HANDS-ON ENGINEERING LABORATORIES AT HOME IN AN ONLINE LEARNING COURSE

Abstract

Providing hands-on laboratory experience, can be an important part of engineering programs. However, hands-on learning opportunities can be very difficult to implement in online learning environments. This work discusses the implementation of a solid mechanics laboratory investigation challenge that was developed for students to conduct in their own homes. To ensure that the laboratory was feasible, the materials and measurement equipment utilized had to be readily available and affordable. For this reason, the investigation involved the analysis and structural optimization of a foam board part. Students cut the partgeometry out of foam board, applied a load to the part using a water filled weight and optimized the design to reduce the total volume of the part while still supporting the required load. Students utilized digital imagecorrelation software to experimentally investigate the full field strain when the load was applied to the foam board part. Students optimized the part geometry using analytical calculations and finite element simulations. This approach resulted in a very positive response from the students and an excellent quality of learning was demonstrated by the students through their reports. This approach could be beneficial in other online courses. Furthermore, this experience has demonstrated the benefits of giving students greater responsibility for their own laboratory experiences.