Integrating Simulation into the Engineering Curriculum: A Case Study

Abstract

In this paper, we describe improved strategies for teaching computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using the commercial software ANSYS Fluent to upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. We consider a case study from an upper-level elective fluid dynamics course and evaluate various out-of-class learning materials and in-class active learning techniques. We show that, in agreement with previous research, most student learning happens out of class. We show a direct correlation between the materials developed in a reference hand-out and the students' expertise in the area. We introduced i-clickers as a means of promoting active learning in the classroom to emphasize the ‘expert approach’ in simulation. Their use received a mixed response from the students and we discuss the reasons and a possible remedy. We demonstrate that carefully designed out-of-class learning materials are crucial to students' learning of CFD, and that i-clickers have to be used with care if they are to be effective in engaging students during the lectures. All of these findings inform not only future renditions of this course, but also instruction of CFD in general.