Mechanics Course Research Articles

Understanding the transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying emerging psychopathology in adolescence: study protocol of a 1-year prospective epidemiological (EMERGE) study

IntroductionAdolescent mental health is a global public health challenge as most cases remain undetected and untreated, and consequently, have a high likelihood of persistence or recurrence. It is critical to...

Moving tubes: the role of walls in a modified Bernoulli equation

Abstract In this paper, standard and introductory examples of fluid dynamics are analyzed from an unusual perspective, choosing reference frames in which the tube carrying the fluid is also moving. In such frames, Bernoulli's equation is not valid, and to analyze the energy balance one must account for the work exerted by the tube's wall. This example provides a useful pedagogical bridge between fluid dynamics and mechanics courses, allowing both instructors and curious students to (i) reinforce tools such as the work-energy theorem and (ii) appreciate the special nature of the tube's rest frame, a point rarely emphasized in textbooks. In addition, it is shown how elementary arguments may be used to construct, for a class of representative examples, a frame invariant expression for the pressure difference.

Exploration and Innovative Research on Ideological and Political Education in Architectural Mechanics Course

The emphasis and implementation of ideological and political education in courses lie within the courses themselves, ensuring effective education through the process of course implementation and playing a role in nurturing students. This paper explores the elements of ideological and political education in the architectural mechanics course. It provides a detailed design of ideological and political education in accordance with the course content and characteristics. Additionally, innovative designs incorporating ideological elements are introduced for parts of the course. Finally, an application exploration is conducted within the sections of the course, specifically focusing on the subtopic of “rigid frames”, with the hope of providing reference value to related courses.

Why the action?

In this note, I present two variations of the principle of stationary action in order to provide alternative ways for students to think about the action that they may find more intuitive than the traditional approach. These methods involve Lagrange multiplier techniques and are, therefore, best suited for students who are encountering the stationary action principle for a second or third time, perhaps in an advanced undergraduate mathematical methods course or a graduate classical mechanics course.

Pedagogical moves related to analogy that support a unified understanding of eigentheory concepts in a quantum mechanics class

It is beneficial for quantum mechanics students to have a unified understanding of eigentheory concepts, so they can recognize the shared structure of mathematized phenomena from the different quantum mechanical systems of spin, energy, or position and recognize those as instantiations of the same overarching concept. Quantum mechanics instructors should, therefore, provide opportunities for their class community to develop a shared unified understanding of eigentheory concepts. One such opportunity can arise by engaging students in analogizing eigentheory concepts in one context with those from another context. We investigate the pedagogical moves related to analogies that can be used by a quantum mechanics course instructor to support a class community in developing a shared unified understanding of eigenequations. We analyze classroom data to characterize an instructor’s pedagogical moves as he engaged students in analogical reasoning. Some moves include posing tasks conducive to analogizing; preparing, soliciting, and scaffolding students’ participation in analogical reasoning; using deictic gestures and inscriptions; juxtaposing symbols representing the analogized concepts; and explicitly highlighting the sameness of the analogized concepts. We exemplify these pedagogical moves with analytical descriptions of illustrative class episodes. We discuss how these pedagogical moves can support the class community’s expansion of their common ground by fostering the development of the class’s shared unified understanding of eigentheory concepts. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Exploration of Implementation Pathways for Ideological and Political Education in Mechanical Design Courses within the Context of Vocational Education

With the continuous development of vocational education, mechanical design courses have increasingly integrated ideological and political education (IPE) to achieve the goal of comprehensive education. However, effectively incorporating IPE into mechanical design courses still faces numerous challenges. This paper aims to explore the implementation paths of IPE in mechanical design courses within the context of vocational education by analyzing existing teaching goals and the current application of IPE in vocational education, identifying both advantages and shortcomings in the implementation of IPE in courses. Furthermore, based on the theoretical framework of IPE, the paper discusses its application in vocational education and the specific value it brings to mechanical design courses. Finally, strategies for integrating IPE content, innovative teaching methods and approaches, as well as innovative pathways for teacher roles and team building are proposed, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for the effective implementation of IPE in mechanical design courses.

