Improvement in Learning on Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Courses Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the teaching of fluid mechanics and heat transfer on courses for the industrial engineer degree at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (Spain). In order to improve the engineering education, a pedagogical method that involves project-based learning, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), was applied. The project-based learning works well for mechanical engineering education, since it prepares students for their later professional training. The courses combined applied and advanced concepts of fluid mechanics with the basic numerical aspects of CFD, including validation of the results obtained. In this approach, the physical understanding of practical problems of fluid mechanics and heat transfer played an important role. Satisfactory numerical results were obtained by using both Phoenics and Fluent finite-volume codes. Some cases were solved using the well known Matlab software. Comparisons were made between the results obtained by analytical solutions (if any) with those reached by CFD general-purpose codes and with those obtained by Matlab. This system provides engineering students with a solid comprehension of several aspects of thermal and fluids engineering.