Multiscale-Based Mechanical Engineering Education

Abstract

The classical engineering mechanics courses of Statics, Dynamics and Strength of Materials are taught to most engineering disciplines. With the advent of multiscale analysis and practice, reforms should be implemented in such classical mechanics courses to address the change so that they won't be limited only to continuum and macro-based level, but to include all the scales. This paper will suggest revisions that should be implemented in these courses. This includes introducing the concepts of multiscale engineering and the addition of new modules in the form of example problems in micro and nano-scales. Relying upon the framework of existing courses and using the existing physical and intellectual resources, an array of educational activities will be suggested to provide such an opportunity for undergraduate engineering students. The efforts will be substantiated and facilitated using the simulation capabilities of Computer Aided Engineering and Drawing (CADD) techniques as well as the analysis capabilities of Finite Elements Model (FEM) procedures.