Hybrid Computer Techniques in the Laboratory and Classroom

Abstract

Present and future uses of hybrid computer techniques in a university department are described. There are two main uses: (1) in the laboratory; (2) in the classroom. (1) When a phenomenon or process is being studied by means of a laboratory model or analog, connected to an electronic computer which performs the real time functions of control, measurement, analysis, and display in such a way that the model, the computer, and the experimenter interact, we see the laboratory as a computer. (2) The real-time feature of a machine of this type is of great value in the lecture theatre. For example, solutions of systems of algebraic and ordinary and partial differential equations can be presented in visual form directly to the class in the course of a lecture. Supplementing this use, the machine can be run on a workshop basis as in an experimental physics laboratory class.

Some experiments on the motion of an isolated laminar thermal

“…The tail or column behind the vortex ring can also be observed in Okabe & Inoue's (1961) photographs, Richard's (1963) experiments (turbulent), Fox's (1972) numerical calculations and in Maxworthy's (1972) experiments with non-buoyant vortex rings. It is also observable in thermals generated by heating a horizontal plate (see, for example, Elder 1969).…”

“…Smaller Rayleigh number thermals have been observed in heat transfer from a heated flat plate to a fluid. Elder (1967Elder ( , 1968Elder ( , 1969 appears to be one of the first to have observed this visually (in a porous medium), followed by Sparrow, Husar & Goldstein (1970). Thermals have also been observed in experiments on ice formation (Tankin & Farhadieh 1971) and in gas absorption in pools of liquid (Thompson 1970).…”