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Teaching Fluid Mechanics through Photography

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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)

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

13

DOI

10.18260/1-2--44417

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/44417

Download Count

155

Paper Authors

biography

Azar Panah Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus

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Dr. Panah is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Penn State University at Berks and her specialty is in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. Her research interests include unsteady aerodynamics of biologically-inspired air vehicles.

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Abstract

As part of our General Education (GenEd) program, we offer an experimental course on flow visualization to undergraduate students at the Pennsylvania State University. This course aims to bridge the gap between two distinct areas of knowledge: the art and science of fluid mechanics. Designed for students with minimal to no background in photography or physics, this non-mathematical course provides an opportunity for students to explore a variety of aesthetic issues through practical and creative assignments. The course consists of lectures on photography skills, fluid physics, visualization techniques, critique sessions, and a guest lecture. Assignments consist of images paired with written technical reports, and self-reflection sessions to learn "effective communication" skills. Other course objectives evaluated through students’ assignments and projects are "creative thinking" and "integrative thinking". Some samples of student work are presented. This course proved to be very successful in attracting all students (male and female) in both engineering and non-engineering majors.

Panah, A. (2023, June), Teaching Fluid Mechanics through Photography Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--44417

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