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Implementation and Evaluation of a Predictive Maintenance Course Utilizing Machine Learning

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Conference

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Baltimore , Maryland

Publication Date

June 25, 2023

Start Date

June 25, 2023

End Date

June 28, 2023

Conference Session

COED: AI and ML Topics

Tagged Division

Computers in Education Division (COED)

Page Count

13

DOI

10.18260/1-2--43514

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/43514

Download Count

153

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Paper Authors

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Jonathan Adam Niemirowski Louisiana Tech University

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Jonathan Niemirowski is an Adjunct Professor in Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineering Technology at Louisiana Tech University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Nanosystems Engineering in 2015, a Master of Science in Molecular Science and Nanotechnology in 2018, and is working on a PhD in Engineering Education, all at Louisiana Tech University. Mr. Niemirowski teaches Computer Aided Engineering (ENGT 250), Engineering Problem Solving (ENGR 120, 121, 122), and various electives in machine learning for engineering students (ENGR 489). His doctoral research is on incorporating machine learning topics into the engineering curriculum, providing a foundation for engineers to utilize the technology in their work fields, and developing a framework to assist other educators in expanding ML content in their courses.

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Krystal Corbett Cruse Louisiana Tech University

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Dr. Krystal Corbett is the First-Year Engineering Programs Coordinator and Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Louisiana Tech University. She is also the Co-Director of the Office for Women in Science and Engineering at Louisiana Tech.

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David Hall Louisiana Tech University

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David Hall develops and promotes project-based engineering for engineering and engineering technology programs. He believes that projects build intuition and confidence which are important for the successful application of fundamentals and the successful development of technology solutions.

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Abstract

The ever-increasing utilization of machine learning (ML) in technical fields suggests that educators should consider incorporating ML content into engineering and engineering technology curricula. This paper explores a course designed to instruct students on project-based machine learning in predictive maintenance. The course centered on a NASA dataset created for predictive maintenance exercises: a collection of simulated turbofans that were run until failure. A class of nine students was instructed to predict the remaining useful life of these turbofan units using various analysis techniques. Data processing and regression models were created in Google Colab via Tensorflow, Sklearn, and Pandas modules. The course began with classical regression approaches such as linear regression and then progressed to ML methods including neural networks, Long Short Term Memory networks, and random forests. Data processing and feature generation were also covered, as well as model design considerations such as hyperparameter searches. Student performance was evaluated with a self-efficacy survey conducted on the first and last day of the course. Participants began with low self-efficacy in knowledge and skill domains, but high attitudes regarding ML. By the end of the course, knowledge and skills saw a significant increase in score, with attitudes remaining constant. Students noted that they quickly understood the concepts and theory surrounding ML but struggled with coding and implementation. This course provides insight into the gains in ML knowledge and skills for non-CS students. The course also provides a pedagogical example that engineering and engineering technology instructors can employ to incorporate ML content into their courses. Data is presented to show that engineering students can develop practical ML skills for engineering applications.

Niemirowski, J. A., & Cruse, K. C., & Hall, D. (2023, June), Implementation and Evaluation of a Predictive Maintenance Course Utilizing Machine Learning Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--43514

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