A learning-centred computational fluid dynamics course for undergraduate engineering students

Abstract

The great demands for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) practitioners in industry have motivated universities to integrate CFD courses into undergraduate curricula. This article introduces a learning-centred CFD course that aims to train critical users of commercial CFD codes. The main features of the course include a project-based approach to learning and assessment-guided learning activities, both scaffolded by technologies. The implementation of the course is informed by contemporary pedagogical theories that encourage students to have the ownership of their own learning and constructively build their knowledge in an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The students upon completing the course have developed a conceptual understanding of the CFD principles and the importance of performing CFD simulations in a critical way, making them ready for more advanced CFD learning and practices. Course evaluation based on feedback from various sources demonstrates that the learning-centred approach is the key to the success of the course.