The “Back To The Future” Experience Of Graphical Analysis

Graphical analysis has always been an integral part of the medley of techniques to solve engineering problems. In the past, the accuracy of the graphical analysis solution was limited by the precision of the instruments associated with producing it. Rudimentary tools such as pencils, scales, protractors, T-squares, planimeters, slide rules, etc., provided a solution within acceptable limits of error. However, the precision, accuracy, and flexibility available now with computers antiquated the hand-drawn graphical analyses methods for solving engineering problems. The advent of computer-aided drafting (CAD), re-engineered the old concept of graphical analysis. CAD brought it out of the past and into the future with a renewed respect, appreciation, precision, and applicability to a wide variety of engineering problems. Thus, graphical analysis has become a champion of faculty seeking to provide solutions to problems and offer an entirely new perspective to engineering problem solutions. “Graphical thinking” provides a tremendous tool to engineers seeking to develop an extensive conceptual knowledge base via greater visualization capabilities. Vector solutions provide an excellent example of the versatility of graphical analysis. The types of vectors commonly encountered in engineering problem-solving include displacement, velocity, acceleration, force and moments. Using “graphical thinking”, one can visualize vector components and vector manipulations such as vector addition, subtraction, vector dot and cross products. A graphical picture of the vector solutions makes problems easier to conceptualize, providing an intuition check on the correctness of the vector solutions that one does not readily get from utilizing matrix solution techniques or even vector component manipulation analyses. The application of common CAD software to a multitude of engineering problems significantly enhances the students’ ability to solve an endless variety of engineering problems. Requiring students to use a CAD-based graphical solution in place of or in addition to a traditional analysis provides students with a greater understanding of the solution to the problems on which they are working. Stressing a CAD-based graphical solution in the courses of Engineering Statics, Dynamics, and Mechanics of Material provides a strong foundation for using “graphical thinking” to solve upper level course problems as well as have a positive impact on engineering design coursework. This paper will emphasis and focus on the application of CAD-based graphical solutions to Statics, Dynamics, and Mechanics of Material courses taken by the majority of engineering and engineering technology students.