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Simulation Project to Promote Learner Autonomy in an Introductory Fluid Mechanics Course

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Conference

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Baltimore , Maryland

Publication Date

June 25, 2023

Start Date

June 25, 2023

End Date

June 28, 2023

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Division (MECH) Technical Session 8: Thermo-Fluids Theory and Computation

Tagged Division

Mechanical Engineering Division (MECH)

Page Count

14

DOI

10.18260/1-2--44220

Permanent URL

https://sftp.asee.org/44220

Download Count

137

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Paper Authors

biography

Edward James Diehl P.E. University of Hartford Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0002-5794-1106

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Dr. Diehl is an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical, Aerospace, and Acoustical Engineering Department at the University of Hartford, teaching courses in solid mechanics, mechanical design, mechanism design, and fluid mechanics. He received a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 2016, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer at Hartford in 1996, and a B.S. in Marine Engineering Systems from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Before joining academia Dr. Diehl was the principal structural engineer for Seaworthy Systems, Inc. designing, analyzing, and modifying large and small vessels for the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, NOAA, USCG, and commercial shipping companies.

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Abstract

This paper presents a simulation assignment that empowers students to make choices and draw conclusions while reinforcing basic concepts. Students were tasked to select a shape or object with a published drag coefficient, use a simulation tool of their choosing to validate this result, and research the topic further. Several simulation tools were available including commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software and a suggested open-source alternative CFD code. The particulars of the assignment such as the simulation software, object, fluid and its velocity, and level of grid refinement were left up to the student. The research portion was expressed as “do something else”, requiring student to modify either the object or conditions, draw conclusions, and discuss what they discovered. To facilitate the autonomous learning and development of simulation skills, the assignment was accompanied by (1) numerous simulation examples and tutorials for the simulation software available, (2) numerous drag coefficient references, and (3) a grading rubric emphasizing originality and quality over quantity (ranging from “wow” = A to “ugh” = low grade). The project goals were (1) acquiring experience with simulation tools, (2) fostering healthy skepticism in simulation results and published drag coefficient values as they were unlikely to closely match, (3) reinforcing fluid mechanics concepts, and (4) encouraging curiosity, creativity, and self-reliance. Example results are shared in this paper, and student feedback is used to assess the impact of this assignment with the aim at refinement for future course offerings. Students submitting exceptional reports were asked to expand upon them as conference papers or poster presentations at future engineering society meetings.

Diehl, E. J. (2023, June), Simulation Project to Promote Learner Autonomy in an Introductory Fluid Mechanics Course Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--44220

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