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

Teaching displacement concepts using computer

programs

Teaching displacement concepts using computer

programs

Skylar L. Primm and Basil Tikoff

November 9, 2004

Skylar L. Primm and Basil Tikoff

November 9, 2004

IntroductionIntroduction

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

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

IntroductionIntroduction

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

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

IntroductionIntroduction

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

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

RotationDistortion Translation

Displacement Fields

Rock Fabric

Finite Strain

Rotation Translation

Shear Fabric

Rotating Clasts

Flow Lines

Distortion

Shear Box

Stress v. Strain

Strain Theory

3D Strain

Shear BoxShear Box

2D v. 3D Main Point: Progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Finite strain– Progressive distortion and rotation of material

lines

2D v. 3D Main Point: Progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Finite strain– Progressive distortion and rotation of material

lines

Shear BoxShear Box

Stress v. StrainStress v. Strain

2D v. 3D Main Point: Difference between axes of

stress and finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Finite strain– Stress (assuming viscous medium)

2D v. 3D Main Point: Difference between axes of

stress and finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Finite strain– Stress (assuming viscous medium)

Strain TheoryStrain Theory

2D v. 3D Main Point: Synthesis of advanced concepts

in progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Finite strain– Infinitesimal strain– Flow apophyses– Kinematic vorticity

2D v. 3D Main Point: Synthesis of advanced concepts

in progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Finite strain– Infinitesimal strain– Flow apophyses– Kinematic vorticity

3D Strain3D Strain

2D v. 3D Main Point: 3D progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Non-plane strain– Constriction / Flattening

2D v. 3D Main Point: 3D progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Non-plane strain– Constriction / Flattening

3D Strain3D Strain

Rotating ClastsRotating Clasts

2D v. 3D Main Point: Rotation of elliptical clasts under

progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Jeffery v. March model rotation– Ellipticity

2D v. 3D Main Point: Rotation of elliptical clasts under

progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Jeffery v. March model rotation– Ellipticity

Rotating ClastsRotating Clasts

Flow LinesFlow Lines

2D v. 3D Main Point: Translation of material points

under progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Particle flow paths– Flow apophyses

2D v. 3D Main Point: Translation of material points

under progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Particle flow paths– Flow apophyses

Shear FabricShear Fabric

2D v. 3D Main Point: Generation of rock fabric under

progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Translation– Rotation (Jeffery model)

2D v. 3D Main Point: Generation of rock fabric under

progressive finite strain Relevant Concepts:

– Translation– Rotation (Jeffery model)

Shear FabricShear Fabric

Teaching TechniquesTeaching 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

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

ConclusionsConclusions

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

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

AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments

UW - Madison Structure Group NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Program

UW - Madison Structure Group NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Program

http://www.geology.wisc.edu/~skylarp/java.html