Engineering Mechanics of Solids:
JAVA applications
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Interactive Exercises:
- Vector Addition
- The goal of this exercise is to estimate the resultant of the addition of
two vectors. You will be awarded points depending on the accuracy of your
estimate and the size of the error tolerance you allow. An estimate within
a smaller error tolerance awards you more points, but is, of course, harder
to do. You win the game when you get at least 100 points.
- Sliding Block
- Your mission is to find an equilibrium state for a block on an inclined
plane. To achieve your goal, you can modify three parameters: the coefficient
of friction, the shape of the block and the the angle theta.
- Roller Exercise
- Find the force required to just start a lawn roller rolling over a step
of height h. Express your results in non-dimensional terms, using the radius
(R) and weight (W) of the roller, as reference quantities. Sketch how the
force varies with h/R.
- Reactions
- Random loads on a truss structure are generated by the program, and you
are asked to estimate the reactions that would be generated at the supports.
This tests your knowledge of the principles of vector addition and the summation
of forces around a point. You can choose an error tolerance for your estimates,
but keep in mind that you get more points for a correct answer within a lower
tolerance. Try and get to 100 points with as few tries as possible.
- Beam Moments
- The goal of this exercise is to reach an equilibrium position when loading
a beam. The program first lets you decide the number of loads to add to a
beam and then lets you choose whether or not you want to position the supports.
If you do not position the supports, the program will generate random positions
for them. Once your beam is set up, you can start to load the beam.
- Point Load
- The goal of the exercise is to show the effect on the shear force and bending
moment distribution of "smoothing" out the distribution of a load
acting at a point on the beam.
Real Tools & Data:
- Trussworks
- Trussworks allows users to easily create and analyze 3D Structures using
the Direct Stiffness Method. It models truss structures that can carry axial
loads. The click and drag interface lets you input two-dimensional structures,
but the program can take in and perform calculations for three-dimensional
structures as well using a text based XML input.
- Frameworks
- Frameworks allows users to easily create and analyze 3D Structures using
the Direct Stiffness Method. It models general framed structures that can
carry and transfer shear forces and moments as well as axial loads. The click
and drag interface lets you input two-dimensional structures, but the program
can take in and perform calculations for three-dimensional structures as well
using a text based XML input (see Section 4). Also included is a database
of steel cross-sections and their corresponding geometric properties developed
by a colleague and adapted for the programs, as well as material properties
of the most commonly used engineering materials.
- Steel Sections
- This program provides users with a database of searchable steel cross-sections
and their corresponding geometric properties.
Copyright 2002, Louis L. Bucciarelli Jr.
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