W-10 Two History Topics to Improve Solid Mechanics Education

Abstract

The reliability of the structure of various products and the manufacturing process of their parts is evaluated using the results of solid mechanics. For this purpose, engineers use simulation software based on computational solid mechanics, and a collection of simplified formulas obtained by applying solid mechanics to simple conditions. Both methods require a thorough understanding of solid mechanics. However, it is not easy to understand phenomena in this field expressed by abstract mathematical models. Improvements in solid mechanics education have already been implemented for a long time including experiential understanding approaches. For the same purpose, this paper deals with two history topics: the mechanism of beam bending by Leonardo da Vinci and the destruction of columns during temporary installation by Galileo Galilei. Simple experiments were conducted to understand the bending of Leonardo da Vinci’s beam experientially.