Simulation and Visualization Enhanced Engineering

Education

This work is supported by the Division of Engineering Education Department, National Science Foundation, grant awards EEC - 0530365 and EEC - 0343136

Sushil K. ChaturvediProfessor, Mechanical Engineering,

Old Dominion University

Objectives

• Develop web-based modules for student learning, using computer-based simulation and visualization.

• Assess effectiveness of web-modules for student learning.

• Dissemination of web-modules.

• Develop collaborations and partnerships with regional, national and international institutions.

Engineering Education – Poised for a Change

• Students are technology savvy – In future, learning will be increasingly in visual domain .

• Changing student demographics – Part-time students demand for education in anytime / anywhere mode.

• Industry increasingly seeks graduates who are adept at designing, analyzing, manufacturing on the Internet.

Engineering Education – Poised for a Change

(continued)• Hands on experience in virtual domain versus

physical domain. Physical hardware is expensive. Computer simulation of physical phenomenon is often more cost effective.

• Distance learning networks – Engineering education for remote users.

• Engineering education on a transnational scale -

Cooperation among institutions on a global scale

Modes of Engineering Education

ConventionalLearning

TechnologyEnhancedLearning

DistanceLearning

TESLTechnology Enabled

Self Learning (Student-Centric

Learning)

TELTechnology –

Enhanced Learning

TCLTeacher – Centric

Learning

Mixed Mode of TCL & SCL,Classroom and

the Internet

Conventional ,Classroom

Distributed Learning

on the Internet

Who is Involved In the NSF Project ?

University Assessment

Office

College of Education

Electrical and Computer Engineering

3 Faculty members3 Courses

Mechanical Engineering

5 Faculty members6 Courses

Civil and Environmental

Engineering4 Faculty members4 Courses

Transformation of Engineering

Curricula

Research Methodology

• Web-based modules for classroom and laboratory instructions are being developed using the pedagogy of “Learning by Doing in the Virtual Environments”

• Use Simulation and Visualization software tools to create a dynamic learning environment to enhance student learning of basic engineering principles and applications.

Research Methodology (continued)

• Incorporate in the web-based modules five characteristics namely Interactivity, Interconnectivity, Practicality, Hierarchy, and Viscompana (Visualize, Compute, Analyze)

• Development of tools to assess learning objectives and outcomes for modules developed and implemented.

Modular Characteristics

Modular Characteristics (continued)

In order to maximize the impact of simulation and visualization, a module should include an optimal mix of following five characteristics that have been identified for the curricular transformation. These modular characteristics are

i. InteractivityIt refers to students ability to interact with a web-based

module.

Figure shows a web-based supersonic nozzle visualization module designed to teach students about one-dimensional compressible flows.

Modular Characteristics (continued)

Figure shows visualization of flow property variations by the clicking action of the mouse that acts like a measuring probe.

Modular Characteristics (continued)

ii. PracticalityThis characteristic relates to a module’s emphasis on engineering context (real world aspects) of engineering principles and governing equations underlying the module.

Figure shows a web-based supersonic nozzle visualization module designed to teach students about one-dimensional compressible flows.

The supersonic nozzle visualization module helps students relate an observed phenomenon to operating parameters that govern it.

Modular Characteristics (continued)

iii. InterconnectivityIt describes a module’s capability of building on students knowledge and experience in preceding courses or subject materials and projecting that to future learning.

COMBUSTION PROCESS(calculations, Adiabatic flame

temperature)

MIXTURE PROPERTIES(calculations, specific heat ratio (K)

and molecular mass(m))

EXIT SECTION: FLOW PROPERTIES (P, T, velocity (V), mach number (M))

STUDENTS’ INPUT-Fuel-Oxidizer-Equivalence ratio-Enthalpy of formation-Variable specific heat data

STUDENT GENERATED DATA (T0, m, k)

GAS DYNAMICS SUB-MODULE

(virtual supersonic nozzle)

STUDENT INPUTStagnation Pressure

THRUST

STUDENT INPUTAmbient Pressure

Figure illustrates interconnectivity between the topical areas of mixtures, combustion and one-dimensional gas dynamics.

Modular Characteristics (continued)

iv. Hierarchy

LEVEL 1: Hierarchy incorporating energy analysis, cycle efficiency

LEVEL 2: Hierarchy for introducing concepts related to multi-staging, stage efficiency, and overall efficiency

LEVEL 3: Hierarchy for introduction to air angles, velocity diagrams, and blade geometry

Nozzle

Combustion

Combustion

Turbine

Compr- essor

This refers to a module’s capability of guiding students from elementary considerations to more advanced learning through sub-modules that are embedded into one-another, with succeeding sub-modules providing a higher level of learning compared to the preceding one.

Figure shows the hierarchy characteristics of the web-based jet propulsion module that will facilitate exploration by students of topics and aspects that are normally not covered in conventional classroom setting.

Modules for Demonstration

• Steam Power Cycle – Junior / Senior – Lecture Courses http://www.mem.odu.edu/steampower

• Jet Impact Force – Junior – Virtual Experiment for a Laboratory Course http://www.mem.odu.edu/jetforce

Conclusions From student feedback and assessment of

student performance, we conclude that web-modules :

are excellent tools for supplementation of class-room instruction – modules provide detailed information and means to explore further

Can facilitate learning in anytime / anywhere mode – promote self-learning

Can also be excellent remedial toolsStudent performance as measured by test

scores has shown improvement

Thank You !