This project has students perform nondestructive laboratory work on truss assemblies and members of varying geometry to verify loads and deflections that were predicted by classroom problem solving. Implementation includes the construction of pin-connected truss models and machine components with varying geometry. These are instrumented with strain gages and appropriate readout equipment in order to demonstrate load sharing and distribution in trusses and the phenomena of stress concentration factors. The project permits the student to manipulate physical models in the laboratory to demonstrate topics that now rely solely on problem solving.
