CNG Tank Design

A Freshman Engineering Design Project
Developed by Dr. Joey K. Parker, The University of Alabama

                                              Click here for the PDF version of the lesson

Overview:

In this lesson, student teams will be designing a tank to store compressed natural gas (CNG) for use in automobiles.  The “client” is a local newspaper publisher, who believes that by operating several newspaper delivery cars on natural gas, the paper can both save money and become more environmentally “friendly.” 

Learning Objectives or Student Outcomes:

By the end of this project, students will be able to

1.       work with a team to select the inner and outer diameters and the length of the CNG tank that will fit in the trunk of a selected automobile to be used to deliver newspapers;

2.       create a scaled orthographic and isometric sketch of the CNG tank; and

3.    work with a team to complete a final written and oral presentation of the CNG tank designed.

Length of Lesson:

The length of the lesson will depend on how much in-class time is devoted to the lesson and what other activities are happening in the class during the duration of this project.

Team Size/Composition:

Teams of four work best.  If necessary, a few teams of 3 or 5 people each may be formed. 

How is positive interdependence ensured?

The team must work together to turn in one final written report and to complete one oral presentation of the CNG tank designed. 

How is individual accountability built in to the project?

Each team member must create a scaled orthographic and isometric sketch of the CNG tank in the trunk of the automobile.  These sketches are all to be included in the written team report.

Basis or Components of Assessment:

Student teams are required to communicate their final designs to the “client” through both a written report and an oral presentation. Written team reports must contain the following from each team member:  a scaled orthographic and isometric sketch of the CNG tank in the trunk.

More information on the assessment can be found in the Instruction to Students.

Team Skills Needed for Success:

The teams need solid communication skills and the ability to work cohesively as a group.

Multimedia Needs for Instructor:

This will depend on the students’ choices for presenting.  (For example, if a team chooses to use PowerPoint in their presentation, the instructor should have a projection system on hand for them.)

Materials Needed by Students:

Students will need to decide in what medium to represent their designs and to deliver their oral presentations.  (For example, they may decide to use a graphics software to represent their design and PowerPoint to present their design.)

Content Lesson Links:

Instruction to Students

Background Information

Useful Relations

Other Sources for Information

                          Lesson   |   Instruction to Students  |  Background Information  |   Useful Relations   |  Other Sources for Information

©2002, Joey K. Parker
These materials may be duplicated for educational purposes if properly credited.