Toward the Improvement of Education in Mechanics

Two catch phrases of my half year lectures of Mechanics, which are given at two Universities, are as follows: “Three dimensions from the beginning”, and “Various methods to derive the equations of motion”. We often do not have enough time to teach kinematics and dynamics from two-dimensional matters first and then proceed to three dimensions. In many cases three-dimensional subjects are considered to be something advanced, or something which two-dimensional methods can be applied to. As a result we often lose chances to teach three-dimensional matters. I think there are few universities that give clear and firm teaching of three dimensional kinematics and dynamics. Many teachers often escape from three-dimensional discussions saying two dimensions are fundamental. I feel that there are very few teachings and discussions in Japan on the methods for deriving the equations of motion. There are many teachers who tell the importance of the equations of motion, but there are few who can discuss various methods to derive them. Discussion and Recognition of various methods not only broaden the application ability but also give clearer understanding in mechanics itself that will connect to the creation of new methodology. My lecture is a direct answer to these points, and my five year experience gives me more confidence in the importance of them. My recent effort is to get more chances to teach it not only within the universities, but also outside of them, getting more sympathetic people. At present I feel that my lecture will surely give some certain effects to the engineering education in mechanics in Japan.