Computer Simulations Versus Real Experiments in a Portable Engineering Mechanics Laboratory

实验室教学受到围攻，因为场地、资本设备资金和教员时间都短缺。作为回应，计算机模拟通常取代了动手的实验室经验。计算机模拟是强大的工具，但如果它们要教授工程的物理现实，就必须直接与物理现象联系起来。这个项目的目的是开发模拟软件和匹配实验，使材料静力学和力学课程的学生能够在一个称为“附件”的便携式PC控制实验室中，对小规模模型试验的分析和实验结果进行并行、实时的比较。AneX已在UMR和密歇根大学安娜堡分校的初级结构分析课程中成功开发和实施。新开发的软件和配对实验(称为“MECH-AneX”)将扩展AneX，以满足更广泛的低年级本科生受众，从而增加AneX站的实用性，并增加AneX对本科实验室教学产生全国影响的可能性。MECH-AneX软件将包括针对几个工程学科量身定做的授课强化和案例研究模块，这些学科通常需要在其课程中开设静力学和材料力学课程。此外，还将开发一整套配套的实验室规模实验。MECH-AneX将被纳入UMR课程，在多个学期的试用期内进行评估，并在一系列国家研讨会和讲习班上介绍。这个项目将产生一种创新的教学和实验室整合模式，具有跨越工程和科学学科的潜在应用。

Laboratory instruction is under siege because space, capital equipment funds, and faculty time are all in short supply. In response, computer simulations commonly replace hands-on laboratory experiences. Computer simulations are powerful tools, but they must be linked directly to physical phenomena if they are to teach the physical realities of engineering. The purpose of this project is to develop simulation software and matched experiments that will enable students of statics and mechanics of materials courses to conduct side-by-side, real time comparisons of Analytical and Experimental results of small-scale model tests in a portable, PC-controlled laboratory called "ANNEX." ANEX has been developed and implemented successfully in junior-level structural analysis courses at UMR and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Newly developed software and matched experiments (called "MECH-ANEX") will extend ANEX to address a broader audience of lower-division undergraduates, thus increasing the utility of ANEX stations and the probability that ANEX will make a national impact on undergraduate laboratory instruction. MECH-ANEX software will include lecture reinforcement and case study modules tailored to several engineering disciplines that typically require statics and mechanics of materials courses in their curricula. In addition, a complete set of matched, bench-scale experiments will be developed. MECH-ANEX will be integrated into the UMR curriculum, assessed over a multi-semester trial period, and presented in a series of national seminars and workshops. This project will produce an innovative model for lecture and laboratory integration with potential applications across the engineering and science disciplines.