Integrating Multimedia Into The Laboratory Experience

The Associate Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Penn State University at Wilkes-Barre offers a three course sequence in applied mechanics: statics, strength and properties of material, and strength and properties of materials laboratory. To aid in the understanding of the relationship between theory and application students chose to analyze suspension bridges and their construction. Bridges are ideal candidates for a discussion on types of supports, flexible cables, bolted and riveted connections, and tension and compression members. This paper focuses on the integration of multimedia into measurement of mechanical properties, destructive testing, data acquisition and analysis, and reporting of results. Laboratory exercises include tensile testing of round stock, flat stock joined by rivets , and flat stock joined by a bolted connection. The results of the various tensile tests are compiled and presented as written and multimedia presentations.