LAUSR

The objective of the present work is to use multi body dynamics package (like MSC Adams) for motivating undergraduate students in a Dynamics course by means of simulations—a step which lies between traditional board work and actual experimentation. It also deepens his understanding of mechanics by allowing him to compare ADAMS solution with manual solution and solution obtained through small user developed program segments. The student learns to appreciate why the manual solutions are specialized cases of general solutions and how and why trajectories are determined. In the process it discusses the logical structure of Dynamics as implemented in these packages. Such an approach would also introduce them to such powerful tools at an early stage. It provides detailed solution of three problems using Adams and brief solutions to eight more. It is expected once these examples are mastered, most of the problems in undergraduate dynamics can be tackled using Adams.