Collaborative: Improving Conceptual Understanding and Preparing Students to Use CAE Tools with a Simplified Web-Based FEA program

工程-机械（56）这是一个由卡内基-梅隆大学和摩根州立大学（HBCU）合作的概念验证项目，旨在开发材料力学课程中的有限元分析方法，让学生在学术生涯的早期通过使用现代计算机辅助工程（CAE）工具接触工程实践。该项目正在开发高度简化的有限元方法，提供对变形状态的概念性见解，重点是培养学生对单个点的位移，力，应力和应变的理解。 有限元程序可以在网上运行的格式，学生可以使用很少或没有在有限元分析方法的培训。该程序通过突出任何商业程序中所采取的关键步骤作为向商业FEA软件的过渡：域，材料，单元类型，网格和边界条件的规范，然后是解决方案和查看结果。 此外，该程序还强调了网格变形形状的查看以及节点处的数量值。 这可以帮助学生形象化的数量，如位移和变形是材料力学课程的核心。 该项目的重点是设计和完善作业，既可以单独使用，也可以与传统的家庭作业问题结合使用。该程序也是一个有价值的工具，用于在讲座中使用一组预定义的问题，使教授能够快速说明重要的物理概念。与该计划的各种用途相关的学习收益正在评估不同背景的学生，其中包括评估视觉学习者学习的影响。除了通过论文和会议传播这些材料外，这些材料还在各种网上教育材料储存库登记。

Engineering-Mechanical (56) This collaborative proof of concept project between Carnegie-Mellon University and Morgan State University, a HBCU, is developing finite element analysis methods in a mechanics of materials course to expose students early in their academic careers to the practice of engineering by using modern computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools. The project is developing highly simplified finite element methodology that provides conceptual insight into deformed states with a focus on developing students understanding of displacements, forces, stresses and strains at individual points. The finite element program can be run over the web in a format that students can use with little or no previous training in finite element analysis methods. The program serves as a transition to commercial FEA software by highlighting the key steps taken in any commercial program: specification of domain, material, element type, mesh, and boundary conditions, followed by solution and viewing of results. In addition, the program emphasizes viewing of the deformed shape of the mesh together with the values of quantities at node points. This helps students visualize quantities such as displacements and deformations that are central to the mechanics of materials course. The project focuses on devising and refining assignments, both for use alone and coupled with traditional homework problems. The program is also a valuable tool for use in lectures with a set of pre-defined problems that enables professors to rapidly illustrate important physical concepts. Learning gains associated with various uses of the program are being assessed for students of diverse backgrounds, which include assessing the impact of learning for visual learners. In addition to disseminating the materials through papers and conferences, the materials are being registered with various web-based repositories for educational material.