Integration of Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Evaluation in a Freshman Project

Engineering analysis, design and research rely on computational and experimental evaluation.In order to prepare undergraduate students for engineering practice and graduate school, it is necessary to build knowledge in both areas throughout the engineering curriculum starting from the first year.The engineering curriculum mostly focuses on laboratory courses that provide exposure to physical testing of mechanical systems.However, the undergraduate experience in computational modeling is limited even though finite element modeling is widely used in current engineering practice.This paper summarizes the integration of finite element modeling with experimental evaluation in a first-year introductory project-based engineering course to provide students with a thorough understanding of current engineering evaluation approaches.The first component of the project-based course covers the basic theoretical concepts related to the project followed by introduction to finite element modeling and experimental evaluation in a laboratory setting.The initial hands-on experience in finite element modeling allows students to become familiar with general computational modeling procedures as well as to visualize new theoretical concepts such as stress, strain and force-deformation relationships.The computational module is followed by actual beam testing in the structural engineering laboratory where the students have a chance to observe the physical testing and compare the finite element modeling results with experimental data.The integrated approach developed in this project helps students understand how to interface computational and experimental approaches to solve an engineering problem and allows them to evaluate the significance of each component in engineering analysis, design and research.In addition, the exposure of students to finite element modeling at an early stage in their undergraduate education is expected to broaden their understanding of engineering and improve their preparedness for engineering practice after graduation.