Development of Experimental and Collaborative Work Skills in the Students of Mechanics of Solids by Implementing a Low-Cost Torsiometer and Digital Image Correlation

Abstract

The theoretical and experimental components in the mechanics of solids course at the Civil Engineering School at Universidad Industrial de Santander in Colombia are not integrated. This hinders the students’ understanding of the relationships between the loads applied to structural elements and the effects. An experimental and theoretical learning experience for pure torsion in elastic beams is proposed to address this issue. The experiment was also intended to contribute to the students’ team skills and the capacity to conduct experiments and draw conclusions based on the results. A total of 81 students organized in 23 teams used a low-cost torsiometer designed by the authors and applied the digital image correlation technique to measure deformations on specimens. The results from a virtual survey applied to the students after the tests showed the effectiveness of the proposed learning experience to enhance the comprehension of the physical phenomena studied and a positive impact on the students’ learning.