Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is a diverse field that involves designing, analyzing, and manufacturing mechanical systems.

Interactive textbooks

On these pages, you'll find several interactive textbooks created by lecturers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology. Jupyter Books offer modern web features like adaptive layouts, making them readable on phones, tablets, and large computer screens. They also support internal and external referencing, as well as adaptable formatting that separates content from layout.

Interactive text books

Sample text. Click to select the text box. Click again or double click to start editing the text.

4CBLA00 Introduction Mechanical Engineering

4CBLA00 Introduction Mechanical Engineering

First year BSc course on Introduction Mechanical Engineering

4RA00 Mechanics

4RA00 Mechanics

4MM10 Applied Computational Continuum Mechanics

4MM10 Applied Computational Continuum Mechanics

MSc course on Applied Computational Continuum Mechanics

📘 What Are Interactive Textbooks?

Interactive textbooks go beyond static content by including quizzes, animations, videos, simulations, and live code. They enhance student engagement and make learning more active and adaptive.

🛠️ Tools You Can Use

  • Markdown – Lightweight markup for easy formatting
  • H5P – Browser-based interactive components like quizzes and timelines
  • Jupyter Notebooks – Ideal for math, data science, and coding interactivity
  • HTML5 + JavaScript – For advanced custom interactivity
  • GitBook / Docusaurus / Hugo – For organizing content into a website-like experience

📋 Steps to Get Started

  1. Plan your content structure: chapters, sections, and learning outcomes
  2. Write your content using Markdown or Jupyter Notebooks
  3. Embed interactive elements (e.g., H5P widgets or Python cells)
  4. Host it online using GitHub Pages, Netlify, or a CMS
  5. Collect feedback and iterate!

💡 Tips for Effective Interactive Books

  • Use short videos or animations to explain complex ideas
  • Include frequent, low-stakes quizzes to reinforce learning
  • Keep navigation intuitive and mobile-friendly
  • Provide downloadable resources and external links
  • Make it open source if possible to invite contributions

📚 Essential Resources for Jupyter Book

These resources will help you create a comprehensive Jupyter Book site with interactivity, structured content, and advanced formatting:

  1. Jupyter Book Official Documentation: Start here to set up your Jupyter Book environment and grasp the basics.
  2. Understanding Jupyter Book and Sphinx: Learn how Jupyter Book leverages Sphinx for advanced functionalities.
  3. Special Content Blocks: Incorporate notes, warnings, and other admonitions to enhance your content.
  4. sphinx-exercise Syntax Guide: Integrate interactive exercises and solutions using the sphinx-exercise extension.
  5. Advanced HTML Outputs: Customize your site’s appearance and embed interactive elements like quizzes.
  6. Sphinx Book Theme Tutorial: Get started with the Sphinx Book Theme, which Jupyter Book uses for styling.

🔗 Useful Links

🚀 Start Building Today

Whether you're a teacher, researcher, or student, interactive textbooks can transform the way you teach and learn. Start small, stay curious, and iterate often!