Design, Analysis, and Simulation of Engineering Systems Over the World Wide Web for Educational Use

Abstract

This paper presents the use of developed software tools for engineering education accessible via a web browser over the World Wide Web. The primary purpose of this work aims at improving the understanding of engineering fundamentals through interactive real-time simulation. The environment consists of modules for interactive real-time simulation of linear time invariant dynamic systems, and for the synthesis and analysis of planar mechanisms. The user interface enables easy understanding of the required inputs from the user. The outputs are presented in pictorial, graphical and textual forms. In addition to these forms, for the mechanism modules the user has the option to view an animation of the synthesized mechanism. This work demonstrates the ease of implementation, advantages of using this technology to aid in classroom instruction and provides valuable analysis tools to engineering professionals. Examples demonstrating features of the developed tools are presented. Users with Internet access can use the developed modules at http://zodhia.uta.edu/development.