Collaborative Projects with simulation assignments in mechanical engineering thermodynamics courses

Abstract

In the undergraduate engineering classroom, some level of collaborative learning can be employed to enhance learning. Separately, enhancements in curriculum may include the use of computer technology to provide interactivity. The present study explores a new approach to facilitate learning of an engineering thermodynamics course and seeks to address the question: “What are the impacts of a themed Collaborative Project (CP) with a simulation component, on students and their understanding of thermodynamics?”. This approach was implemented into a sophomore-level thermodynamics course at a private university in the New England area of the United States. Over the duration of the semester, the clean water-themed CP required students to: solve thermodynamics problems linked to this theme; use thermodynamics fundamentals to check the results of clean water-related thermo-fluid simulations conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics® software; and ultimately, use thermodynamics to develop a device to clean water. This approach has the potential benefit not only of demonstrating various uses of thermodynamic analysis but also in preparing career-ready students who are better capable of strategically utilizing engineering software in tandem with their fundamental engineering backgrounds. Results presented include select student work, student perceptions as per surveys, and comparison of changes in average final exam grades as compared to previous courses. While students shared limited enthusiasm in utilizing the software, they expressed that they understood thermodynamics, and they performed better on final exam questions. This study follows up on a previous effort, which revealed various benefits for students who experienced such a CP.

High-temperature heat pump simulator (heatpack) for application in computer laboratory sessions for engineering students

“…Still, engineering students can use it to work in groups in collaborative projects in the topic of energy saving in industry. The utilization of engineering software in collaborative projects can end in better understanding of the thermodynamics concepts and better performance on the final exam (Wright, 2018).…”

The Rise of Simulations in a Junior-level Fluid Mechanics Course

“…Section B had to complete simulations, auto generate and customize technical reports, and research further software capabilities and/or the topic itself. IBL and associated requirements are described in detail in these references [5][6][7][8][9].…”

“…The implementation of computer-based simulations using multi-physics software in engineering education is of growing interest at the undergraduate [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Integration of simulations and inquirybased learning (IBL) in undergraduate courses has been the focus of our practice and research for the last five years [5][6][7][8][9]. Our approach to digitized courses has been continuously improved to help us better understand what constitutes a well-designed course that simultaneously facilitates deep learning and mastering modern computational skills.…”

“…The sequence starts with an introductory thermodynamics course in the sophomore year, and continues with fluid mechanics and heat transfer courses in the junior year. The thermodynamics course has four simulation assignments [6,10]. The use of the software in the final project is limited due to the students' inexperience in simulations.…”

Testing Prerequisite Knowledge of Thermodynamics during a Thermodynamics II Course

“…In select sections of the Thermodynamics I courses in recent years at the author's institution, a new approach to facilitating learning of an engineering thermodynamics course, was implemented, which included the use of themed collaborative projects with a simulation component, relying mostly on the use of COMSOL Multiphysics® software [12,13]. While benefits were reported including providing students with interactivity, enhancements in students' perceptions that they understood thermodynamics, and also better average performance on select final exam questions, toward the goal of continued assessment and improvement, the present study sought to establish additional data points for analysis of the engineering education innovation.…”