Version 1
: Received: 18 October 2020 / Approved: 21 October 2020 / Online: 21 October 2020 (16:56:54 CEST)
How to cite:
Garrard, A.; Bangert, K.; Beck, S. Large Scale, Multidisciplinary Laboratory Teaching of Fluid Mechanics. Preprints2020, 2020100446. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202010.0446.v1
Garrard, A.; Bangert, K.; Beck, S. Large Scale, Multidisciplinary Laboratory Teaching of Fluid Mechanics. Preprints 2020, 2020100446. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202010.0446.v1
Garrard, A.; Bangert, K.; Beck, S. Large Scale, Multidisciplinary Laboratory Teaching of Fluid Mechanics. Preprints2020, 2020100446. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202010.0446.v1
APA Style
Garrard, A., Bangert, K., & Beck, S. (2020). Large Scale, Multidisciplinary Laboratory Teaching of Fluid Mechanics. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202010.0446.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Garrard, A., Krys Bangert and Stephen Beck. 2020 "Large Scale, Multidisciplinary Laboratory Teaching of Fluid Mechanics" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202010.0446.v1
Abstract
The nature of fluid mechanics makes experimentation an important part of a course taught in the subject. Presented here is the application of a novel, large scale multidisciplinary model of practical education in a fluids engineering laboratory. Advantages of this approach include efficiencies through economy of scale leading to better pedagogy for students. The scale justifies dedicated academic resources to focus on developing laboratory classes and giving specific attention to designing activities that meet learning outcomes. Four examples of applying this approach to fluids mechanics experiments are discussed, illustrating tactics that have been developed and honed through many repeated instances of delivery. “The measurement lab” uses a flow measurement context to teach identifying and managing general experimental uncertainty. New students, unfamiliar with fluid mechanics are guided through a process to gain understanding that can be applied to all future experimental activities. The “pressure loss in pipes” lab discusses the advantage and process for sharing equipment and teaching resources between multiple cohorts. The provision for students is adapted for context, such as the degree program or year of study. The “weirs big and small” lab provides a methodology to teach the power of dimensional analysis to mechanical engineers using a field of fluid mechanics that is outside their usual theoretical studies. Finally, the “spillway design” lab discusses mechanisms to deliver student independent, open ended experiments at scale, without excessive staff resource requirement.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
