DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.07.054

Summary
The paper focuses on the three main goals, such as, application of 3D printing in teaching structural analysis, parameter analysis on the structure stiffness, assessing the assumptions of the simplified model. The authors provide the theoretical material, experimental setup, and experimental results for the baseline case and several plane frame variations. They state that the 3D printed structures enable students to enrich the theoretical and numerical analysis with practical aspects. This also helps students to better understand the difference between the theoretical model and actual structure, the change in behavior because of variation in structure or material parameters, boundary and loading conditions.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The authors demonstrate how the 3d printed structures can be incorporated in teaching structural analysis as an experimental part of the course. The students develop their critical thinking by comparing the experimental and analytical solutions, solutions of various structures to baseline. This enables students to understand what simplifications were made in the mathematical calculations and what imperfections of the experimental settings are, to reason the relationship of the geometry of the structure to its stiffness. This idea can be extended as the additive manufacturing can be applied in solving complex problems at a more general level. The experiments result in enhanced students’ engagement to the course material.

Point of Strength
The article presents a combination of analytical and experimental approaches to teach structural mechanics.