As recent college graduates, we realize that learning statics and dynamics can be difficult and frustrating. One major hurdle in learning these subjects is visualizing motion and forces. To a limited extent, drawings and pictures can convey the basic function of a system or mechanism. However, much more comprehensive understanding and appreciation are possible with an actual physical system. Unfortunately, this is usually not feasible in a classroom setting.
One satisfactory alternative to real equipment is to interact with a computer model of the system. To that end, we built 3-D computer models of a variety of sample and homework problems from the Beer & Johnston textbook and made them into Working Model interactive exercises. Each exercise is interactive. Input sliders control relevant parameters such as mass, speed, force, etc., and variation in values is readily observable in the system's response. The view of the system can also be varied, which permits much greater insight into how a mechanism works than is possible with a 2-D sketch.
These interactive exercises serve several purposes. First, they motivate a student's interest in statics and dynamics. Second, students gain intuition into real engineering systems by interacting and observing simulations. Lastly, students are introduced to one of the best CAE (computer-aided engineering) tools available for solving real-world problems.
Learn and enjoy!!!
-Tony and Michael