Numerical Simulation as in Integral Component of Dynamics Problem Solving

Abstract

The engineering faculty at Roger Williams University are committed to training students to use modern computer-based tools when performing engineering analysis. But achieving this is a tall order, as engineering courses are already jam-packed with essential technical material and any hindrance to delivering this material is unwelcome. Likewise, we routinely pay lip service to the necessity for students to double-check their work, yet we provide students with few tools for systematically accomplishing this. This paper describes an effort by the author to integrate solid modeling into a Dynamics course by requiring numerical validation of symbolic solutions to homework problems. The students solve traditional homework problems using free-body diagrams, equations of motion, pencils and calculators; but then must demonstrate that their answers are valid through an independent check. Students construct solid models in SolidWorks© to duplicate the geometric and inertial properties of the problem, and then use the Motion Analysis, a SolidWorks Simulation add-in, to create a motion study duplicating the conditions of the problem. Students may place dynamically updating dimensions to determine distances or may generate graphs, e.g. velocity versus time, to study motion characteristics. As a direct result, students are able to independently validate their symbolic solutions with numerical simulations. This paper will provide a detailed description of the use of SolidWorks in a sophomore level Dynamics course offered spring 2012 and spring 2013. This paper will present examples of student work and assess the benefits and challenges associated with this teaching method.