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2002-201

Learning enhancement in Thermodynamics Classroom via use of TEST™ software in design projects and laboratory

Subha K. Kumpaty

Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1025 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Abstract Introduced in Spring 1999 into the MSOE’s three-quarter Thermodynamics sequence, The Expert System for Thermodynamics (TEST™ software by Subrata Bhattacharjee) 1 has become a great asset and an excellent tool in enhancing students’ learning of Thermodynamics fundamentals. The presenter, Dr. Kumpaty encouraged the institution-wide use of the software by obtaining a site license and has personally tested its use in classroom, design projects and laboratory for the last three years. All mechanical engineering (ME) and mechanical engineering technology (MET) students run a 100-kW steam power plant in the laboratory at various part- loads and full load in groups of 10 and conduct thorough, first and second law analyses on the plant employing the user-friendly software. They are also assigned 3 to 4 design projects in the Thermodynamics sequence, the treatment of which has become easier with the parametric studies accommodated superbly by the TEST™ software. The overall experience with this integrated teaching has been very rewarding to both faculty and students. The details of the experience, a sample problem, a sample project, laboratory activities and the effective utilization of the software/courseware are presented.

Introduction Milwaukee School Of Engineering is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education. The goal of the undergraduate curriculum is to produce well-rounded engineers, which is achieved through strong emphasis in a) excellent technical preparation, b) strong laboratory orientation with faculty teaching labs in small size sections and c) required Senior Design projects. Accordingly, MSOE graduates are highly sought by industry (over 99% placement). The mechanical engineering students receive a rigorous treatment of Thermodynamics in a three- quarter sequence. Typically, in the fall quarter, they learn to apply the First Law for control masses and control volumes (energy balance). In the winter, they learn to apply the Second Law for control masses and control volumes (exergy/ availability balance). They further apply principles learned to cycles and attempt one credit hour of design projects, for example, designing devices based on power or refrigeration cycles. In the spring quarter, they receive instruction on diverse topics such as IC engines, psychrometry, combustion and compressible flow as well as perform design projects such as cogeneration and air conditioning. The thermodynamics experience is enhanced by one credit hour of laboratory taught in groups of 10 with a lot of quality interaction with the faculty in this last quarter. Currently, Moran and Shapiro text 2 is employed for mechanical engineering sequence and Cengel and Boles text 3 is

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition 1 Copyright © 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Kumpaty, S. (2002, June), Learning Enhancement In Thermodynamics Classroom Via Use Of Test Software In Design Projects And Laboratory Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10658