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Session 2247

A CD-ROM Based Laboratory in Fluid Mechanics Gary R. Crossman Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529

Abstract

An existing junior level laboratory course, MET 335, Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, was modified to be presented in a digitally videotaped format and subsequently converted to CD-ROM. The additional presentation method was developed to accommodate distance-learning students who have limited or no access to campus facilities. All students enrolled in the course have completed an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, civil engineering technology, or a closely related area and, therefore, have completed basic courses in their discipline taught in a traditional laboratory environment. Moreover, most of the students are working in industry as engineering technicians and have sufficient maturity to understand the practical aspects of their observations. Students are also required to be concurrently enrolled in or have completed the lecture course MET 330, Fluid Mechanics, or an equivalent course from another institution.

The major educational objectives of this laboratory course are to have students verify the basic engineering principles of fluid mechanics and understand the practical operation of various fluid devices and the measurement of fluid properties. Students are also expected to improve their skills in recording, presenting and discussing observations and overall report writing. All experiments parallel those offered in the more traditional course on campus and include experiments on viscosity measurement, orifice and venturi meters, centrifugal pumps, momentum forces and pipe friction. The CD-ROM shows the instructor setting up the equipment in accordance with diagrams provided to the students. The equipment is then operated by the instructor and a student assistant in a step-by-step fashion with the camera zooming in on each instrument reading and at other appropriate times. The student watching the video records the data in the same fashion as if he or she were the recording member at a group performing the test in the actual laboratory. The student then analyzes the data, prepares performance calculations and curves and submits comprehensive reports to the instructor.

A comprehensive final examination testing the expected outcomes of the course is being developed and implemented. Performance studies thus far indicate that the video-taped laboratory is an effective method of teaching this laboratory course.

I. Introduction

Old Dominion University has been involved in distance education for more than 15 years. The Department of Engineering Technology, through its civil, electrical and mechanical engineering technology programs offers upper level programs to more than 50 remote students in Virginia

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Crossman, G. (2001, June), A Cd Rom Based Laboratory In Fluid Mechanics Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--8988