The Web site ‘http://claymore.engineer.gvsu.edu’ should be used as an active reference for all students. Up to date information will be stored here, and can be printed. At the beginning of the term each student will be given an account on this machine, and will have a basic web page set up. During the term all work that is done will be added to these web pages. You are welcome to add additional information in this form. Note: assignments will be submitted by adding them to the web pages.
Working Model - A very powerful software package for modeling the dynamics of mechanical systems. This will allow simulation of mechanical systems quickly and easily. It can import dxf files from autocad for geometry, and export numbers to other packages, such as excel. A tutorial guide will be provided, and students are welcome to purchase a student edition. There is also a free (but limited) demo version available that will basically allow practice and viewing of other working model files.
MathCAD - This package will do symbolic and numerical analysis of mathematics. This package will also produce graphs. Each student is expected to be familiar with all aspects of this package. Manuals are available.
AutoCAD - A primary tool for generation of drawings and geometry. This will be used to produce drawings (note - use dxf formats working model applications and gif for web applications).
Netscape Communicator - this package will allow web browsing, and it also has a built in editor so that you may update files for home pages. This can be obtained on-line at no cost.
Excel - This or another spreadsheet may be used to produce better plots than what has been obtained in working model. It is also possible to do some calculations with it.
FTP/Telnet - FTP will allow you to download and upload files to the web server. When updating web pages you must download the ‘html’ file, edit it locally, then upload it to the remote machine. This utility should be available on all networked PCs.
Chironis, N.P., Sclater, N., Mechanisms and Mechanical Devices Sourcebook, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1996
Erdman, A.G. and Sandor, G.N., Mechanism Design Analysis and Synthesis, Vol. 1, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, 1997.
Jones, F.D., Ingenious Mechanisms for designers and inventors, Industrial Press Inc., Volumes 1-4, 1930.
Shigley, J.E., Uicker, J.J., Theory of Machines and Mechanisms, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1995.