Modernization of Solid Mechanics Laboratories

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The purpose of this project is to design and implement 18 modern hands-on experiments for the laboratory components of the two semester course sequence: mechanics of solids (statics and strength of materials) and dynamics (particle and rigid body motion). In each course, students in groups of three select and perform five of these experiments. The aims are to give engineers two significant experiences. (1) Students learn first-hand modern measuring techniques using equipment that includes fully instrumented material testing machines, digital storage oscilloscopes, equipment for interfacing experiments with computers, automated data retrieval systems, and computer graphics. (2) Students validate classical theories; but also gain new insights into physical phenomena that are introduced in classroom lectures and then taken for granted. From experiments, for instance, they learn first hand the limits of elasticity for engineering materials, and measures of motion. With the laboratory experiences civil and mechanical engineering students will gain some experimental expertise, but equally important, will learn about the experimental method and the philosophy of engineering experimentation.