2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This research aims at developing innovative pedagogical tools for educators in the field of applied mechanics. The tools are meant to bridge the gap between abstract concepts/processes and the utilization of those concepts in real life applications. Applied mechanics is one of the main courses in engineering that helps explain the engineering of components, systems, and products that we use in our daily life. Thus, it is paramount to establish a solid understanding of applied mechanics concepts and their applications. The proposed pedagogical tools will bring the concepts and methods of applied mechanics to life and help solidify students’ understanding. The applied mechanics courses include ‘statics’, ‘strength of materials’, ‘dynamics’, and control courses.
The proposed approach relies on dividing the course into basic concepts like simple forces and their effects and reactions at the support points and members. For every concept the instructor is guided to link the concept to a real-life application and to use the physical model for students to experience the concept visually. Many students learn more by visual methods and with a hands-on experience to get a feel of the application. This teaching method links the math and applications tightly together through the physical model that simulates the concept and method. The suggested method includes students being assigned or asked to select a concept to explain for the class in the last week of the semester.
For example, one of the tools this research proposes is about finding reactions for simple supported beams. This is done using a physical model that utilizes an Arduino controller and sensors to capture reactions at the support points and display them on an LCD. Similarly, the research will address main concepts and implement a physical model to simulate the concept.
A survey of the perception of the main concepts for students who took the first course in applied mechanics (statics) before (without the utilization of the proposed tools) will be collected and compared to students taught the same concepts with the utilization of the proposed tools. This comparison will be used to provide information on the efficacy of the tools and student uptake.