Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session 3202

Implementation of Integrated ThermoFluid Experiments in WPI’s Discovery Classroom

James C. Hermanson David J. Olinger

Mechanical Engineering Department Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA 01609

Abstract

An integrated experimental, analytical, and numerical approach to engineering education was developed and implemented in introductory fluid-thermal science courses at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Central to the implementation of these innovations is a facility at WPI known as the Discovery Classroom. In this facility the traditional lecture hall has been redefined to combine a multi-media classroom, an adjoining experimental laboratory, and computational facilities to produce an environment where non-traditional learning takes place. We have designated the approach using this facility as the DIANE philosophy: Daily Integration of Analytical, Numerical, and Experimental methods into engineering classes. In a typical application, experimental apparatus are demonstrated directly in class during an engineering lecture. Real-time quantitative data are acquired from the apparatus, and the data are analyzed and compared to concurrently developed theory by the students in class. The objective of this approach is to help students better understand relationships between the physical experiments and theory, while gaining an awareness of the integration of various modes of engineering analysis. This approach also allows the effective inclusion of significant experimental components into courses taught within WPI’s seven-week term structure. Three introductory undergraduate engineering classes at WPI, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and aerodynamics, were re-designed. Student assessment of the innovations indicated that approximately 90% of 275 students preferred the re-designed courses to traditional lecture-oriented courses, while also believing that they gained a better understanding of engineering fundamentals.

1.0 Introduction

Over the past few decades, there have been dramatic changes in the way engineering principles are applied to practical problems. Increasingly, an integrated approach using analytical, experimental, and computational approaches is being utilized. The development of compact, powerful digital computers has been one prime mover in these changes, with computational algorithms now often replacing experiments as primary analytical tools. However, experiments still play a crucial role in developing in students an understanding of complex thermofluid phenomena. Additionally, the analytical (exact solution) approach still has an important place in bringing intuitive insight into a problem. For these reasons, engineering programs in academia

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Hermanson, J. C., & Olinger, D. J. (2000, June), Implementation Of Integrated Thermo Fluid Experiments In Wpi's Discovery Classroom Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8436