Integrated statics experiments in the ‘MechANEX’ mini-laboratory

‘MechANEX’ is a mini-laboratory combining comprehensive software analysis modules and matched, bench-scale verification experiments to improve and enrich a sophomore-level engineering mechanics course in statics. Each of the seven statics modules in MechANEX involves a pre-lab exercise combining hand calculations and software analyses, a lab exercise providing a physical connection to analytical techniques discussed in class, and a post-lab exercise promoting a deeper understanding of course concepts through more in-depth, application-oriented software analyses intended to reinforce the practical relevance of targeted course concepts. Throughout, the newly developed MechANEX software enables students to perform analytical and experimental tasks successfully during lab exercises and expedites the solution of multiple versions of the same physical problem during post-lab exercises. Preliminary testing of the seven statics modules is complete, and a rigorous initial assessment of MechANEX is currently under way within multiple sections of the statics course at Penn State in the Spring 2001 semester. This paper introduces the MechANEX laboratory-teaching concept, describes the seven MechANEX modules for a statics course, and summarizes results from preliminary MechANEX assessments in the student user environment.