The Compressor project: coupling thermodynamics and mechanical design in a cross-curricular project

This paper describes a design-based effort to build an effective cross-curricular link between thermodynamics and mechanical design-two traditionally distinct subjects. The result was a design challenge in which the authors asked their junior engineering undergraduate students to design and build an air compressor as a project conducted simultaneously in their thermodynamics and mechanical design courses. This paper describes the design challenge, the results of this cross-curricular experiment, and future enhancements to the project