New Idea to Engineering Education for Teaching and Learning Mechanics of Solids: Creating Comprehensive Picture through Major Principles, Discipline Map, and Problem Solving Strategy

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Publication Details

Author list: Sathaphon Charernsuphachokkul;Pichet Pinit;Anusit Anmanatarkul;Manon Sooklamai;Banchob Orachon

Publication year: 2019

Journal: KMUTT Research and Development Journal (0125-278X)

Volume number: 42

Issue number: 1

Start page: 23

End page: 54

ISSN: 0125-278X

URL: https://digital.lib.kmutt.ac.th/journal/brows1.php?V_ID=37&N_ID=114

Abstract

Mechanics of solids, which is a part of the larger engineering mechanics, comprises of two courses, namely, statics and mechanics of materials, and plays a major role in laying a foundation necessary for subsequent design of machine elements and other engineering courses. Linking these courses into a comprehensive picture may thus enhance the learning of the mechanics of solids course. This article aimed to present a new concept of integrating the contents of these courses into a comprehensive picture through the analysis and synthesis of the authors’ direct teaching experience, textbooks, and related research articles. The comprehensive picture consists of three main parts: major principles, discipline map, and problem solving strategy. This could lead to a primary goal of designing mechanical load-carrying components, which consists of 7 major principal topics: equilibrium, reference system and sign convention, modelling of members and equivalent loads, free body diagram, stress-strain relationship, St. Venant’s principle, and stress concentration. The discipline map could be used to illustrate the relationship among the major topics as well as the derivation of formula, and underlying reasons of contents’ arrangement as appeared in general reference textbooks. In terms of the problem solving strategy, five different parts have been devised: understanding the problem, planning, solving problems, evaluation of the solution, and prediction of the problem change. The comprehensive picture with the major principal topics, discipline map, and problem solving strategy is presented in such a way that it can be used as a guideline for determining learning outcomes, and verifying misconceptions in key concepts and principles. It can also be used to guide team teaching and teaching materials building.

Keywords

กลศาสตร์ของแข็ง, การเชื่อมโยงเนื้อหา, แผนที่ศาสตร์, ภาพความเข้าใจ, วิศวศึกษา