Solution Standards for Dynamics Homework Problem Sets

Each problem set consists of 4-5 problems.  Complete as many problems as members in the group in priority order.  In other words, groups with two members complete the two leftmost problems; groups with three members complete the three leftmost problems in the set.

Definitions:  Symbolic – Symbolic approaches use mathematic symbols to represent physical quantities such as velocity and force and mathematical operations to manipulate these symbols to arrive at a solution. 

Numeric – A numeric approach uses computer software.  The conditions of the problem are duplicated as closely as possible and the motion of the object is computed using numerical integration methods.  Solutions are numeric quantities produced by the computer.

Students are required to complete one symbolic and one numeric problem each week. All students must encounter a minimum of two problems each week, but students encountering more problems will be better prepared for exams.

 The following standards must be satisfied for credit on homework problems.

1. Complete directly in your course notebook.
2. Transcribe the original problem onto the page or print the problem on a blank sheet of paper. In all cases the problem must appear on the sheet.
3. Customization code is a 4-digit grade in Bridges that does not count. Problems will have either greek deltas (triangles) in place of numbers or "deltadelta.deltadelta" when the problem is written. Pay careful attention to the location of the decimal point and insert the four digits of your customization code in place of the deltas.
4. Create a neat and readable solution with clean free-body diagrams, use of colors as appropriate, written-out equations before plugging in numbers and clearly identifying solution with appropriate units.
5. Compute a percent error between your symbolic and your partner's numeric validation of your problem. Solution is incomplete without reference to the numeric simulation agreeing with the result.
6. Submit a clean, legible image of all pages, pdf format is preferred but any image format is acceptable as long as it is clearly legible with appropriate focus and illumination.

1. Numeric solutions must produce results and these results must agree with your or your partner's symbolic solutions for credit.
2. Upload a one-page, single jpg format file that proves your partner's result is correct where the model is visible and displayed in a location or configuration that is representative of the problem. (Example) Values of motors, friction coefficients, and spring constants must be shown if these are significant to the resulting solution. Add your name, problem number, and the name and customization code of the partner for whom you are completing this simulation somewhere on this page. Multiple image files or other file formats should only be necessary in extraordinary cases, credit will be deducted if alternate formats are submitted when a single jpg could reasonably communicate all relevant information.
3. Use the "Pack and go.." feature of SolidWorks to create a zip file of your numeric solution and submit this zip file under assignments in Bridges. For full credit the file must be capable of being uncompressed and opened in SolidWorks, and motion study executed producing the displayed results. Do not upload SLDPRT or SLDASM files directly.
4. In some cases, problem are exhibits from museum collections with available SolidWorks models or were taken from grabcad.com. With the caveat that it is often easier to just build it than to make an imported model operational, students are welcome to try, and if successful may submit these models provided these have been used to generate reconciled solutions.

Take away

Each week you submit:

1. Image of your handwritten symbolic solution in your handwriting with your customization code and percent error computed.
2. Image of your numeric validation of your partner's result. Image must include partner's name and customization code.
3. Pack and go zip of your SolidWorks model.

Caution: With the exception of museum or gradcad models, students will receive a zero credit if the SolidWorks model contains parts or components not constructed by the author using the author's login identity and not consuming plausible time for model creation.

Each year, some students choose to work solo. Solo students must complete the two highest priority problems and the two corresponding numeric checks. The instructor will assign solo students to a problem set letter. 

Grading Rubric

Group grading rubric will be applied to all group members. Individuals may receive different grades in cases of spongery, gross errors or lack of submission.

Bonuses

Bonus points will be awarded as credits against point deductions elsewhere in the homework set. In other words the maximum homework score is 100%; surplus homework bonus points will not be transferred to other gradebook categories.

Note: HW12 does not require numeric simulation. This set is intended for final exam preparation, I recommend doing all four problems, but minimum requirement is each group member writes up 2 symbolic solutions. Upload images of two symbolic solutions, these images will be hastily checked for 10 points credit.