Integrated Graphical Game and Simulation Type ProblemBasedLearning in Kinematics

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Integrated Graphical Game and Simulation Type
Problem-Based-Learning in Kinematics

• Michael P. Hennessey, Ph.D.
• Engineering Department
• University of St. Thomas
• Classrooms of the Future Conference (COTF, 10th
  annual)
• Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
• May 25, 2004

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Outline

• Introduction
• Paradigm for Game and Simulation Type PBL
  (McKeachie) in Mechanical Engineering
• Student Activities
• Sailboat Routing Optimization Problem
• Conclusions
• Future Trends
• Acknowledgements

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Introduction

• Kinematics and Mechanism Design (2 CR J-term
  course)
• Project-based (e.g. robotics (2001), slop (02),
  kinematic car (03), sailboat routing (04))
• Objective kinematic modeling,
  computer-aided-design (CAD) team project
• Software MATLAB, SolidWorks, Adobe Illustrator

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Paradigm for Game and Simulation Type PBL in
Mechanical Engineering

• Real-world mechanical system of interest
• Applied math model with inputs/outputs defined
• Dynamic simulation (e.g. MATLAB)
• CAD model (e.g. SolidWorks)
• Simulation/CAD interface
• Game definition
• Playing-the-game
• Optimal solution presented (if applicable)

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Student Team Activities

• Understand math model, dynamic simulation, CAD
  interface
• CAD model of real-world mechanical system
• Playing-the-game (simulation CAD)
• Shown optimal solution
• Documentation (poster, presentation)

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Sailboat Kinematics/Math Model
wind field
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MATLAB M-files

• Problem files (5 function, 3 script)
• Solution files (5 function, 1 script)

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Sailboat CAD Model
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Points-of-Sail on Port and Starboard Tack
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Minimum Time Route

• Given wind field, boat polar, course
• Type of Zermelo problem (Bryson and Ho)
• Calculus of variations solution (Ewing)
• 8,962 sec
• Students independently came within 2
• 9,137 sec using piecewise linear routes

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Apostle Islands Outer-Raspberry Island Regatta
(MATLAB, AI)
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Artistic Depiction of Optimal Route (MATLAB,
SolidWorks)
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Conclusions

• Game and simulation type PBL in mechanical
  engineering is very effective 3 key elements
• Applied math model/dynamic simulation
• CAD modeling and interface
• Playing-the-game (simulation CAD)
• Student comments , game was very interesting

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Future Trends

• Tight integration of CAD model with accessible
  math model and dynamic simulation
• Increased interactivity (e.g. joysticks)
• Videos/movies/animations
• Virtual reality (VR)
• Rapid prototyping (both mechanical parts and
  controls)

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Acknowledgements

• 2004 J-term students (all figures, see IJMEE
  article submission)
• Faculty Partnership grant (St. Thomas)
• Research Assistance grant (St. Thomas)
• 3M Non-tenured Faculty grant
• Peter Rhode (technical support)
• Mathematical details (IJMEE article submission)