Model Description Investigate belt friction. This demonstration should take 3-5 minutes. Engineering Principle These training aids provide a vehicle to discover the forces acting on a belt or rope when pulled over a fixed drum. The basic equation for belt friction: where coefficient of friction (either static or kinetic and angle of surface contact between […]
Model Description This is a simple and rapid demonstration of the perpendicular and parallel components of a force vector on an inclined plane. By weighing a student or instructor first on the floor and then at some inclination, a “loss of weight” is observed. This demonstration should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle Spring scales are […]
Model Description This simple pair of K’NEX models can demonstrate how trusses greatly increase the strength/stiffness of structures without adding much weight. The trusses are built out of K’NEX pieces and topped with construction paper to produce a roadway. Text books are used to load the trusses to demonstrate its strength to weight ratio. This […]
Overview Understanding the concept of particle equilibrium is critical for success in the mechanics curriculum. The equilibrium demonstrator described here helps students to grasp this concept as well and provide a means of visualizing vector components in two or three dimensions Principle The primary principle relevant in this example is Newton’s first law of motion, […]