Assessing the Effectiveness of a Problem-Based Computer Modelling Module From the Student\u27s Perspective

The Computer Modelling module delivered to the third year Level 8 Mechanical Engineering students in the Technological University Dublin is marked completely by continual assessment. It was developed using a problem based approach in that the theory of Computer Modelling methods is first explained but is then illustrated by demonstrating its application to the solution of real life problems. It is delivered in a traditional manner for the first six weeks in that the underlying principles and techniques of the finite difference method are covered in lectures and practical assignments are completed in the weekly computer laboratory classes. A problem based approach is adopted for the remaining six weeks of the semester. The students form their own groups of three and choose a unique project from a list supplied to them. The primary aim is to get the students to use numerical modelling to solve practical Engineering problems drawn from many different areas such as thermal processing in the food industry, heat transfer in engines, fluid modelling using ANSYS CFX and vibration analysis of structures and machines using Matlab. The students are assigned a supervisor who meets them for at least 30 minutes each week to advise them and to monitor their progress. Each individual student is held to account for their contribution to the project effort. At the end of the semester, each group must create an A1 poster on their particular topic. They are given a standard template to follow and are advised on the structure including Literature Review, Methodologies, Results and Conclusions. The students are assessed on a ten minute presentation of their project to the module lecturers and their peers. A shorter open session is also held in which the students must present their posters to other staff members and students and a prize is awarded to the best poster. A survey was carried out on a group of 12 students who completed the module in 2013.It includes fourteen questions under the headings: Group Dynamics, Project Management, Poster Presentation and Personal View of the Project. In addition, a focus group with a small number of students who had completed the module in 2012 was conducted independently by the second author. The response of the survey was mainly positive with some negative comments. The comments of the focus were broadly in line with the more positive comments from the survey. The responses from the survey and focus groups are reported and discussed in the paper. The overall conclusion is that in general, the module is perceived to be enjoyable and challenging to complete and it equips the students with useful skills going forward

An Integrated Approach to the Teaching of Numerical Methods to Engineering Students

In Technological University Dublin, historically, numerical methods were taught to engineering students using a format of traditional mathematics lectures, to a large class group consisting of students from five different engineering disciplines, complemented by small class tutorials. Assessment was by a single, written exam only. In order to improve the overall effectiveness of the students’ learning experience, it was deemed beneficial to also introduce practical computing classes in which the students would be required to apply the general mathematical methods covered in lectures to discipline-specific examples. Three different practical computing assignments were devised for the students to undertake, and 20% of the marks for the course were allocated to these assignments. The numerical problems considered were the solution of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs) using the finite-difference method; the solution of first-and second-order ODEs using Runge–Kutta; and the solution of first- order ODEs using Milne-Simpson. It was hoped that students would find this integrated approach engaging and formative in their understanding of numerical methods and their application to real-world engineering problems. To ascertain if this was the case, an anonymous, online survey of the students involved was conducted, along with a number of interviews of individual students. In addition, a comparison was carried out between these students’ grades, and grades from years prior to the introduction of the practical computing classes. The results of both the survey and the grade analysis will be presented in this paper

Comparison of Finite Difference and Finite Element (Telemac) Models of Dublin Bay

A number of hydrodynamic and solute mathematical models of Dublin Bay have been developed in the Centre for Water Resources Research in University College Dublin. One of these was an Eulerian-Langrangian finite difference Extended Dublin Bay model named SW2D which was developed by Hussey (1996). It was used in various studies such as the Dublin Bay Water Quality Management Plan and the Howth Outfall Study to predict the effect of the proposed upgrades at the sewage treatment plants on the water quality in these areas. The finite element TELEMAC modelling system developed by the French EDF group was used in later studies of Dublin Bay by Bedri (2007). The primary objective of this study was to assess the performance of the TELEMAC system in comparison with the original finite difference Extended Dublin Bay Model, SW2D. The comparison is on the basis of accuracy, stability and computational time. The ease of use is also an important factor in terms of the man hour costs involved in undertaking modelling studies. The finite difference Extended Dublin Bay Model coded SW2D is the Benchmark model against which the TELEMAC models were compared. The model grid which extends from -6° 15’ to -5° 50’ in the East-West direction and 53° 10’ to 53° 30’ in the North-South direction uses over 72000 grid boxes. An attempt was made to model a baseline model using a uniform mesh with a similar resolution but this proved impossible because of stability issues at the open boundaries in the TELEMAC model. A mesh convergence study was conducted which determined that the solution converged with a TELEMAC mesh of approximately 25,000 nodes in which the coarser mesh of 750m at the open boundaries was gradually refined down to a resolution of 50m at the coast

CFX Analysis of the Heat and Mass Transfer During the Chilling of a Lamb Carcass using a 3D Model

Lamb meat is a popular red meat which must go through a complex refrigeration process before being served at the dinner table to reduce bacterial growth and retain meat quality. A major disadvantage of chilling is the drip losses which are losses in weight by evaporation of water contained within the meat. The aim of this work is to simulate the conventional chilling process of a lamb carcass using a three dimensional model

An Optimal Calibration Procedure for a TELEMAC-2D Model of the Eastern Coast of Ireland

Water Qualit

Performance of Masonry Blocks Containing Different Proportions of Incinator Bottom Ash

