Interactive Computer Graphics as a Tool in Teaching Structural Analysis

Interactive graphics is, without a doubt, a useful tool in teaching computer-aided analysis courses. This does not only apply to the area of finite element analysis and structural design, but goes beyond that to any method providing results best understood in graphical form. The experience of using GIFTS in the finite element course has been gratifying and the intention is continue continuee its usage in the future. It is not only helpful in teaching the course but also provides valuable feedback to the program designer. Valuable systematic studies of the behavior of finite element models can be achieved by the combined ingenuity of the students, the capabilities of the program, and the hardware on which it is run.