Simulation And Animation Of Engineering Systems: No Specialized Software Or Programming Required

Abstract

Many topics in engineering curricula rely on visual components to help convey concepts that are difficult to describe in purely text-based form. Similarly, raw data plotted in a colorful threedimensional graph brings life to otherwise static numerical information. The extraordinary value of providing a visual component to teaching and learning is well documented. Adding animation to visual components only serves to enhance the learning experience even further. The use of animation allows students to view dynamic processes in various topics throughout all engineering disciplines in a manner that effectively engages the student in the learning process. However, the task of creating simulations and animations is frequently a daunting, timeconsuming task where regardless of the usefulness there is simply not enough time in a day to create such a worthwhile experience for students. Therefore, providing instructors with the capability to create, with ease, animations of complex engineering systems and providing students with the opportunity to view these "living" systems is invaluable in the quest to enhance teaching and learning and to retain student interest in the subject matter.

Using Animations to Enhance Understanding of Energy System Concepts

“…ASEE references include conference papers and articles in ASEE-sponsored archival publications such as the Journal of Engineering Education and Computers in Education. Typical conference paper examples include Shen and Zhu [1], Giro et al [2], Abulencia et al [3], Balazinski and Przybylo [4], Ziegler [5], and Hoorfar et al [6]. These papers generally discuss in detail the structure of the animations involved and present some assessments, perhaps anecdotal, of how effective the animations were in conveying the salient features of the phenomena.…”