Computation and Experimentation on the Web with Application to Internal Combustion Engines

Abstract

The internal combustion (IC) engine is a complex engineering system with rich thermal/fluid science applications. We have developed Web‐based software written in Java to introduce thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer applications typical of IC engines. In addition, an “on‐line” engine research facility has been constructed to allow engine experimentation over the laboratory Internet using Web browsers. We include a discussion of pedagogical guidelines to be considered for effective on‐line experiments. The engine hardware and architecture of the data acquisition/control/ communication systems are described.

The Role of the Laboratory in Undergraduate Engineering Education

“…Early experiments saw efforts being developed around the Internet using Web browsers and Java Applets [38,39].…”

“…During this period, schools began investigating the possibility of controlling experiments remotely. Early experiments saw efforts being developed around the Internet using Web browsers and Java Applets [38,39].…”

Hands-On CFD Educational Interface for Engineering Courses and Laboratories

“…Setup appropriate solvers with numerical parameters, (5). Report integral variables and use XY plots, (6). Use contour, streamlines and vectors to examine flow field.…”

“…The scope of simulation technology is broad covering computerized systems and computerized solutions of engineering problem formulations using mathematical physics modeling, numerical methods, and high performance computing; all of which broadly influence all engineering disciplines. Recent research has shown the effectiveness of computer-assisted learning for accounting tutorials [1], food process design projects [2], electrical machines laboratories [3], the use of multi-media courseware for bicycle dissection [4] and scrapers [5], and an on-line internal combustion engine research facility using both computations and experiments [6]. Systemsbased simulation technology has also shown to be effective for chemical plant design [7], electronics laboratories [8], and chemical processes [9], including the use of commercial software for chemical processes [10] and educational computer programs for mechanical systems [11] and neural networks [12].…”

“…With respect to employing simulation technology in the curriculum, consideration must be given to issues of: learning vs. research objectives; usability vs. predetermined objectives; and student demographics. Previous studies focusing on use of simulation technology in education have shown enhancement of the curriculum [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]; increased learning efficiency and understanding [7,8,10]; effectiveness of novel and hands-on learning methods [4]; efficacy of combined physical and simulation laboratories [8]; importance of user-friendly interfaces [5,11]; and positive student responses [7,10]. Curricula must be developed for physics-based simulation technology, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which is of present interest, but diverse learning objectives and limited research both are complicating factors for successfully incorporating CFD into the curriculum.…”