Enhancing the Learning Process in Structural Dynamics Through Jupyter Notebooks: A Project-Based Learning Approach

Abstract

Numerical simulation is nowadays an essential tool for different engineering disciplines, and in the case of mechanical vibrations and structural dynamics, it finds several important applications not only in theoretical approaches but also in virtual experiments and data analysis. However, most of the commercial applications are expensive or limited for student use, and as a result, open source and free alternatives have become popular in academia. Jupyter is an open-source project that allows for the creation of interactive notebooks using Python, which is a powerful learning tool for engineering learning. In this paper, a new strategy for the course of structural dynamics is discussed, implementing the use of Jupyter notebooks, considering topics such as signal analysis, and free and forced vibration of systems with one and several degrees of freedom, among others. These notebooks combine background theory, text, images, and interactive code. Apart from being used as a learning tool with provided examples, the students are encouraged to use this tool to develop their reports in an integrative project. The description of the process and case study is presented, and the student learning process is assessed through anonymous surveys, demonstrating a great level of engagement and motivation resulting from the implementation of the strategy.