Abstract
THE STUDY OF THE MOTION OF FLUIDS is integral to many engineering disciplines. A first course in fluid mechanics introduces many types of flow, including steady flow through pipe systems. Computer simulations can play a role in the discovery of fluid engineering principles without requiring extensive laboratory facilities or the complicated mathematics associated with the theoretical development. TheFluid Flow Construction Set was developed as an educational tool to introduce engineering students to fluid flow in pipe systems. The software is an interactive tool to explore the fluid flow characteristics of a pipe system by manipulating the physical construction of the system. Both steady (time-independent) and transient (time-dependent) pipe flow can be simulated. The motivation and software design requirements are presented first, followed by specific details on how the objectives of the design tool were met.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Renata S. Engel is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Graphics and Engineering Science and Mechanics. She earned a B.S. degree from Penn State in Engineering Science and a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida in Engineering Mechanics. She has developed a research program in composites processing and has conducted educational research as it relates to curriculum development, instructional software development and implementation. She received the American Society for Engineering Education (A.S.E.E.) Dow Outstanding Young Faculty Award and is a registered professional engineer in Florida and Pennsylvania. Dr. Engel is a member of several professional societies and holds executive positions in A.S.E.E.
Morris A. Weinstock has been an Instructional Programmer with Penn State’s Center for Academic Computing since 1990. Morris received a B.A. in Computer and Information Sciences from the University of Delaware. Prior to his employment with Penn State, Morris worked at the University of Delaware supporting instructional technology, which included making use of the PLATO system. Morris later worked with Du Pont to support their technology training efforts and to provide database programming. At Penn State, Morris has developed a number of instructional programs that cover a wide range of disciplines as well as computer platforms and computer languages. Morris has presented and taught at several national conferences to participants interested in developing instructional software.
John P. Campbell He received a B.A. degree in Mathematics and Science Education and a M.S.Ed. in Educational Computing and Instructional Design at Purdue University. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Instructional Systems and Adult Education at The Pennsylvania State University. Before coming to The Smeal College, John was employed for three years as an instructional designer with Educational Technology Services at Penn State. John has seven years experience in multimedia development and instructional design. He has developed a number of multimedia packages in the areas of science, engineering, and business. This work has included development on the I.B.M. and Macintosh personal computers, the Newton personal desk accessory and various mainframe platforms.
Dhushy Sathianathan is an Assistant Professor and is the Coordinator for the Freshman Program at the nineteen campuses of Penn State with the support of the N.S.F. sponsored E.C.S.E.L. coalition. He joined the School of Engineering Technology & Commonwealth Engineering in 1991 with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University, and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He is the P.I. on several projects involving the development and integration of Computer-Aided Engineering Tools in the undergraduate curriculum. He has taught undergraduate courses for the past four years in engineering graphics, solid modeling, and introduction to design. Professor Sathianathan is also an affiliated faculty researcher at the Penn State Radiation Science and Engineering Center. His research involves developing techniques for visualization of phenomena through metal enclosures using Neutron Radiography.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Engel, R.S., Weinstock, M.A., Campbell, J.P. et al. Pipe flow simulation software: A team approach to solve an engineering education problem. J. Comput. High. Educ. 7, 65–77 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02948594
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02948594