Work in progress — Computer simulations to correct misconceptions in fluid flow and heat transfer fundamentals

The use of computer simulation of basic fluid flow and heat transfer processes to correct misconceptions and improve learning of engineering principles is being investigated. Computer simulations that emphasize visualization of velocity, pressure, and temperature profiles in simple fluid flow and heat transfer problems were made with COMSOL Multiphysics(TM), a user friendly commercial finite element software package. The simulations were used in a senior chemical engineering laboratory course as part of a review of fundamentals before proceeding to more involved studies of fluid flow and heat transfer in real world equipment. To assess the value of the simulations, students were given diagnostic quizzes with relevant concept inventory questions before and after they used them. The students had previously studied fluids and heat transfer, but the diagnostic quizzes indicated they had forgotten or misunderstood some of the fundamentals. These students scored significantly higher on the diagnostic quizzes after they studied the simulations than they did before.