Interactive homework to support student learning of measurement uncertainty in quantum mechanics

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection in Investigating and Improving Quantum Education through Research.] When thinking about measurement uncertainty in a laboratory experiment that features quantum mechanical effects, it is important to consider both the physical principles of underlying quantum theory (e.g., the uncertainty due to quantum mechanical superposition states) as well as the limitations of the measurement (e.g., the spread in outcomes due to instrumental imperfections). Prior research has found student difficulties with these sources of uncertainty both individually and in students’ ability to distinguish between them. Additionally, students are less likely to access ideas related to experimental uncertainty in quantum mechanical contexts unless explicitly prompted. In this work, we have developed a simulation-homework activity focused on the Stern-Gerlach experiment to help students develop an understanding for the different ways that modifying the quantum state, improving the experimental setup, or collecting more data, will affect the resulting outcome distribution. The activity uses a purpose-built interactive simulation, coupled with homework questions grounded in the literature on student thinking about uncertainty. We analyze the effectiveness of the activity with students in junior-level undergraduate quantum mechanics courses using pre- and post-testing. The results indicate that the activity was successful in helping students distinguish between quantum mechanical uncertainty and uncertainty caused by instrumental imperfections, and in increasing the accessibility of instrumental limitations in this context. The activity can thus support student understanding of the core concept of quantum uncertainty, as well as link between the often abstract nature of quantum theory and laboratory experiments with their limitations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The impact of LMS-based mechanics course on the creativity of prospective physics teachers in the post-pandemic era: A quasi-experimental study

This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of a mechanics course delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) on the creativity of prospective physics teachers at a teacher training college in Mataram, Indonesia. The study was conducted in the post-pandemic era. Using a pretest-posttest one-group design, the researchers evaluated changes in creativity across three domains: figural, numeric, and verbal. The results showed significant improvements in overall creativity, with the most critical gains observed in the figural domain. Further analysis revealed that fluency was the creative indicator with the most enhancement. In contrast, other indicators displayed varying degrees of improvement. These findings highlight the potential of LMS-based instruction in fostering creativity among future physics educators, particularly in the figural, numeric, and verbal domains. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting technology integration into teacher education, especially during times of crisis. Future research should explore more targeted instructional strategies within LMS environments and utilize comprehensive creativity assessment methods further to enhance creative learning experiences for prospective physics teachers.

Comparison of Web-Based and On-Site Lung Simulators for Education in Mechanical Ventilation.

Training in mechanical ventilation is a key goal in critical care fellowship education. Web-based simulators offer a cost-effective and readily available alternative to traditional on-site simulators. However, it is unclear how effective they are as teaching tools. In this study, we evaluated the test scores of fellows who underwent mechanical ventilation training by using a web-based simulator compared with fellows who used an on-site simulator during a mechanical ventilation course. This was a nonrandomized controlled trial conducted as part of a mechanical ventilation course that involved 70 first-year critical care fellows. The course was identical except for the simulation technology used. One group of instructors used a traditional on-site simulator, the ASL 5000 Lung Solution (n = 39). The second group was instructed in using a web-based simulator, VentSim (n = 31). Each fellow completed a pre-course test and a post-course test by using a validated, case-based ventilator waveform examination that consisted of 5 questions with a total possible score of 100. The primary outcome was a comparison of the mean scores on the posttest between the 2 groups. The study was designed as a non-inferiority trial with a predetermined margin of 10 points. There was no significant difference in the mean ± SD pretest scores between the web-based and the on-site groups (21.1 ± 12.6 and 26.9 ± 13.6 respectively; P = .11). The mean ± SD posttest scores were 45.6 ± 25.0 for the web-based simulator and 43.4 ± 16.5 for on-site simulator (mean difference 2.2; one-sided 95% CI -7.0 to ∞; P non-inferiority = .02 [non-inferiority confirmed]). Changes in mean ± SD scores (posttest - pretest) were 25.9 ± 20.9 for the web-based simulator and 16.5 ± 15.9 for the on-site simulator (mean difference 9.4, one-sided 95% CI 0.9 to ∞; P non-inferiority < .001 [non-inferiority confirmed]). In the education of first-year critical care fellows on mechanical ventilation waveform analysis, a web-based mechanical ventilation simulator was non-inferior to a traditional on-site mechanical ventilation simulator.

