Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Ayush Dwivedi , Gorakh Sawant , Ashish Karn ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, IN

Abstract

The study of fluid mechanics spans several engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Chemical, Environmental, Petroleum, and Biomedical Engineering. In all these disciplines, hydraulic loss calculations in pipes are extremely important. However, the iterative nature of the solution to these engineering problems makes it intricate and cumbersome to solve. Further, it gets very difficult to visualize the solutions to such iterative problems for a wide variety of cases. The current paper aims to bridge this gap by the creation of two open-source Excel-VBA based computational solvers. The first tool corresponds to the determination of the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor through the Colebrook Equation and its visualization on a Moody's chart, which can be effectively employed by engineering instructors as an active learning tool. Second, a complete tool covering all four kinds of pipe flow situations (including the iterative problems) has been developed. The developed computational tools were employed in an undergraduate Fluid Mechanics classroom and the detailed student responses were collected on ten aspects related to teaching and learning divided broadly under four categories – 'overall rating', 'student perceptions on self-learning', 'Improvement in teaching delivery', and 'recommendation for other courses'. The data collected from student responses were subjected to statistical analysis. The results of hypothesis testing and the p-value calculations clearly justify the immense usefulness of this tool in the improvement of the overall teaching-learning process of Fluid Mechanics. Finally, the developed computational tools are being hosted free on the web for the benefit of engineering instructors, learners and professionals alike.

Keywords

Pipe Losses, Computational Tool, Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulic Loss, Moody's Chart, Excel VBA.

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Ashish Karn ¹, Rohit Mahawar ¹, Priyanshu Dwivedi ¹, Raghav Agarwal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES Dehradun, Uttarakhand, IN

Abstract

This study reports an investigation into the use of computational techniques applied to selected Turbo machinery problems. Students in their third year of a B.S./ B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering program often focus on this topic. As a result of being exposed to an overwhelming quantity of hypothetical ideas, loads of recipes, and references from information handbooks, students sometimes become overwhelmed during lessons on Turbomachinery. An intuitive learning scenario, such as a computerized setting, can be useful in some circumstances. Thus, computer-based exercises are essential to improve dynamic learning. This study will present an alternate technique of demonstrating the turbo machinery analysis using Excel/VBA. The classroom isn't the only setting where a powerful computer application can alter the way subjects are learned and homework is completed. Both students and teachers can benefit from the introduction of this technology. Students will benefit from having this tool available because it will eliminate the need for lengthy calculations and allow them to easily observe the effects of changing values on various variables, thereby improving their understanding of the subject matter and increasing their interest in and enthusiasm for studying it. Further, it will aid educators in conveying a variety of turbomachinery ideas to their students. In addition, students can use these resources in the project's design phase. This program can do more than just solve the equations; it can also tell you how the various parameters influence the forces. This means that students can complete as many calculations as they need with the touch of a button, without the risk of making a mistake or growing bored with the process.

Keywords

Computational tool; engineering tool; Excel/VBA; innovative pedagogy; turbomachinery tool.

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Ashish Karn ¹, Ayush Vyas ¹, Anubha Upadhyay ¹, Ayush Dwivedi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, UPES Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, IN

Abstract

In various fields like automobiles, construction, etc., the structural analysis of each component or sub-system must be done to ensure its safe operation. The structural analysis of these components entails the determination of parameters like shear force, bending moment at different locations. Usually, such computations are cumbersome, and hence a simplified approach is adopted, that involves drawing shear force diagram (SFD) and bending moment diagram (BMD) for the components. These diagrams can be effectively utilized to determine the dimensions of the components, select the appropriate material for the structure etc. Also, by utilizing the values of maximum shear force and bending moments, the maximum deflection in a beam or other structure can be ascertained. However, the process of drawing these diagrams is cumbrous and involves a lot of meticulous effort and time, which sometime poses a challenge in the effective teaching and learning of these concepts. The current paper reports the development of computational tools using the excel VBA platform and its implementation in the pedagogy of an undergraduate solid mechanics classroom. The developed tools can be easily employed to instantaneously draw the SFD and BMD diagrams for the beam under a variety of loading conditions, facilitating the inference-based learning of cantilevers and beams. Two distinct tools were developed, one for drawing the SFD and BMD of both cantilever and simply supported beams, and another one to determine the deflection and slope in the same two beams. The tools reported in the current manuscript can be effectively utilized for teaching by the demonstration of parametric variations under various loading conditions, for improved comprehension of the concepts and self-learning as well as in real world engineering to get preliminary design guidelines. Upon the development of these computational tools, these have been introduced to undergraduate mechanical engineering class of a sizable population and student responses regarding the efficacy of such tools in aiding the learning process has been recorded through an anonymous feedback. The subsequent hypothesis testing and obtained p-values strongly justify the extreme usefulness of the tools, both as a teaching and learning strategy.

Keywords

SFD, BMD, cantilever beam, simply supported beam, computational tool, Excel VBA

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