DESCRIPTION

The Armfield ST series is designed to understand structural behaviour and by combining hardware and software, diagrams are displayed immediately behind the structure.

A pioneering new approach to the teaching of structural engineering. A fusion of innovative software, unique hardware and the authoritative textbook provide a firm foundation on the understanding of structural behaviour.

INTRODUCTION

Modern structural engineering makes extensive use of computer programs to provide the detailed analysis, design and 3D modelling of structures. Once a structure becomes even slightly complex the calculations involved exceed what can be sensibly implemented using manual or spreadsheet calculations.
Similarly modern teaching practice focuses on the use of these structural engineering analysis programs. Although these provide a superb numerical analysis facility, they rely totally on the user having an inherent understanding of the structure to be analysed. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
The analysis is only as good as the information provided and can do nothing to improve an inherently flawed concept (RIRO).
Conventional structural engineering teaching equipment does little to provide this understanding, focusing on detailed analysis of simple situations, it makes no attempt to encourage the student to think of what really matters when designing or analysing structures.
Armfield have teamed up with Dr David Brohn (who is also working with the Institution of Structural Engineers on this topic) to develop a range of hardware and software specifically to address this issue of understanding structural behaviour.
The range of equipment enables a wide variety of structural models to be assembled and understood. It deliberately uses a series of elements, which provide an exaggerated response enabling the deflections to be visualised. Even the basic system without actuators or sensors can provide invaluable understanding of the structures just by pressing manually and observing the deflections.
When coupled to the display software, the sensors, the actuators and the analysis software, the equipment provides an unsurpassed and unique learning experience.

MODES OF USE

The simplest mode is to use the hardware and backboard to build a structure.
Applying loads by hand and seeing how the structure reacts gives instant feedback and a great learning experience.
Using the display and visualisation software takes this learning experience to another dimension. Graphical display of bending moments, shear forces, deflections and reactions in response to a simulated load really bring these concepts to life. Displaying these simulations on the screen, overlaid with the physical model, and comparing the simulations with the hardware provides an unparalleled and totally unique teaching capability.
The software can also be used on its own without the hardware if desired.
The next stage is to add the optional instrumentation hardware package.
This enables loads to be applied to the structure from the computer, and actual reactions and displacements measured on the sophisticated sensors. Thus quantitative measurements of loads, displacements and reactions can be taken.
The sensors and actuators can also be used in a freeform mode to apply and measure responses to the user’s own structure.
Finally, it is possible to do a full computer simulation of the structures. Armfield provide models of the key structures, which can be run directly on a demonstration version of the professional software structural analysis package supplied.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

This is a highly modular system with almost an infinite range of possibilities.
To simplify purchasing, the components are available in a number of kits depending on requirements.

ST10 – Understanding Structural Behaviour
Comprises:
Backboard
Set of elements, supports and joints for the above range of structures to be implemented (Many others can also be implemented)
32” high-definition display with HDMI interface
Display and visualisation software
RISA 2D models
Book Understanding Structural Analysis by Dr David Brohn
Includes demo version of QSE analysis software
Storage facility for all components

ST11 Instrumentation Package (for use with ST10)
Comprises:
Deflection sensor
Linear actuator
Three-component rigid support sensor
Two-component pinned support sensor
Simple support sensor
Interface unit plus power supply and interconnecting cables
Software for control and instrumentation functions is supplied with ST10
Note: Additional sensors and actuators can be added later.Requires ST10 Understanding Structural Behaviour

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Intuitive design providing great touch and feel
• Carbon fibre elements provide exaggerated response for enhanced visualisation
• Carbon fibre elements also provide negligible plastic deformation for long life and repeatability
• Fully integrated hardware and software display
• Includes eight standard projects including cantilevers, beams and portal frames
• Wide range of additional structures can be constructed from simple components
• Compare computer simulations with actual responses
• Sensor and instrumentation package
• Supplied with the textbook Understanding Structural Behaviour

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Fatigue testing based on Wohler
• Fully guarded system
• Variable speed
• Automatic motor cut-off following specimen fracture
• Digital force sensor
• Digital interface and software
• Keyless chucks
• Set of specimens supplied with spares optionally available

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