Stephen Tennyson

Bio

Dr. Tennyson worked at Boise State University from 1995 to 2017. He passed away in May 2023. [Memorial page]

Boise State University

The focus of my teaching at Boise State University has been in the areas of engineering graphics, machine design and computer-aided design. I teach the freshman engineering graphics, sophomore introduction to mechanical design, junior applied mechanics of materials and kinematics of machinery, and senior machine design. Additionally, I teach mechanics of materials for mechanical and civil engineering students. I also teach an elective course in computer-aided design.

The focus of my research at Boise State University has been on use of innovative design technologies to assist Idaho industries with their new product development processes. This has been through demonstrating virtual simulation of product geometry and performance using computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering software. It has also involved using rapid prototyping to demonstrate creation of physical models to verify product form, fit and function.

This research has been supported through two Economic Development Administration grants targeting small and rural manufacturers. The College of Engineering, College of Business and Economics, and TechHelp Idaho have joined in collaboration to make this work possible. To sustain this effort, a New Product Development Laboratory was established within College of Engineering that is supported in part by offering design services to companies on a reduced fee basis.

Availability of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithographic Apparatus (SLA) has allowed us to explore use of rapid prototyping to create pre-operative spine and pelvic models for complex orthopedic surgeries. This effort has been in collaboration with Intermountain Orthopaedics of Idaho. Models have now been created for orthopedic clinics through out the United States.

North Dakota State University

I taught undergraduate courses in machine design, mechanics of machinery, mechanical vibrations, computer-aided design, numerical methods, simulation of mechanical systems, dynamics, and mechanics of materials. Taught graduate course in advanced dynamics of machinery. Supervised graduate research and industry-based senior-design projects. Initiated successful proposals to industry resulting in development of computer-aided design laboratories and a computer-aided manufacturing facility. Updated the existing curriculum by integrating design technologies such as finite element methods, computer graphics, reliability, and optimization.

J.I. Case Company

I provided design recommendations to engineering managers for the development of new agricultural and construction equipment aimed at maximizing operator safety, efficiency, and comfort. Supervised field evaluations of equipment to analyze operator performance and functional requirements -Comprehensive guidelines on human factors design for new operator compartments developed based on these evaluations. Supervised design of full- scale operator compartment mockups for human factors evaluation – finalized mockups were used as a basis for production design. Supervised development of research instrumentation and techniques to evaluate operator tasks, visibility, biomechanical effort, and environmental stress – as a result, more sophisticated analyses could be made of operator performance, workload, and safety.

Wayne State University

I supervised research which yielded basic information on tolerance to impact and acceleration. Developed electronic instrumentation to measure acceleration, force, strain, and electromyographic signals. Developed computer programs that simulated the response of the human body to external forces. Numerous publications resulted from this research – Agencies sponsoring this work included the National Institute of Health, Department of Transportation,and Institute of Highway Safety.

U. S. Army-Tank Automotive Command

I supervised development of experimental pumps, burners, and heat exchangers for automotive heating systems. Evaluated performance characteristics of vehicle elements such as heaters and radiators.

Research

The focus of my research at Boise State University has been on use of innovative design technologies to assist Idaho industries with their new product development processes. This has been through demonstrating virtual simulation of product geometry and performance using computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering software. It has also involved using rapid prototyping to demonstrate creation of physical models to verify product form, fit and function.

This research has been supported through two Economic Development Administration grants targeting small and rural manufacturers. The College of Engineering, College of Business and Economics, and TechHelp Idaho have joined in collaboration to make this work possible. To sustain this effort, a New Product Development Laboratory was established within College of Engineering that is supported in part by offering design services to companies on a reduced fee basis.

Availability of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithographic Apparatus (SLA) has allowed us to explore use of rapid prototyping to create pre-operative spine and pelvic models for complex orthopedic surgeries. This effort has been in collaboration with Intermountain Orthopaedics of Idaho. Models have now been created for orthopedic clinics through out the United States.

PUBLICATIONS WHILE AT BSU (peer reviewed):

