Motivation in mechanics of materials classes: An experimental approach

• Published in: International journal of mechanical engineering education Vol. 45; no. 4; pp. 330 - 348
• Main Authors: Lopes Figueiredo da Silva, Hugo Miguel Andrade, Costa, Manuel João, de Meireles, José Filipe Bizarro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.10.2017; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Beams (structural); Mechanical properties; Mechanics (physics); Methodology; Moments of inertia; Students; Tensile tests; motivation induced by experimental mechanics of solids; Experimental Mechanics of solids; mechanics of solids
• ISSN: 0306-4190; 2050-4586
• DOI: 10.1177/0306419017708643

This work presents a novel didactic methodology for the approximation of the students to the subject of Mechanics of Materials, with the aim of improving the understanding of the inertia moment, and its relevance on the mechanical behaviour of structures. The students have grouped on groups of two to three persons. The work consisted in designing the most efficient beam having in mind several design constraints. Tensile tests were performed to determine the relevant material properties. Those were used for the analytic dimensioning of the beams. The aim of the work is to obtain the highest efficiency possible, since it results in the best mark, as possible. The efficiency was measured by the maximum load on experimental bending testing, divided by the mass of the beam. The results, as well as the interest of the methodology are discussed. It is proved that this methodology can be useful for the students to apply theoretical concepts and, at the same time, to give a deeper understanding of real experimental tests.