The wide availability of simulation software, such as MAPLE®, has made it possible to significantly enhance the teaching of courses in mechanics. More challenging problems, usually non-linear, can be introduced which previously could not be treated because of the lack of analytic solutions. By means of numerical solutions to these problems, students can get a feel for finite difference approaches and, perhaps more importantly, their physical understanding can be enhanced and new phenomena explored.
Archives for December 2020
Developing Core Problem Solving and Programming Skills for First-Year Engineers and Scientists
In this paper, we discuss a process used to successfully develop a programming and problem solving course aimed at freshmen engineering and science majors. We discuss how the need for the new course was originally identified as a result of program assessments and how the requirements for the course were developed cooperatively between computer science faculty and faculty in physics and engineering. We discuss how funding was obtained for course development and present results from the first semester of course offerings.
Field Validation of a Remote and Virtual Lab For Laser Cladding: A Development Journey
This paper describes the results of the development and field tests of a Virtual and Remote Laboratory for Laser Cladding Technology funded by the National Science Foundation under NSF Award Number 0703123. Internet-based and database-supported interactive simulations were developed in a multidimensional approach to multimedia applications in addition to real-time remote access of live laser cladding processes via Internet communications, which combines the development of procedural, technical, scientific, and social-economic skills with critical and creative thinking. Descriptive and inferential statistics from field tests using pre- and post tests with control and test groups indicated significant cost and pedagogical advantages of the developed virtual laboratory.