum of the Institution. This project was introduced as a part of the junior Material Science course and aimed to facilitate student learning through self-learning team activity. Students tasked to design an apparatus that should be able to convert between two configurations easily, and one of the main objectives of this project is to design a cost effective, educational laboratory apparatus. Throughout the project execution period, students could apply their knowledge in hands-on activity, develop their technical writing and documentation, and gain knowledge through addressing new challenges. The enthusiasm of the students throughout the project is evidence of the importance of on hands-on learning in Engineering. This paper describes the details of the project, how engineering report writing and documentation are addressed, and how the students participate and benefit from project-based learning.