Design and development of a modular test machine for students in 2.001

Abstract

The Mechanical Engineering course, Mechanics and Materials I (2.001), focuses on providing an introduction to the mechanics of solids with applications to science and engineering. While the current curriculum teaches in-depth theory, it can be improved in applicable knowledge. The focus of this thesis is the design, development, and evaluation of a modular test machine for students to build throughout the course. The design and build challenge will force students to explore the inner-workings of loaded structures and material properties. The pursued design emphasizes learning potential, gaining a physical feel of the course material, and ease of construction. This addition will walk students through the process of building a two-part lever design with a significant mechanical advantage and then acquiring material data from the structure they have built. The design successfully measures the yield strength of a low-density polyethylene sample within its documented range. Initial testing of the structure with a group of previous 2.001 students resulted in an increased understanding of loading, material properties, and mechanical advantage, when compared to previous testing prior to structure introduction. Estimated outcomes of this new model display increased efficiency among students, saving them an average 4 months of delayed extracurricular activities, 30 hours of unnecessary work, and another 20 hours of poor designing.