The effective use of computer assisted learning for teaching Thermo-Fluid engineering Modules

In the education of engineers, much time is spent providing undergraduates with the computational and manipulative skills to be able to use the theoretical tools which will enable them to function as qualified engineers. For thermofluids engineering courses the effort required by some problems means that the student only has time to consider one or two specific solutions rather than general relationships or the implications of altering parameters. Computer software has become more powerful, robust and user friendly and integrating these in the curriculum will be to the advantage of the students. Four case studies (fluid flow in closed conduits, steam turbine power generation, nuclea rpowered steam power plant and heat pumps) are used to demonstrate how the chosen software packages and purpose built applications were used for solving problems related to subject areas of Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Building Services. A proprietary software (MSExcel) was also found to offer a powerful and yet user friendly medium for solving engineering problems. It is observed that the applications of computer software enable the students to obtain accurate solution and yet save considerable time. Apart from time saving there are other significant benefits of using computers in engineering education which can be qualitatively assessed such as enhanced motivation, increased interest and ease of access i.e. students will take more interest if they have to study on laptops or tablets, which are easily carried anywhere rather than studying with pen and paper i.e. traditional method.