University of Virginia Library

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING.

The course in electrical engineering presupposes such a knowledge
of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism as is
furnished by the studies of the School of Natural Philosophy. It
relies on the Physical Laboratory also for practice in the more refined
methods of electrical testing, and for the use of the more delicate
forms of electrical apparatus. The work undertaken in the engineering
department is directed to the analysis and design of dynamo-electric
machinery in its ordinary commercial forms, to the construction
and maintenance of electrical power plants and transmission systems,
and to those practical methods of testing which are of primary value
and constant use in electrical engineering.

1. Constant Currents and Constant Current Machinery.

The work of the first term deals with the constant current dynamo,
basing itself upon the accepted definitions and laws of electrical phenomena
without aiming to review their experimental foundations or
their mathematical proofs. A practical study of resistances, currents,
and electro-motive forces in simple and compound circuits, introduces
the student to the analysis and design of the constant current
generator. Rules are developed for determining the proportions of
the armature and its winding, the dimensions and windings of the
field magnets, the size of the magnet frame, and the commutators
and brushes, and for computing the probable electrical and commercial
efficiencies of the finished machine. These rules are applied
to various standard types of dynamo and made the basis of practical
detailed designs. A similar study is made of the constant current
motor, illustrations being drawn here also from the details of actual
machines. Parallel with the lecture room course on dynamo design
will be given a laboratory course on testing constant current dynamos,
determining the characteristic curves of the machines, measuring
their electrical and commercial efficiencies, analyzing the losses of
energy, and investigating resistances and leaks on electrical circuits.

2. Alternating Currents and Alternating Current Machinery.

Attention is next directed to the study of alternating currents and
alternating current machinery. The investigation of the laws of the
alternating current is first pursued, and the analytical and graphical
methods of determining current and potential are worked out in a


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series of cases of gradually increasing intricacy, and applied to the
solution of actual problems of distribution. The theory of the alternate
current transformer is next approached, and the laws of the
mutual interaction of the primary and secondary currents are fully
developed. These laws are then applied to the analysis of standard
types of transformer, to the development of rules for testing transformers,
and to the design of transformers for a given output.
Finally the study of alternating generators and motors is attacked,
and the methods of design, construction, and test for the leading types
of these machines are developed.

3. Transmission of Electrical Energy.

During the last term the various problems arising out of the transmission
of electrical energy
and its utilization are considered. The
general organization of electrical power plants, the arrangement of
the engines and dynamos, and the appliances for registering the output
are discussed. The layout of the electric light system is studied,
the dimensioning of the cables, the disposition and balance of the
lamps, and the economic relation of the several systems of transmission
are considered. The subject of electric traction for railways is
next taken up, and the construction of the motors and cars, the dimensioning
and erection of the cables, and the efficiency of the systems
are examined. Electrical systems for the distribution of power in
mills and factories are then investigated and compared as to efficiency
and economy with the older methods by use of shafting, belting, gears,
and so on. Finally, the subject of long-distance electric transmissions
is studied and the economic and scientific features of this method of
utilizing the powers of nature are carefully investigated.


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PROGRAMME OF COURSES.

         
Civil
Engineering.
 
Mining
Engineering.
 
Mechanical
Engineering.
 
Electrical
Engineering.
 
Mathematics A.
Projective Geometry.
Chemistry. 
Mathematics A.
Projective Geometry.
Chemistry. 
Mathematics A.
Projective Geometry.
Chemistry. 
Mathematics A.
Projective Geometry.
Chemistry. 
Mathematics B.
Engineering Geodesy.
Physics. 
Mathematics B.
Engineering Geodesy.
Physics. 
Mathematics B.
Mechanics.
Physics. 
Mathematics B.
Mechanics.
Physics.
Electricity A. 
Mathematics C.
Mechanics.
Geology. 
Analytical Chemistry.
Mechanics.
Geology. 
Mathematics C.
Advanced Mechanics. 
Mathematics C.
Advanced Mechanics.
Electricity B. 
Advanced Mechanics.
Civil Engineering. 
Mining Engineering.
Industrial Chemistry.
Mineralogy & Geology. 
Mechanical Engineer'g
Industrial Chemistry. 
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Chemistry. 

PROGRAMME OF HOURS.

           
Mon. Wed. Fri.  Tues. Thurs. Sat. 
9-10  Civil Engineering.
Geology (M. A.) 
Mechanical Engineering.
General Geology.
Mathematics (A.) 
10-11  Projective Geometry.
Analytical Chemistry.
Electricity (B.) 
Engineering Geodesy.
Electricity (A.)
Analytical Chemistry. 
11-12½  B. A. Mathematics I.
M. A. Mathematics.
General Chemistry.
Mining Engineering. 
B. A. Mathematics II.
General Physics.
Electrical Engineering. 
12½-1½  General Mechanics.  Advanced Mechanics. 
2½-5  Shop Work.
Laboratory Work.
Field Work.
Drawing. 

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The degrees of Civil Engineer, Mining Engineer, Mechanical
Engineer
and Electrical Engineer are awarded to students who
pass successfully in all the required studies of the above programme
of courses, not only attaining the requisite grades upon examination,
but performing also the assigned practical exercises. Students who
are unable to give the time needed for the completion of a degree
course will receive individual certificates and diplomas in such studies
as they successfully pursue.

The expenses of a student in this department are annually:

         
University Fee,  $40 
Tuition (in three classes),  75 
Books and Drawing Materials (average),  20 
Living ($15 to $30 a month—average),  200 
Total,  $335 

Virginians save $50 in tuition, which reduces the average to $285
and the minimum to $220.