Developing intuition through computerized system modeling

Computer Aided Systems Simulation (CASS) software, which is used by students and faculty in a course in system analysis, is described. With the CASS software, the user can enter a graphical representation of a mechanical system (e.g., a spring, mass, and damper). The software subsequently generates the equations describing the system, and then solves them and displays the resulting solutions. The students are enabled to examine component interactions and to understand qualitatively the behavior of the system. The use of this simulation software should allow students to explore problems in much greater detail, and thereby to gain a greater intuitive grasp of the subject