2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Explicit dynamics uses the finite element method (FEM) with an explicit time integration scheme to simulate nonlinear, time-dependent behavior under rapidly changing loads. It is particularly effective for short-duration events such as impacts, crashes, and explosions. Many capstone senior design projects have used this application for their analysis.

With advances in computing power and software, explicit dynamic analysis has become increasingly popular for modeling complex materials and real-world events that occur over very short time periods. The increased accessibility of ANSYS LS-DYNA makes it widely used by the industry, and employers increasingly seek these skills. However, the coverage of this topic remains limited in a regular undergraduate FEM course. Previously, the authors developed a framework for integrating explicit dynamic analysis. This framework includes a teaching module and assessment methods:
1) The proposed learning activity incorporates a teaching module that uses two 80-minute class periods and includes three elements: lectures, hands-on experiments with data collection, and in-class exercises. It is scheduled for the latter part of the semester, subsequent to the learning activities in fundamental FEM concepts and static structural analysis. The first class period aims to cover the relevant theoretical knowledge and train students in the use of LS-DYNA software. The second class period focuses on applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the first session to solve and analyze a new drop weight problem, both experimentally using a drop tester and computationally using LS-DYNA.

2) Pre- and post-surveys have been developed to assess the pedagogical strategy of the teaching module. Questions in the pre-activity survey include the students’ background knowledge and perception of the importance and applications of impact analysis. In the post-activity survey, students will reflect on the knowledge earned and the learning experience.

As the teaching module and assessment are planned to be implemented in the 2025 Fall offering of the course, this paper focuses on the implementation and assessment of the proposed learning activity. The assessment results will guide the further development of this teaching module.