Simulated Laboratory-Based Learning In A Thermal Fluid Laboratory Course

Abstract The overwhelming and well documented success that stems directly from the integration of hands-on activities into the course core structure educates and develops competent and independent engineers. Most educators look for experiential learning elements to engage students through interactive concept practice, thus leading their students to reach new levels of comprehension. The coronavirus (Covid-19) created a unique challenge for instructors to adjust the remainder of their courses in order to adapt to a new educational medium. Traditionally hands-on courses, such as laboratory-based courses, also required adaptation. One such course employed a set of simulated thermal experiments as a replacement for the hands-on experiments for the remainder of the semester. The different experimental approach involved a remote demonstration of live simulations of a set of heat exchanger models through an interactive and user-friendly interface. The live simulation allowed for measurement of pressure and temperature differences across the heat exchanger as well as for adjustment of flow rates. This simulated based laboratory experiment was developed and conducted by a senior design group using software such as LabVIEW™ and MATLAB® & Simulink® for implementation and testing in future offering of the thermal laboratory course.