Advantages of general parametric solution Approach in dynamics courses

Abstract

Problems of dynamics are treated using a general parametric solution approach. The advantages of treating problems in the parametric way is discussed.  The approach has many advantages over the numerical calculations starting from the beginning: 1) Solutions are expressed in the general form suitable for algorithmic programming 2) Unit check on the correctness of the results are easier 3) Effect of each input parameter on the desired output parameter can be easily observed 4) Results can be evaluated for the limiting cases to recognize the soundness of the solutions. 5) Mathematical principles can be more exploited on the solutions 6) Solutions give more insight on the design principles. The ideas are outlined using three sample problems. The advantages of the approach have been tested on Mechanical Engineering Sophomore students for over 16 years with success.