Model Description This training aid provides an example of what the students already know intuitively about mechanical advantage and applied moment. By using a dial torque wrench, units and physical measurement are readily observable and subject to discussion. This demonstration should take 5 minutes. Engineering Principle What You Need Item Quantity Description/Clarification Secure Bolt (Fig. […]
Model Description This physical model demonstrates how cables subjected to concentrated point loads establish equilibrium through geometry – i.e., the slope of each cable segment will change (as will the support reactions) as different loads are placed on the cable. This demonstration should take 10-20 minutes. Engineering Principle Cables subjected to concentrated loads are a […]
Model Description Use this daunting looking model to set the stage for a lesson on 3-D equilibrium and eventually persuade your students that it’s easier than it looks! This demonstration should take 20 minutes. Engineering Principle 3-D equilibrium for a non-concurrent force system requires the simultaneous solution of six equations of equilibrium, three equations for […]
Model Description This demonstration shows the simplicity of a truss. The equipment consists of a single triangle made of two rulers and string – forming a truss. The truss is held on two desks by students and given a load by another student. This shows the innate strength of the simple triangular shape used in […]
Model Description This is a simple demonstration of the mechanical advantage associated with pulleys and a solution method for pulley problems. By building a pulley system in the classroom, students can gain a physical appreciation for the problem at hand. This demonstration should take 15-20 minutes. Engineering Principle This training aid demonstrates mechanical advantage obtained […]
Model Description Introduce the concept of Moment and couples to your students by providing hands-on examples that they can relate to. Demonstrate how levers use the concept of moment to provide a mechanical advantage. This demonstration should take 5-10 minutes. Engineering Principle The Moment caused by a force about any point is defined by the […]
Model Description Introduce Varignon’s theorem to students as one way to determine the moment about a point. Show how moments are free vectors. This demonstration should take 10 minutes. Engineering Principle Varignon’s Theorem states that the moment of a force is equal to the sum of the moments of that force’s components about the same […]
Model Description Investigate slipping and tipping for Coulomb Friction. This demonstration should take 5-10 minutes. Engineering Principle These training aids provide a vehicle to discover the need to consideration three possibilities when investigating friction problems: 1) Nothing happens 2) Slipping occurs, 3) Tipping occurs. What You Need Item Quantity Description/Clarification Ramp 1 A board or […]
Model Description Introduce the concept of a frame and use a good free body diagram and the equations of equilibrium to solve for the forces and reactions acting on the frame. This demonstration should take 5-10 minutes. Engineering Principle Frames and Machines are one way to classify a structure. As opposed to Trusses, Frames and […]
Model Description This model will get your students on their feet during class and help them visualize the concept of distributed loading. This demonstration should take 5-7 minutes. Engineering Principle In order to get students to begin to get a feel for load transfer and modeling loading, it is helpful to show an example. This […]