Understanding Internal Loading Through Hands On Experiences

Statics is ultimately of value because it is used, along with other theories, to predict the behavior of real objects. Unfortunately, Statics instruction traditionally focuses on mathematical manipulations, often leaving the student unable to perceive the presence of a force or moment in a real life situation. Moreover, students cannot learn Statics in a very abstract way and then be expected in later courses to apply those ideas to real artifacts. Along with many faculty, we are disappointed with the extent to which students are able to use Statics in the analysis and design of mechanical systems and structures which they confront in their subsequent education, and later in their professional careers. We believe that physical experiences with forces and moments that act between, or within, objects must be part and parcel of the very earliest exposure to Statics.