Spreadsheet-based pipe networks analysis for teaching and learning purpose

An example of hydraulic design project for teaching purpose is presented. Students’ task is to develop a looped distribution network for water (i.e. to determinate node consumptions, disposal of pipes, and finally to calculate flow rates in the network’s pipes and their optimal diameters). This can be accomplished by using the original Hardy Cross method, the improved Hardy Cross method, the node-loop method, etc. For the improved Hardy Cross method and the node-loop method, use of matrix calculation is mandatory. Because the analysis of water distribution networks is an essential component of civil engineering water resources curricula, the adequate technique better than the hand-oriented one is desired in order to increase students’ understanding of this kind of engineering systems and of relevant design issues in more concise and effective way. The described use of spreadsheet solvers is more than suitable for the purpose, especially knowing that spreadsheet solvers are much more matrix friendly compared with the hand-orientated calculation. Although matrix calculation is not mandatory for the original Hardy Cross method, even in that case it is preferred for better understanding of the problem. The application of commonly available spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel) including two real classroom tasks is presented

What can students learn while solving Colebrook's flow friction equation?

Even a relatively simple equation such as Colebrook's offers a lot of possibilities to students to increase their computational skills. The Colebrook's equation is implicit in the flow friction factor and, therefore, it needs to be solved iteratively or using explicit approximations, which need to be developed using different approaches. Various procedures can be used for iterative methods, such as single the fixed-point iterative method, Newton-Raphson, and other types of multi-point iterative methods, iterative methods in a combination with Pade polynomials, special functions such as Lambert W, artificial intelligence such as neural networks, etc. In addition, to develop explicit approximations or to improve their accuracy, regression analysis, genetic algorithms, and curve fitting techniques can be used too. In this learning numerical exercise, a few numerical examples will be shown along with the explanation of the estimated pedagogical impact for university students. Students can see what the difference is between the classical vs. floating-point algebra used in computers.Web of Science43art. no. 11

Solution to Secondary Sedimentation Problem by Spreadsheet and VBA

The sedimentation process is one of the most commonly used processes in environmental engineering. Modelling and simulation of secondary sedimentation units usually requires writing mass balance equations for each layer of the settler. Then, the set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is solved to obtain solids concentration in each layer of the sedimentation tank. This paper presents implementation of an MS Excel add-in for solving the secondary settling problem. The add-in contains a number of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) functions, which can be used directly on the worksheet. It is capable of calculating steady-state solution by the multivariate Newton-Raphson method. Also, the add-in is equipped with a VBA function that integrates the set of ODEs until a certain time specified by the user, providing an option for dynamic simulation of the sedimentation tank. The author uses the add-in for teaching settling models in an environmental modelling course. Both students and teachers can benefit from the tool

Teaching and Learning of Fluid Mechanics

This book contains research on the pedagogical aspects of fluid mechanics and includes case studies, lesson plans, articles on historical aspects of fluid mechanics, and novel and interesting experiments and theoretical calculations that convey complex ideas in creative ways. The current volume showcases the teaching practices of fluid dynamicists from different disciplines, ranging from mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, and environmental engineering to chemical engineering. The suitability of these articles ranges from early undergraduate to graduate level courses and can be read by faculty and students alike. We hope this collection will encourage cross-disciplinary pedagogical practices and give students a glimpse of the wide range of applications of fluid dynamics

University education, training and research in water and waste-water engineering in the context of Cyprus

Human resources development (education at university level and training) linked to parallel research activity is one of the inputs and the key to develop and sustain water and sanitation provision. The specific objectives of this work are: (a) to consider the background context globally and for the case of Cyprus; (b) to find out what is the current potential in Cyprus, that is achievements so far in education, training and research (at university or as part of employment) in the sector of water and waste-water engineering at both the individual and the organisation levels; (c) to find out about the current university courses and research in the sector in various countries and also about training organisations; (d) to identify the educational, training and research needs and future plans for Cyprus and Cypriot water and waste-water engineers so as to benefit the country and the people of Cyprus (bearing in mind what the local characteristics, problems and needs are); (e) to develop guidelines and consider possibilities of how to fulfil needs for Cyprus, either in Cyprus or abroad; (f) to consider wider application of the results in other countries; and (g) to recommend further enquiries. [Continues.

Case-based drilling curricula using integrated HIL simulator and remote collaboration center

The university educational system has raised many concerns in recent years regarding the effectiveness of its curricula and implementation. The focus on course-based training in engineering programs does not provide students sufficient opportunities to apply the attained knowledge and skills to demonstrate their competency. To address this deficiency of academia, industry spends millions of dollars building development programs and on-the-job training. This creates an opportunity for the universities to address this deficiency and increase their students’ marketability, while also addressing problem solving in their curricula. Inspired by a successful program developed and offered at Harvard Business School, the advantages and disadvantages of the case-based method was investigated. It was concluded that the students can benefit the most from a combination of existing educational and case-based curricula elements. Further research expressed the engineering students’ interest and positive feedbacks towards utilization of this method supported by statistical analysis. The aviation industry experienced a great training cost reduction and eliminated the on-the-training accidents after adopting simulators to train their workforce. This encouraged the Drilling & Automation team at University of Texas at Austin to develop the existing surface simulator further and utilize it as a tool to train the next generation of engineers to carry out the appropriate performance at the time of failure and emergencies. By considering various effective skills development methods such as Triadic method and Kolb’s Four-Stage Learning Cycle, ten case-based laboratories were designed and proposed. These open-ended student-led laboratories provide the opportunity for students to experience life-like challenges associated with drilling operations using a realistic up-to-date virtual drilling simulator. Students are divided in teams and assigned to different roles (drilling engineer, remote supervising engineer, etc.) where they are required to make decisions and communicate with one another. This creates a realistic work environment where depending on difficulty of each case, different amounts of stress are experienced. To implement the proposed laboratories, down-hole physics models were identified and developed. These mathematical models were then simulated in MATLAB programing language and integrated with one another to form the down-hole simulator. An Application Program Interface, API, was developed to access the surface simulator data and to connect the surface and the down-hole simulators. The integrated developed simulator has potential for future research including automated rig design.Petroleum and Geosystems Engineerin

Chemical & Nuclear Engineering 2009 APR Self-Study & Documents

UNM Chemical & Nuclear Engineering APR self-study report, review team report, response to report, and initial action plan for Spring 2009, fulfilling requirements of the Higher Learning Commission

Clemson Catalog, 1948-1949, Volume 24

https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/clemson_catalog/1104/thumbnail.jp