• J. Guarino, S. Tennyson, Y. Barrios, K. Shea, R. Pfeiffer, M. Sabick, “Modeling the plates in the pediatric knee, implications for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction”, Computerized Medical Imaging and Graphics, V28, 2004
• G. McCain, S. Tennyson, R. Eggert, S. Hatten, “Enhancing Rural Manufacturers’ Competitiveness Through Design Automation for New Product Development”, Journal of Business and Economic Research, Vol. 2, No. 9, (September, 2004)
• “Transferring Rapid Prototyping Technology to Idaho Small Business”, Final Report to Economic Development Administration, Project Number 07-69-04727, EDA University Center Program, State of Idaho, Editors S. A. Tennyson, G.W. Thompson (TechHelp), R.J. Eggert (Mechanical Engineering), G. McCain (Marketing), (July, 2002)
• McCain, G., Tennyson, S., Eggert, R., “An Engineering and Marketing Collaboration for Live-Case Technology Transfer to Rural Manufacturers”, Proceedings of the World Association for Case Method Research and Application, Mannheim, Germany, (June, 2002)
• Tennyson, S. A., Parks, D. J., “A New Stereoscopy Technology for PC Workstations: Will it Improve Student Visualization Skills?”, Proceedings of 56th ASEE Engineering Design Graphics Division Annual Mid-year Conference, (University of California at Berkeley), Berkeley, California, (January, 2002)
• Tennyson, S. A., Krueger, T. J., “Classroom evaluation of a rapid prototyping system”, Engineering Design Graphics Journal, V65-N2 (Spring, 2001)
• Hamilton, R. W., Tennyson, S. A., “Analysis by the transformed-section method”, Mechanics Division for the 2001 ASEE Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, (June, 2001)
• Tennyson, S. A., “Developing an upper-division leading-edge EDG elective”, Proceedings of ASEE Engineering Design Graphics Division 55th Annual Midyear Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, (January, 2001)
• Eggert, R. J., Tennyson, S. A., “A survey of computer-integrated design and manufacturing skills for engineers”, 2000 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exhibition, Orlando, Florida, (November, 2000)
• Tennyson, S. A., Eggert, R. J., “Engineering Design Graphics in Idaho, A 1999 Industry and Academic Benchmark, Engineering Design Graphics Journal, V64-N2 (Spring, 2000)
• Tennyson, S. A., Eggert, R. J., “Engineering Design Graphics in Idaho, A 1999 Industry and Academic Benchmark, Proceedings of ASEE Engineering Design Graphics Division 54th Annual Mid-Year Conference, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, Mississippi, (November, 1999)
• “Proceedings of the NSF Sponsored Workshop on Introductory Engineering Design, Engineering Design Graphics, and Technical Graphics Problem Solving”, Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Technology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Editor: J. G. Nee, (November, 1999)
• Eggert, R.J., Tennyson, S.A., “Re-Engineering Open-ended Problems & Computer Simulations for Effective Development of Student Design Skills”, Proceedings of ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington, (June, 1998)
• Eggert, R.J., Tennyson, S.A., Bunnell, D.E., “Designing Across the Curriculum: Linking Sophomores to Mechanical Engineering”, Proceedings of ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington, (June, 1998)
• Tennyson, S.A., “Utilizing Engineering Graphics Software Effectively in Design at the Freshman and Sophomore Level”, First Annual Conference Proceedings on Design Based Engineering Education, Boise, Idaho, (July, 1997)
• Eggert, R.J., Tennyson, S.A., “Beyond Simulations: Improving Open-Ended Problems to Enhance Engineering Education”, First Annual Conference Proceedings on Design Based Engineering Education, Boise, Idaho, (July, 1997)

PUBLICATIONS WHILE AT BSU (not peer reviewed):

• Tennyson, S., Thompson, G., McCain, G., Guarino, J., Hatten, S., “Regional Economic Adjustment Technical Assistance”, Final Report to U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, (September, 2005)
• Tennyson, S., Thompson, G., Eggert, R., McCain, G., “Transferring Rapid Prototyping Technology to Idaho Small Business”, Final Report to U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, (September, 2002)
• Tennyson, S. A., “Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery”, a text for ME380 published and sold through BSU Bookstore, Third Edition, (July, 2002)
• Tennyson, S. A., Eggert E. J., “A Benchmark of Engineering Design Graphics Course Work as Taught in Idaho Compared to a National Sampling”, A Report to the Academic Respondents, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, (August, 1999)
• Eggert, R. J., Tennyson, S. A., “Strategic Planning Study for Computer-Integrated Design & Manufacturing in Idaho, Final Report to U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, (August, 1999)
• Tennyson, S.A, Eggert, R.J., Soren R., “Packaging Machine Analysis and Recommendations for R.C., Inc. at Boise, Idaho”, Unpublished Report for R.C. Bigelow, Inc., (August, 1998 )

Stephen Tennyson
August 13, 1943 – June 18, 2023
Boise, Idaho

Stephen Albert Tennyson, 79, of Boise, Idaho passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at home of natural causes. Steve was born to Albert and Esther (Tate) Tennyson on August 13, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio. In 1946 the family returned to their native Idaho after Steve’s father completed service with the US Army Air Corps.

Steve was educated in Boise and attended Franklin Elementary School and West Junior High. He graduated in 1961 from Borah High School. Steve’s education history is a testament to his lifelong love of learning. He graduated from Boise Junior College in 1963, received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho in 1966, and completed both a masters and doctoral degree by 1976 at Wayne State University in Michigan with a focus on human factors in engineering.

Steve’s career took him around the country and included work for the U.S. Army-Tank Automotive Command (ATAC) in Warren, Michigan; Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan; JI Case Company in Racine, Wisconsin; and North Dakota State University, in Fargo, North Dakota. In 1995 Steve returned to Boise where he taught mechanical engineering at Boise State University (BSU). Steve retired in 2017; although, he continued to teach classes at BSU until 2020.

A theme throughout Steve’s life was a deep appreciation of his many friends and colleagues around the country. He often talked about how much he valued these connections. Through the years he kept up with these cherished relationships.

An equally important theme was his love of learning and strong value for education. Steve relished teaching and mentoring students. He continued his own education, reading widely in his spare time.

Steve loved the Northwest and rode his motorcycles across the backcountry of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. He had a big space in his heart for wild places, wildlife, and all the natural world. He enjoyed other activities that took him outdoors such as walking, hiking, and bicycling.

Steve particularly enjoyed being a father to his daughter, Heidi, who cherished and adored him. In recent years they got to spend valued time together often engaged in outdoor activities that he loved so much.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Heidi Tennyson of Boise; his lifelong best friend, David Crawforth, and his wife Michelle Crawforth of Boise; close family friend Mary Borchers of Boise; as well as numerous other friends and relatives. Steve was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Heart ‘n Home Hospice and Angels Among Us for the loving care they gave Steve in his last two months of life. A very special thanks to caregivers Evelyn Lopez Patience and Chasity Moore.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests honoring Steve in ways he valued most; nurturing relationships, assisting students, preserving wild spaces. Please donate to a local scholarship fund or conservation organization.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wright Congregational United Church of Christ, 4821 W. Franklin St. Boise, Idaho 83705 on Friday, June 30th at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Mike Black officiating.

Source

“Stephen Tennyson Obituary.” Legacy.Com, 25 Jun. 2023, www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/idahostatesman/name/stephen-tennyson-obituary?id=52320541. Accessed 16 Oct. 2023.