Integrating Simulation into the Engineering Curriculum: A Case Study:

In this paper, we describe improved strategies for teaching computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using the commercial software ANSYS Fluent to upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. We consider a case study from an upper-level elective fluid dynamics course and evaluate various out-of-class learning materials and in-class active learning techniques. We show that, in agreement with previous research, most student learning happens out of class. We show a direct correlation between the materials developed in a reference hand-out and the students' expertise in the area. We introduced i-clickers as a means of promoting active learning in the classroom to emphasize the ‘expert approach’ in simulation. Their use received a mixed response from the students and we discuss the reasons and a possible remedy. We demonstrate that carefully designed out-of-class learning materials are crucial to students' learning of CFD, and that i-clickers have to be used with care if they are to be effective in engaging stu...