Engineering Multiphysics Research

Abstract

Abstract-This paper describes an engineering undergraduate course that covers the methods and techniques of multiphysics modeling. Students become active participants in analysis and discovery by being challenged to solve a sequence of problems related to high priority technology areas. Projects range from power systems and thermal control of habitats to autonomous flight systems and harsh environment electronics. Working in a cooperative learning environment, teams encounter a series of assignments that build on existing skills while gradually expanding their knowledge and expertise in disciplines outside of their own. This project-based approach employs a scaffolding structure with assignments organized in progressively challenging modules supported by mentoring.Each project begins with a problem definition which requires consideration of factors and influences beyond a single discipline. Solution development then moves to setting material properties, boundary constraints and including the necessary physics engines. For many students, this is the first in depth exposure to problems with specialized terminologies, driving equations and limiting conditions. Lastly, solving and post processing are addressed exploring steady state, time-variant, frequency response, optimization and sensitivity methods. The paper discusses the teaching and learning strategies, course structure, outcome assessment and project examples.Index Terms-multiphysics modeling, multidisciplinary design, contextual projects.

From Theory to Development: Role of Multiphysics Modeling and its Effect on Education in Electronics

“…As per the discussed benefits and technologies of multiphysics environment, it is required that multiphysics modeling should be included in the curriculum of electronics engineering, so that even fresh engineers when apply their knowledge in industry, they should know how coupled physics work and how to solve such kind of problems [4]. Further two case studies are presented, both are new technologies in the field of electronics.…”

Applications and App Building in Hybrid Courses

“…We have included simulations and application building at the graduate and undergraduate levels with an emphasis on outside-of-class learning [1][2]. Within the graduate multidisciplinary modeling course, learning is accomplished in three stages with skills and resources introduced as needed.…”

“…At the graduate level, the course design contains three core teaching and learning strategies: scaffolding of weekly projects, teamwork, and IBL [2]. The assignments are organized into three modules: (1) classical projects with prescribed outcomes, (2) higher level transitional projects, and (3) a design of a model (DoM).…”

“…The assignments are organized into three modules: (1) classical projects with prescribed outcomes, (2) higher level transitional projects, and (3) a design of a model (DoM). Module 1 (classical projects) familiarizes students with the process of modeling and the COMSOL Multiphysics® software interface.…”

“…Later, commercial software was employed for both problem solving and as a virtual laboratory, and it seems clear that such packages will soon be widespread. Thus, the integration of modeling, simulation, and visualization techniques throughout the curriculum can be achieved by a new educational approach.We have included simulations and application building at the graduate and undergraduate levels with an emphasis on outside-of-class learning [1][2]. Within the graduate multidisciplinary modeling course, learning is accomplished in three stages with skills and resources introduced as needed.…”