Development of Multiple Representation Models in Physics Mechanics Learning Using a Self-Regulated Learning Approach

Abstract The challenge of learning mechanical physics is to help students with different characteristics learn to solve problems. Backgrounds education, initial abilities, understanding concepts, and self-regulated learning which can have an impact on representational abilities in solving physics problems. Model development needs to be carried out in an effort to facilitate students in learning to solve physics problems through a multiple representation model approach. Development uses the Dick &amp; Carey model with descriptive analysis with pre and post-test design. The research was conducted at the Mathematics Education Departement, Mathematics and Science Faculty of Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, with a sample of 27 students taking physics mechanics course. Development has produced the VIFOCA learning model which consists of Visualization, Formulation, and Calculation. Formative evaluation involving instructional design experts, material and language experts obtained an average score of 4.75, while the formative evaluation of students showed an average score of 4.35, with a mean combined score of 4.55. The result of the evaluation formative show that the VIFOCA model is feasible for use in physics learning mechanics. The ability of physics problem solving is known based on the pre-test results of 61.33, while the post-test average is 68.74, with an increase of 12.08%. The results of this research indicate that the VIFOCA learning model can help facilitate learning and improve physics mechanics problem solving abilities.

Research on the Cultivation of Students' Application Ability in Theoretical Mechanics Courses in Applied Undergraduate Colleges and Universities

Research on the Cultivation of Students' Application Ability in Theoretical Mechanics Courses in Applied Undergraduate Colleges and Universities

Teaching Reform and Practice of Soil Mechanics Course in the Context of Emerging Engineering Science

With the accelerated development of scientific and technological progress and industrial upgrading, Emerging Engineering Education has become the key to cultivate high-quality and innovative talents, and the teaching reform of the Soil Mechanics course, as a core basic course of civil engineering, is particularly important for adapting to the engineering needs of the new era. This paper discusses the teaching reform and practice of Soil Mechanics courses in the context of emerging engineering science, and puts forward the introduction of cutting-edge technology, updating course content, innovative teaching methods, the teaching quality of Soil Mechanics courses and the comprehensive quality of students, and other strategies, and seeks to promote the significant improvement of the quality of teaching and the quality of talents. Among them, the application of virtual reality and project-driven learning mode enhances students' practical ability and innovative thinking. The strengthening of practical teaching links and industry-university-research cooperation has enhanced the opportunities for students to participate in actual engineering projects, while the integration of Civic and Political Education has fostered students' professional ethics and sense of social responsibility. In the future, the course of Soil Mechanics will continue to adjust and optimise the teaching mode, cultivate high-quality civil engineering talents adapted to the needs of emerging engineering science, and provide powerful support for modern engineering construction.

Exploration on Teaching Reform of Basic Mechanics Course for Engineering Majors in Universities

Basic Mechanics is an important professional basic course in engineering majors in colleges and universities. With the continuous development of social science and technology, the application range of Basic Mechanics is becoming wider. In order to give full play to the role of Basic Mechanics courses in engineering majors, this paper starts with the characteristics of Basic Mechanics courses, analyzes the current teaching status and problems of Basic Mechanics courses in engineering majors. This paper puts forward some measures for teaching reform from the aspects of teaching objectives, teaching methods, teaching level and assessment system, in order to improve teaching quality and enhance students’ practical ability, so as to cultivate high-quality and highly skilled comprehensive talents for the society.

Application of the Lambert function in the analytical solution of ballistics problems for flat flight trajectories of a material body, taking into account the gaseous (air) medium

Annotation. The paper describes the use of a special Lambert function for solving problems of ballistics of a material body, when the resistance of a gaseous (air) medium is taken into account. A model of quadratic (based on the speed of movement of a body) resistance of the medium within the limits of an approaching flat trajectory is considered. Problem. Problems of ballistics of a material body are considered in courses of theoretical mechanics, as well as in specialized literature. But, in addition to the cited literature, this research, like, for unraveling the simplified level of the material body in the problems of ballistics for flat trajectories of the power of a special function Lambert, which allows us to essentially simplify the algorithm for developing the parameters of the trajectory of a gentle slope (floor) type. Goal. The goal of the work is based on a framed model of a material body for flat trajectories in problems of modern ballistics on this basis, using a special Lambert function, to be controlled by a visible decoupling Didion, the determination of the main parameters of these types of crash trajectories. Methodology. Physic, mechanical and mathematical models are constructed that adequately describe the parameters of the collapse of a material body/particle that collapses along a flat trajectory when the wind is not supported , which are proportional to the square of the fluidity of the particles. For a more manual description of the parameters of the trajectory of the motion, there is a special Lambert function, which is tabulated in [1], or can be expanded with the help of computer in the middle of “Maple 8”. Practical value. The results obtained in the work can be used to improve and clarify engineering methods of calculation in problems of external ballistics of a material body, taking into account the quadratic (in terms of movement speed) resistance of the air environment

Some Thoughts on Ideological and Political Education in Mechanical Specialized Courses

With the continuous deepening of education reform, ideological and political education in the curriculum has become an important component of higher education. As an important discipline in science and engineering, the construction of ideological and political education in mechanical specialized courses has also received widespread attention. At present, there are still some prominent contradictions and problems in the ideological and political construction of mechanical specialized courses in China. This article addresses these contradictory issues and, based on the current situation, proposes specific measures to effectively enhance the ideological and political effects of mechanical specialized courses from multiple dimensions and perspectives, including strengthening ideological and political education awareness, exploring ideological and political elements in courses, clarifying teaching objectives and improving evaluation systems, and strengthening campus cultural construction. The aim is to provide useful references for relevant educators.

