Author Archives: Kenneth Richard Hardman

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About Kenneth Richard Hardman

AncestorClips are short stories about real people. Each clip nurtures awareness of a time, a place, and the character of a man or woman who cultivated a path for our life. The reader feels the good, the obstacles, the happiness, the sadness, and the overcoming. They cheer us, make us resilient when challenged, give us purpose, and connect us to our multi-generational family. Each story is followed by reflections from the author and readers sharing how the story strengthened or inspired them. Ken Hardman is a son, a brother, a grandson, a great-grandson… He is also a husband, father and grand-father. Ken is a professional engineer, engineering mentor, technical writer, and associate technical fellow at a major aerospace company. He is a writer of engineering and family history stories. Please join Ken in reading, reflecting upon, or writing #AncestorClips

ENGAGE Everyday Examples of Engineering Lesson Plans

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

They’re not Engineering Stories, but they’re detailed lesson plans being created and used by educators to help students see, feel, and understand engineering, improving STEM teaching in the classroom. It’s called Engage – Everyday Examples in Engineering If you love … Continue reading →

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Tunnel Vision Part III

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

The terminal and smells of hydraulics and motors are now well behind us and the status console indicates NORMAL operating conditions. It is no longer possible to look at the tube structural support rings as they pass at a rate … Continue reading →

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Tunnel Vision Part II

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Just before stepping through the hatch of our five foot diameter bullet, I look behind the craft at the 165 foot diameter fan stretching above and all around me and I realize more than I had ever before, that I … Continue reading →

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Tunnel Vision Part I

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

(Here is a short short story I wrote many years ago, for your engineering imagination, vision, and assessment. Is this story possible? Can such a wind tunnel really be operated? If not, why? Does it violate some law of physics … Continue reading →

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What do Engineers Do? Look at their Senior Projects

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Want a good idea of what engineers do? Take a look at thousands of Engineering Senior Projects. http://www.cefns.nau.edu/interdisciplinary/d4p/ http://www.ce.ucsb.edu/undergrad/sr-projects/ http://www.mtu.edu/mechanical/undergraduate/senior-design/ http://umaine.edu/mecheng/senior-design-projects/ http://www.bu.edu/ece/undergraduate/senior-design-project/ http://eeic.osu.edu/capstone/capstone-design-showcase http://eecs.oregonstate.edu/node/292 http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/ http://mechanicalengineering.pages.tcnj.edu/academic-programs/me-senior-projects/ many many more search the internet for mechanical engineering senior projects

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Announcement – Engineering Stories in Paperback

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Engineering Stories is now in paperback! Seven stories illustrated, formatted, and published in a handsome professionally bound book for some ernest reading. Listen to these endorsements by engineering academic professionals on the back cover. “A fabulous collection of realistic engineering … Continue reading →

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Have fun engineering with your family

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

“Hey grandpa,” Grandson said, “let’s play marble track.” “Hey grandson,” engineer Grandpa said, “let’s be engineers today and invent our own marble track. We can learn about engineering, science, and kinetic energy.” “Yes!” grandson responded. So grandpa and grandson went … Continue reading →

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My Journey to Engineering – Part 3 “From College to Industry”

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

(Continued from Part 2) “What are these photo’s you brought?” The interviewer asked during my senior year at the university. I was applying for my first engineering job and I brought pictures of the devices I had made for my … Continue reading →

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First Flight for a Child

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Have you ever watched small children on their first flight in a commercial aircraft? For those who love children, it is a pleasure. One day, I was departing Austin Texas sitting across the aisle from a small family; two children … Continue reading →

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Linear Algebra

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

  I was in tears as I left the math building that warm June day. Summer on college campus was relatively quiet, but my mind was clamoring with the noise of theorems and derivations, and proofs drumming away at my … Continue reading →

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