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Session 1566

Integrating Simulation Software into an Undergraduate Dynamics Course: a Web – based Approach

Arnaldo Mazzei

Kettering University Mechanical Engineering Department 1700 West Third Av Flint, MI 48504 USA

Abstract

The goals of this paper are to discuss some issues involved in integrating simulation software into an undergraduate dynamics course, and to suggest an approach to this task. The software package in question is MSC – ADAMS ®, a package that is currently used worldwide in industry for advanced mechanical simulation. The course is MECH – 310 (Mechanics III) and is currently being taught at Kettering University by the author.

There is a real need in industry for mechanical engineers with CAE experience and the author finds that introducing computational tools into this course is an excellent way of initiating students into mechanical simulation. Also, through simulation of textbook examples, students can observe problem solutions for full intervals of time, in contrast to traditional methods, which in general allow only for “snap-shot” type solutions (i.e. restricted to an instant in time). This can lead to an improved understanding of the subjects being taught.

The choice for a high-end simulation package is based on the principle of teaching a tool that can be used during the students’ senior design courses and in their professional careers as well.

Carrying out the integration of the software into the course can pose some challenging issues. For example, integrating software teaching and assignments into an already full course schedule. Here the author suggests a Web-based approach. Student feedback on the integration is included and an example assignment is also given in the paper.

Introduction

Many universities currently teach kinematics and dynamics of mechanical systems in a traditional

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education

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Mazzei, A. (2003, June), Integrating Simulation Software Into An Undergraduate Dynamics Course: A Web Based Approach Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--11395