2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

CRI: Connecting Introductory Mechanics Courses With a Shared Trebuchet Classroom Demonstration

Presented at Mechanics Division (MECHS) Technical Session 7

Traditional classroom lectures often focus on theory-based instruction and discussion to teach engineering concepts. However, some concepts are challenging to conceptualize and connect to real-world applications or practical examples. As a result, students may struggle to recognize the relevance of course content to their future engineering careers. To address this gap, we designed a physical demonstration to be integrated throughout three core mechanics courses: Statics, Dynamics, and Solid Mechanics. These demonstrations allow students to observe the operation of a machine that directly relates to course content, while using physical and numerical models and making predictions about its behavior. The chosen design, a trebuchet, was selected for its ability to engage students and readily observable engineering principles. The trebuchet consists of a frame supporting a rotating beam used to launch a projectile. In Statics, it demonstrates the summation of forces and moments. In Dynamics, it illustrates rigid body kinematics and projectile motion. Students can modify design parameters, such as pivot points and counterweights, to explore the impact of the trebuchet's design on the trajectory of the projectile. Finally, in Solid Mechanics, the trebuchet is used to demonstrate elastic deformation in the arm under static loading. This CRI includes complete materials list, fabrication plans for trebuchet construction, and standard operation plans to support instructors. Together, these components create an educational toolkit that promotes hands-on, data-driven learning across multiple core courses. This integrated lecture and demonstration strengthens students’ ability to connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications while promoting coherence across core mechanics courses through repeated exposure to the same physical system.

Authors

Melany Denise Opolz http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0226-1629 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Melany D. Opolz is a PhD student in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in equine biomechanics and bone chemistry. She holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Cameron University and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. For the past three years, she has been part of the Strategic Instructional Innovations Program (SIIP) team in the Mechanical Science and Engineering Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, contributing to educational advancements in engineering through different projects, including the development of open-access online reference pages and the promotion of an entrepreneurial mindset among early engineering students.
Mayas Anil Kumble University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
Griffin Charles Sipes University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Griffin C. Sipes is a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) with interests in adapted exercise and shoulder biomechanics. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UIUC. For the past semester, he has been a part of the Strategic Instructional Innovations Program (SIIP) team in the Mechanical Science and Engineering Department at UIUC, contributing to improving engineering education for undergraduate students.
Changmin Lee University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Changmin Lee is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with research interests in bone biomechanics. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea. He has been part of the Strategic Instructional Innovations Program (SIIP) team in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, contributing to the advancement of engineering education.
Thomas Golecki http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0750-8582 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

I spent 10+ years in industry as an engineer in structural mechanics and structural health monitoring projects, earning professional licensure as PE and SE. My PhD research focused on the structural optimization of dynamic systems including random loading and vehicle-bridge interaction. Now as teaching faculty, I try to connect course concepts to real-world examples in a way that motivates and engages students.
Dr. Brian Mercer http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2570-0823 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Brian Mercer is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2016 and subsequently worked as a research engineer at the Illinois Applied Research Institute before turning to a career in teaching and education in 2018. His technical expertise lies in computational and theoretical solid mechanics, and he teaches a range of courses in these topics, including introductory solid mechanics, machine component design, computational mechanics, and finite element analysis. Brian’s pedagogical research efforts focus on developing and implementing effective teaching strategies for large lecture courses and increasing student literacy in using computational tools such as Python and to aid in performing calculations and simulations relevant to engineers.
Dr. Kevin Wandke http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8781-7440 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Kevin Wandke received his B.S. degree in mechanical science and engineering and the M.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, in 2019 and 2022, respectively, where he is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering. He was a member of the SULI Program at Argonne National Laboratory, and an Intern of the Edison Engineering Program, General Electric’s Global Research Center. He was a recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship, the Olesen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, and a Mavis Future Faculty Fellow in the Grainger College of Engineering.
Prof. Matthew West http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7605-0050 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Matthew West is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining Illinois he was on the faculties of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanfo
Dr. Kellie M Halloran http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1376-3069 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Kellie Halloran is a Teaching Assistant Professor in Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She holds a BS, MS, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and is currently investigating ways to engage undergraduate students and encourage curiosity and creativity in larger engineering classes.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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