A simple and comprehensive approach to formulate and solve problems in a non-traditional engineering course

Abstract

[Excerpt] Learning and teaching dynamics is often considered by students and instructors to be a difficult and demanding subject, in the measure that it involves a good number of ingredients, chiefly those related to mechanics, physics, algebra, calculus, numerical methods and computational aspects [1]. This is particularly true when dealing with non-traditional courses. In this context, the present study is carried out using a simple and comprehensive approach to formulate and solve any dynamics problem. For that purpose, a seven-step methodology is presented together with a demonstrative example of application, namely a robotic arm. The proposed approach has been implemented in the “Virtual Product Development" course” (4 hours per week) that is included in the first year of the curriculum of the master’s degree in mechanical engineering offered at the University of Minho. Preliminary findings indicate that, overall, students enjoyed the learning activities and content of the dynamics module.