Enhancing learning experience of turbine engineering using finite element method software

Abstract

The call for providing practical learning opportunities to students is prominent in engineering education. To address this requirement, an experiential learning approach was applied in a turbine engineering course emphasizing on practice-based learning. It is expected that after completing this course, the students will capable to undertake design calculation of specified turbine for assessing and predicting its performance. In this research, the Finite Element Method (FEM), a numeric procedure for analysing a wide variety of engineering problems was incorporated within the Kolb’s experiential learning cycle to give visualization of physical behaviour of a turbine. The ADDIE method consists of a series of activities (analysis, design, develop, and evaluation) was employed in this study to develop a lesson plan of turbine engineering. This research is to supposed to establish a new learning options for turbine engineering courses which increases student understanding of basic turbine engineering concept as well as provides opportunities for students to have experience in designing a wind turbine with FEM. After completing the development stage, it was found that the instructor responses positively to implement the learning module for turbine engineering.