Using computer spreadsheets in teaching mechanisms

Abstract

In this paper the use of widely available user friendly spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft ® Excel in teaching mechanisms is explained and its advantages over off-the-shelf programs are shown. Instead of using specific costly programs for the analysis and synthesis of different mechanisms, the students are first thought certain features of Excel and later starting with the analysis of single loop mechanisms, the solution of more complex problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms are attempted. The simulation of mechanisms can be achieved by using the Chart and control toolbox features of Excel. Students are able to prepare their own spreadsheets for the solution of different mechanism problems. In this article different examples using spreadsheet program will be explained and its benefits as an educational tool will be demonstrated © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.