Truss Fun

This book describes basic engineering principles in a fun and easy manner using simple physics and mathematics. Historic railroad trusses are used as examples. Perfect for projects for high school and early college students. Also ideal for hobbyists and historians.Students will learn basic engineering principles from the easy to understand, step-by-step, text, and over 100 figures. Historic photos and drawings are provided from extensive research to show the principles discussed. A...
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This book describes basic engineering principles in a fun and easy manner using simple physics and mathematics. Historic railroad trusses are used as examples. Perfect for projects for high school and early college students. Also ideal for hobbyists and historians.Students will learn basic engineering principles from the easy to understand, step-by-step, text, and over 100 figures. Historic photos and drawings are provided from extensive research to show the principles discussed. A workbook is included as the last part of the book with fun, hands-on projects, and problems to aid in the understanding of the principles. The projects range from "the carrot truss", a few minute simple project, to more advanced ideas. Research ideas are suggested, including on-line sources such as the extensive Library of Congress InterNet resources. A computer program for analysis of trusses is printed in the text, and spreadsheet examples are used. Text and problems are classroom tested.Hobbyists will gain new insight into engineering principles. Historic drawings are included with illustrations of conversion for use in models. Many different types of trusses could be produced from the provided pictures, drawings and illustrations.