Abstract - 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 Mchanical Design Courses.
This paper describes the design challenge, the results of this
cross-curricular experiment, andfuture enhancements to the
project.