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Teaching displacement concepts using computer programs

Teaching displacement concepts using computer programs. Skylar L. Primm and Basil Tikoff November 9, 2004. Introduction. Problem: Stress and strain are hard concepts for students in introductory structural geology courses to grasp

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Teaching displacement concepts using computer programs

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  1. Teaching displacement concepts using computer programs Skylar L. Primm and Basil Tikoff November 9, 2004

  2. Introduction • Problem: • Stress and strain are hard concepts for students in introductory structural geology courses to grasp • Difficulty in visualizing progressive deformation is a prime reason

  3. Introduction • Problem: • Interactive computer programs have been successful at demonstrating these concepts to students • These programs were written for legacy systems and no longer work on modern computers

  4. Introduction • Our Solution: • Rewrite these programs, improving and updating them for modern PCs • Add new programs to the suite, covering a wider range of displacement concepts • Utilize the Java programming language for maximum compatibility • Make the programs downloadable

  5. Displacement Fields Distortion Rotation Translation Finite Strain Rock Fabric

  6. Distortion Rotation Translation Flow Lines Rotating Clasts Shear Box 3D Strain Shear Fabric Stress v. Strain Strain Theory

  7. Shear Box • 2D v. 3D • Main Point: Progressive finite strain • Relevant Concepts: • Finite strain • Progressive distortion and rotation of material lines

  8. Shear Box

  9. Stress v. Strain • 2D v. 3D • Main Point: Difference between axes of stress and finite strain • Relevant Concepts: • Finite strain • Stress (assuming viscous medium)

  10. Strain Theory • 2D v. 3D • Main Point: Synthesis of advanced concepts in progressive finite strain • Relevant Concepts: • Finite strain • Infinitesimal strain • Flow apophyses • Kinematic vorticity

  11. 3D Strain • 2D v. 3D • Main Point: 3D progressive finite strain • Relevant Concepts: • Non-plane strain • Constriction / Flattening

  12. 3D Strain

  13. Rotating Clasts • 2D v. 3D • Main Point: Rotation of elliptical clasts under progressive finite strain • Relevant Concepts: • Jeffery v. March model rotation • Ellipticity

  14. Rotating Clasts

  15. Flow Lines • 2D v. 3D • Main Point: Translation of material points under progressive finite strain • Relevant Concepts: • Particle flow paths • Flow apophyses

  16. Shear Fabric • 2D v. 3D • Main Point: Generation of rock fabric under progressive finite strain • Relevant Concepts: • Translation • Rotation (Jeffery model)

  17. Shear Fabric

  18. Teaching Techniques • Combined with physical models, these programs create a bridge between tactile and mathematical learning • These programs can also act as a self-check for labs or homework assignments • Background information is available within each program, with references http://www.geology.wisc.edu/~skylarp/java.html

  19. Conclusions • Based on our experiences with one semester of introductory-level students, these simple computer programs are an effective tool for enhancing students' comprehension of basic displacement concepts http://www.geology.wisc.edu/~skylarp/java.html

  20. Acknowledgments • UW - Madison Structure Group • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program http://www.geology.wisc.edu/~skylarp/java.html

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