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Combining Numerical Problem Solving With Access To Physical Property Data – A New Paradigm In Che Education

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Conference

2005 Annual Conference

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 12, 2005

Start Date

June 12, 2005

End Date

June 15, 2005

ISSN

2153-5965

Conference Session

Design and Computation in ChE Courses

Page Count

16

Page Numbers

10.321.1 - 10.321.16

DOI

10.18260/1-2--15564

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/15564

Download Count

502

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Paper Authors

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Michael Elly

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Mordechai Shacham

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Michael Cutlip

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Abstract

Problem solving is an essential part of engineering education, and many educational benefits can be derived when solving realistic problems. The use of realistic problems has been hindered, so far, by the difficulty of finding reliable and consistent property data. We have developed a new approach for problem solving, which involves the use of three available packages: Polymath Numerical Computation Package© for setting up the mathematical models with a new feature to export problems to ExcelTM, Aspen PropertiesTM for providing the property data via an Excel Add-In, and MicrosoftTM Excel for an effective solution of the problem on a widely-used platform. The new approach is demonstrated by solving a sample problem involving calculation of an adiabatic flame temperature. It is shown that the availability of reliable and consistent property data enables instructors to replace artificial problems dealing with, say, compounds A, B and C with realistic problems dealing with real compounds. Furthermore, many different versions of the same problem can be prepared with minimal effort, as needed for exams and homework assignments. Realistic problems can be assigned routinely, as several steps of the problem solving process can be carried out very fast with the computer based tools provided, while the student concentrates his/her efforts on the subject matter and the solution options that are required.

Elly, M., & Shacham, M., & Cutlip, M. (2005, June), Combining Numerical Problem Solving With Access To Physical Property Data – A New Paradigm In Che Education Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15564

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