Premium
Design and Computational Methods in Basic Mechanics Courses
Author(s) -
Brinson L. Cate,
Belytschko Ted,
Moran Brian,
Black Tom
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.896
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 2168-9830
pISSN - 1069-4730
DOI - 10.1002/j.2168-9830.1997.tb00279.x
Subject(s) - truss , statics , applied mechanics , constant (computer programming) , matrix (chemical analysis) , structural mechanics , strength of materials , computational mechanics , mathematics education , algebra over a field , computer science , linear algebra , structural engineering , engineering , mathematics , mechanical engineering , geometry , finite element method , pure mathematics , programming language , physics , materials science , classical mechanics , composite material
This paper describes the changes incorporated in experimental versions of the two basic mechanics courses in the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University to increase the design and computer content. These Statics and Strength of Materials classes include linear algebra, an introduction to matrix methods of structural analysis including truss elements in one and two dimensions, and the constant strain triangle. Design analysis projects are also added to the courses. We describe the new material, what has been eliminated, and our reasons for these choices. Examples of computer projects, students' reactions, and plans for the future are also summarized.