Applied Mechanics: Statics

Statistical Mechanics of Recurrent Neural Networks I. Statics

Statistical mechanics deals with large systems of stochastically interacting microscopic elements (particles , atomic magnets, polymers, etc.). The strategy of statistical mechanics is to abandon any ambition to solve models of such systems at the microscopic level of individual elements, but to use the microscopic laws to calculate equations describing the behaviour of a suitably chosen set of...

An Experiment in Hands-On Learning in Engineering Mechanics: Statics

Students in an introductory engineering mechanics (statics) course are randomly divided into two groups. Both groups receive identical instruction except for roughly once per week, for the first half of the semester. During these exceptional sessions, one group is given hands-on manipulatives with which to solidify concepts, while the other group is not. The degree of learning is assessed with ...

Of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Toward a mechanics of adaptive behavior: evolutionary dynamics and matching theory statics.

One theory of behavior dynamics instantiates the idea that behavior evolves in response to selection pressure from the environment in the form of reinforcement. This computational theory implements Darwinian principles of selection, reproduction, and mutation, which operate on a population of potential behaviors by means of a genetic algorithm. The behavior of virtual organisms animated by this...

Algebraic graph statics

This paper presents a general, non-procedural, algebraic approach to graphical analysis of structures. Using graph theoretical properties of reciprocal graphs, the geometrical relation between the form and force diagrams used in graphic statics is written algebraically. These formulations have been found to be equivalent to the equilibrium equations used in matrix analysis of planar, self-stres...