AbstractThis paper presents the results from an experimental suite of tests as a trial to assess the structural and material performance of masonry blocks with different proportions of incinerator bottom as (IBA) as a fine aggregate replacement. The tests undertaken include compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption and density.Research into the use of waste by-products in construction materials has been increasing over the past 20years. IBA produced in an Irish waste incinerator facility is currently landfilled following pre-treatment. This project assesses the suitability of this IBA to replace 0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75 or 100% of natural fine aggregates in masonry blocks (100mm high×215mm wide×440mm long) with a design strength of 7N. Structural tests included compressive and tensile strength, density and water absorption in accordance with ASTM C140.The results indicate that bottom ash replacement levels below 20% provide adequate compression and tensile strengths with density and absorption also within satisfactory levels

High Power, Low Frequency Ultrasound: Meniscal Tissue Interaction and Ablation Characteristics

Abstract—This study evaluates high power low frequency ultrasound transmitted via a flat vibrating probe tip as an alternative technology for meniscal debridement in the bovine knee. An experimental force controlled testing rig was constructed using a 20 kHz ultrasonic probe suspended vertically from a load cell. Effect of variation in amplitude of distal tip displacement (242–494 mm peak-peak) settings and force (2.5–4.5 N) on tissue removal rate (TRR) and penetration rate (PR) for 52 bovine meniscus samples was analyzed. Temperature elevation in residual meniscus was measured by embedded thermocouples and histologic analysis. As amplitude or force increases, there is a linear increase in TRR (Mean: 0.9 to 11.2 mg/s) and PR (Mean: 0.08 to 0.73 mm/s). Maximum mean temperatures of 84.6C and 52.3C were recorded in residual tissue at 2 mm and 4 mm from the ultrasound probe-tissue interface. There is an inverse relationship between both amplitude and force, and temperature elevation, with higher settings resulting in less thermal damage.

Extracellular Matrix Dynamics in Hepatocarcinogenesis: a Comparative Proteomics Study of PDGFC Transgenic and Pten Null Mouse Models

We are reporting qualitative and quantitative changes of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and associated receptor proteomes, occurring during the transition from liver fibrosis and steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We compared two mouse models relevant to human HCC: PDGFC transgenic (Tg) and Pten null mice, models of disease progression from fibrosis and steatohepatitis to HCC. Using mass spectrometry, we identified in the liver of both models proteins for 26 collagen-encoding genes, providing the first evidence of expression at the protein level for 16 collagens. We also identified post-transcriptional protein variants for six collagens and lysine hydroxylation modifications for 14 collagens. Tumor-associated collagen proteomes were similar in both models with increased expression of collagens type IV, VI, VII, X, XIV, XV, XVI, and XVIII. Splice variants for Col4a2, Col6a2, Col6a3 were co-upregulated while only the short form of Col18a1 increased in the tumors. We also identified tumor specific increases of nidogen 1, decorin, perlecan, and of six laminin subunits. The changes in these non-collagenous ECM proteins were similar in both models with the exception of laminin β3, detected specifically in the Pten null tumors. Pdgfa and Pdgfc mRNA expression was increased in the Pten null liver, a possible mechanism for the similarity in ECM composition observed in the tumors of both models. In contrast and besides the strong up-regulation of integrin α5 protein observed in the liver tumors of both models, the expression of the six other integrins identified was specific to each model, with integrins α2b, α3, α6, and β1 up-regulated in Pten null tumors and integrins α8 and β5 up-regulated in the PDGFC Tg tumors. In conclusion, HCC–associated ECM proteins and ECM–integrin networks, common or specific to HCC subtypes, were identified, providing a unique foundation to using ECM composition for HCC classification, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment

A map for successful CCNE accreditation

The purpose of this article is to provide nurse educators with recommendations on how to develop the needed structures and processes that lead to accreditation success. We provide a comprehensive list of 28 recommendations, a timeline for completion of tasks, and specific information on how to document the achievement of the four CCNE Standards. The first two recommendations deal with two vital structures that comprise a well-functioning program: an effective committee structure and a robust evaluation plan. Recommendations 3 to 12 concern the process steps for preparing for an accreditation visit and are aligned with a timeline for completion. The remaining recommendations address how to document compliance with each CCNE standard

Main-Belt Comet P/2012 T1 (PANSTARRS)

We present initial results from observations and numerical analyses aimed at characterizing main-belt comet P/2012 T1 (PANSTARRS). Optical monitoring observations were made between October 2012 and February 2013 using the University of Hawaii 2.2 m telescope, the Keck I telescope, the Baade and Clay Magellan telescopes, Faulkes Telescope South, the Perkins Telescope at Lowell Observatory, and the Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) telescope. The object's intrinsic brightness approximately doubles from the time of its discovery in early October until mid-November and then decreases by ~60% between late December and early February, similar to photometric behavior exhibited by several other main-belt comets and unlike that exhibited by disrupted asteroid (596) Scheila. We also used Keck to conduct spectroscopic searches for CN emission as well as absorption at 0.7 microns that could indicate the presence of hydrated minerals, finding an upper limit CN production rate of QCN<1.5x10^23 mol/s, from which we infer a water production rate of QH2O<5x10^25 mol/s, and no evidence of the presence of hydrated minerals. Numerical simulations indicate that P/2012 T1 is largely dynamically stable for >100 Myr and is unlikely to be a recently implanted interloper from the outer solar system, while a search for potential asteroid family associations reveal that it is dynamically linked to the ~155 Myr-old Lixiaohua asteroid family.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ Letter