AbstractThis article describes a program based on the boundary element analysis (BEA) method that has been designed to bring continuum stress analysis to the academic environment. Interactive Stress Analysis is a unique interactive graphic computer program designed for use in undergraduate engineering education that allows students and instructors to pose continuum stress analysis problems naturally and examine their answers. Currently, the program is in a prototypical, yet demonstrable form. First deployment in a strength of materials course is planned for Fall 1994. With additional support we propose to investigate the incorporation of multimedia technology and an enhanced version of Interactive Stress Analysis in a prototype lecture series on strength of materials with potential widespread distribution. In the sections that follow, the capabilities, techniques employed, and overall rationale and philosophy associated with the development of this program are described.