Implementation of a visualization teaching approach for mechanical analysis in civil engineering structures

AbstractThe visualization method for mechanics knowledge in civil engineering courses is very important, which can help students learn abstract mechanics. Combined with the structural analysis software, this paper develops a visualization teaching approach for mechanical analysis in civil engineering structures based on the proposed deformation decomposition method, such as elastic mechanics, material mechanics and structural dynamics. Compared with traditional strain analysis method, the proposed method is more intuitive and can identify more macroscopic basic deformations. By aid of a survey for undergraduate students and master students, the teaching effectiveness of the visualization course is higher than that of the blackboard writing course. Besides, Mann–Whitney test results show that there is a significant difference. The proportion of undergraduate students that think the combination of visualization has good effects are greater than those of master students. The proposed visualization teaching approach can be promoted in mechanics courses of civil engineering.

Flow of water out of a funnel

The unsteady Bernoulli equation is used to numerically determine the surface height and velocity distribution of water flowing out of a conical tube as a function of time. The speed is found to interpolate between freefall for a cylindrical pipe of constant radius and Torricelli’s law for a funnel having a small exit hole. In addition, the applied force needed to hold the conical vessel in place is calculated using Newton’s second law including the rocket thrust due to the water flowing out of the funnel. A comparison is made with the analogous expressions for the flow through and holding force on a right cylindrical tank having a hole in its bottom face. The level of presentation is appropriate for an undergraduate calculus-based physics course in mechanics that includes a module on fluid dynamics.

Application and Effect Analysis of Diversified Teaching Methods in Concrete Mechanics Course

In the Concrete Mechanics course, traditional teaching methods, due to their singularity and lack of interactivity, can no longer meet the demands of modern engineering education. This paper explores the application of diversified teaching methods in the Concrete Mechanics course and evaluates their effects. By introducing various teaching methods such as flipped classrooms, project-based learning, cooperative learning, and case teaching, we conducted a detailed analysis of students' learning interests, knowledge mastery, and comprehensive quality. The research results show that diversified teaching methods significantly improve students' learning effectiveness and classroom engagement. Some challenges encountered during implementation and corresponding solutions are also proposed, providing valuable references for future teaching reforms.

Integration Strategies of Ideological and Political Education in University Mechanical Engineering Courses

This study aims to explore effective ways to integrate ideological and political education into university mechanical engineering courses to cultivate well-rounded engineering talents with both technical skills and moral integrity. By analyzing the core concepts of ideological and political education and the characteristics of mechanical engineering education, specific integration strategies are proposed. These include the optimization and design of course content, innovation and application of teaching methods, and the development and training of faculty. The effectiveness of these strategies is also evaluated. The research results indicate that the organic integration of ideological and political education can significantly enhance students' moral qualities and professional skills, promoting their overall development.

The interplay between the proposer's role model and moral behavior modulates proposal processing in the Ultimatum Game: An ERP study

Economic decision-making plays a paramount role in both individual and national interests. Individuals have fairness preferences in economic decision-making, but a proposer's moral-related information may affect fairness considerations. In prior ERP studies, researchers have suggested moral identity influences fairness preferences in the Ultimatum Game (UG), but there are discrepancies in the results. Furthermore, whether role models (individuals whom someone else looks to help decide suitable behaviors), who can modulate people's moral standards, can affect fairness concerns in UG is still understudied. To address the questions, we selected the moral-related statements by eliminating those with illegal information and employed the ERP technique to explore whether the interplay of the proposer's role model and moral-related behavior influenced fairness processing in the modified UG and the corresponding neural mechanisms. We mainly found that the aforementioned interaction effect on proposal considerations in UG could be mirrored in both rejection rates and P300 variations. The results demonstrate that the interaction between the proposer's role model and moral behavior can modulate fairness concerns in UG. Our current work provides new avenues for elucidating the time course of the influencing mechanism of fair distributions in complicated social environments.