Visualization of Engineering Statics Concepts to Assist Student Learning

Abstract

Although most engineering students are visual learners, there are very limited visualization tools that students can use to help with their learning, and most available tools are not user friendly. In this project, a physics-engine-based simulation library is utilized to create such visualization modules to be used in Engineering Statics course. Each module consists of a virtual model, accompanied by theoretical calculations and free-body diagrams whenever appropriate, in which the user can modify some key parameters. This way, users can not only visualize the problem but also actively interact with the model to deepen their understanding of the concept learned in class.

This project combines engineering mechanics knowledge with programming skills using Python language, PyChrono physics library, and PyQt user interface library to create a software package comprising a series of executable files demonstrating some selected topics in Engineering Statics. Thus far, no similar software package exists. This project serves as a proof-of-concept prototype for more in-depth future research, showing that these software tools are viable to create educational and user-friendly Engineering Statics simulations in an interactive computer application package. This package could then be distributed to aid student learning.