Course overview
The course introduces the theory of stresses and deformation in rigid bodies and dimensioning beam elements subjected to simple resistance: tensile force, cutting and surface compression, twisting of beam elements with circular and non-circular cross section and bending. It also focuses on complex resistance, solving statistically non-definite structures of beam elements – strength method, and fatigue strength.
Participants in piloting
The course is fundamental for mechanical engineering students and enrolled 120 students in the 2nd year of undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Mechanical and Precision Engineering. The course is mandatory in the formal curriculum of the Department of Applied Mechanics of the Technical University of Gabrovo.
Use of ALIEN services and tools
During the course, students were exposed to active and problem-based learning in the contexts of a team project where they were organized in teams of 2 students so as to determine the reaction of beam elements subjected to an arbitrary external load and resting on supports for different purposes by using SAP2000 software. First all students got familiar with the theoretical aspects related to beam elements and support types and SAP2000 applications. Then they constructed the geometry of the beam element in SAP2000 and set the physical characteristics and supports of the beam element in SAP2000. After that they defined the dimensions of the reactions by using SAP2000. Finally, the students had to compare the results obtained in SAP2000 and the ones obtained in an analytical way.
The active learning activities allowed students to incorporate IT in their calculations so that they can be prepared for their future work life as engineers. In addition, they were able to improve their analytical and critical thinking, and communication skills and built a team spirit. Problem-solving played a key role.
