APPLICATION OF COMPUTER SIMULATION IN
TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Milan Marjanović, Snežana Dragićević, Ivan Milićević, Marko Popović, Vojislav Vujičić
Faculty of Technical Sciences, Čačak, University of Kragujevac
INTRODUCTION
Students can learn in various ways. Simulation is a very general and flexible teaching
approach that can be used in most disciplines.
The computer simulation has a high potential to influence learning in technical science.
Teaching courses using simulation software have to be supported by suitable didactic
concepts, which need to cover classroom activities as well as computational exercises.
Due to an increase in computational power and improvement of software designs, computer
systems can imitate situations of great complexity and provide a high level of interactivity.
Main simulation characteristics that strongly influence learning achievements:
• Choice of the simulation software has to closely match the interests and abilities of the students;
• Simulation tools have to be user-friendly for students so they can be efficient in their assignment work;
• Allowing group cooperation equals to generating new ideas, solving problems, and helping students
learn from each other;
• “Fun” factor. If students like to play around with the tool, they also learn more.
INTRODUCTION
Why are simulations good for students?
• Provide opportunities for student discussion and interaction, and thus, increase
communication,
• It can be applicable to students of all levels and ages,
• Students are activated. They have to take responsibility, make decisions and organize their
work,
• Helps students see complex relationships that would otherwise involve expensive
equipment or dangerous experiments,
• Exceptionally high motivation for improvement of further learning capabilities,
• Teachers can pick the topic that is relevant for students,
• Progress in the exercise is visible to the teacher during class and easily measurable after
class,
• Simulations can reduce teachers' teaching times, etc.
ENERGY2D IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Founder: Dr Charles Xie, a physicist working at the Concord Consortium, Massachusetts, USA
Dr Xie created Energy2D in 2010 and is being actively developed by him and his team.
Energy2D is a two-dimensional interactive heat transfer simulation program based on
computational fluid dynamics.
Energy2D software is based on a unique semi-Lagrangian McCormack method, which is
invented by dr Xie, that approximately solve the Navier-Stokes equation.
Although this method is not unconditionally stable, it is capable of simulating turbulent flows.
ENERGY2D IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION
The models that are designed in Energy2D generate dynamic visualizations, so by running
them the student can see heat transfer in real time.
Simulations also execute quickly, which is key to maintaining student interest and making
it possible to undertake many experiments and design modifications in a short time.
Students can simplify and approximate 3D problems, by a 2D model that can be easily
and quickly simulated in Energy2D.
It should be noted that all models are changeable. Students can easily change the
location, dimensions, and thermal properties of the walls, add and remove heat sources
and place temperature, flux, and velocity sensors anywhere they want.
Also, students can easily create new models from scratch on their own or interfere
anytime while a simulation is already running.
There are also graph options which can print sensor data values. All sensor data can be
exported in a table which is convenient for further use if needed.
Some examples of Energy2D
Simulation of the first and
second law of thermodynamics.
Some examples of Energy2D
Simulation of the heat
conduction through different
materials.
Some examples of Energy2D
Simulation of the natural and
forced convection.
Some examples of Energy2D
Simulation of forced convection
with different wind speeds
(higher speeds causing
turbulent flows).
Some examples of Energy2D
Simulation of air infiltration in
a building with two leaks.
Some examples of Energy2D
Simulation of forced air flow
around an obstacle.
ENERGY3D
Energy3D is a engineering tool for designing green buildings and power stations that
harness renewable energy.
The program was written in the Java programming language with the goal to support the
education and learning.
Two important features make Energy3D an appropriate tool for learning and teaching
design:
• Easy interface for 3D modeling,
• Graphical representations of simulation results.
Students can sketch a structure or import existing form CAD file, place it in any day and
location on a map like “Google Maps”. Energy3D can add, combine, and modify standard
elements to make a wide variety of designs.
This software offers integrated tutorials for students with models for understanding solar
energy and other energy applications.
Some examples of Energy3D
A simulation of solar irradiance
map of two same houses with
different roof colors for a
location in Belgrade.
Based on computational physics
and weather data, solar irradiance
heat map can be evaluated.
Solar irradiance heat map
visualizes the distribution of solar
radiation on surfaces on a daily
basis which can be used for the
solar energy potential analysis.
Some examples of Energy3D
Photovoltaic solar power
station on a bus stop for a
Belgrade location conditions
for the 1st July.
Software allows students to
change dimensions, angles and
orientation of panels, conditions,
locations, etc.
Some examples of Energy3D
A concentrated solar power
tower.
Software can project build and
maintenance costs through years of
use.
CONCLUSIONS
The application of Energy2D and Energy3D educational tools in technical education is
analyzed in this paper.
The most important advantages of these computer simulation in education are
interactive feature, fostering students’ visualization, and enhancing their problem-
solving process.
It is suggested that computer simulation in education cannot be considered as a stand-
alone pedagogical resource since they cannot replace conventional classroom
instructions, but it can make learning and understanding for students a whole lot easier
and quicker.
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR ATTENTION !