Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-2000

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Engineering Science

Major Professor

Christopher D. Pionke

Committee Members

Karen Chou, William T. Snyder

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a multimedia simulation tool that allows for the investigation of tensile member connection analysis and design. The motivation behind the creation of this software is to meet the needs of students and their different learning styles for the education of tensile member connections. It is the intent of the program to enhance the student's ability to visualize the failure modes that exist in tension member connected systems. The overall objective of the program is to produce an aide to improve the classroom experience, while at the same time allow students to develop a feel for tensile member design outside of the classroom. Current in-class methods allow for students to see the before and after of connection failures through the use of static models. However, these methods fall short in their ability to exemplify the dynamic propagation of the failure through the material. Computer simulation serves as a means by which the gap between static examples and real-time dynamic modeling can be bridged. Simulation allows for an animated timeresult comparison that, combined with proper instructional interface, can result in a computer aided tutorial program. The title of the developed computer aided teaching tool is the Tension Connection Analyzer. The Tension Connection Analyzer is an educational tool that serves both the instructor and the student as a supplemental device for the topic of tensile member design. With minimal in-class demonstration time, the instructor can send students home with an easy-to-use Windows based program that will help the students visualize the topic of tensile member design. Since the program has its own on-line help, the instructor can feel confident that the students will be able to quickly learn how to use the program, in order to get the most out of the program. The Tension Connection Analyzer consists of two modes of fiction, analysis and demonstration The analysis mode serves as a tool for the students with a better feel for the methodology to investigate "what if' scenarios for connection patterns. While the demonstration mode, being more visually oriented allows the students to view numerous failure paths and the corresponding failure loads, in order to more quickly get a feel as to what the "most likely" failure paths might be for different connection patterns. This ability to predict the controlling failure paths will allow the students to become more productive outside the classroom as well as on examinations. Through all of the aspects contained in the Tension Connection Analyzer, it can be seen that the need for an educational media in the area of tensile member design has been met. The Tension Connection Analyzer affords an instructor the comfort of sending students home with a tool that not only gives numerous samples, but also allows students to check their hand calculations. In short, instructors gain flexibility in their approach to the topic, and students of all learning styles are given the opportunity to gain competency in the topic of tensile members.

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