Applications of computer simulation in mechanism teaching

The scope of implementing commercially available dynamics software as an aid to mechanism teaching and research in the university is reviewed. Based on the computer simulation, it has been applied to demonstrations in mechanism teaching, system learning and validation, and performance predictions. They are found useful in raising students' interests by vivid graphics, and impressing them with almost the same effect as dealing with real mechanisms. Despite the complexity of numerical schemes, the effort would be paid off by the flexibility and economy in modeling various systems with fewer limitations. The applications can be easily adapted to the specific needs of learning and in future network education. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 11: 156–165, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.10043