Evaluating Effectiveness and Appeal of a Virtual Laboratory in an Undergraduate Fluid Mechanics Course

Daniel Aurich; Alexander Sommer-Behr; Jakub Neumann; Konrad E.R. Boettcher; Andreas Brümmer

doi:10.3991/ijep.v15i8.59067

Authors

Daniel Aurich TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1130-8567
Alexander Sommer-Behr TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4620-8248
Jakub Neumann TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4296-7817
Konrad E.R. Boettcher TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7856-5234
Andreas Brümmer TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6139-4718

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v15i8.59067

Keywords:

Engineering Education, Fluid Mechanics, Virtual Laboratory

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of a smartphone-based virtual laboratory into a fourth-semester undergraduate fluid mechanics class on pump–piping systems. The virtual laboratory is designed according to constructive alignment and the SOLO taxonomy to foster deep learning. Students interact with realistic 3D system models, adjust component parameters, and receive real-time feedback based on physical simulations. To identify the effectiveness, a pre- and post-test with 26 paired responses showed a small overall improvement in general knowledge, with medium-to-large gains in specific methodological knowledge and selfassessed competence in handling real fluid systems. Student feedback was collected to assess the appeal of the teaching method. Students rate it highly positive (mean rating = 4.42/5), highlighting increased motivation, engagement, and active participation compared to conventional teaching. Future work will expand the app with additional levels targeting diverse learning objectives in fluid mechanics.

Author Biographies

Daniel Aurich, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

Daniel Aurich is a research assistant and doctoral candidate at the Chair of Fluidics, TU Dortmund University (2019 - present). His work focuses on the nonlinear acoustics of brass instruments and the interaction between structural vibrations and sound generation, studied using experimental and numerical methods. Since 2022 he has served as the teaching coordinator of the chair, driving digital and competence-oriented course formats. He also coordinates education projects such as CrossLab - networked, location-independent laboratory environments with AR/VR components and real-time data access - and Freiraum, which pilots innovative teaching/learning scenarios and flexible experimentation with new formats.

Alexander Sommer-Behr, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

Dr.-Ing. Alexander S. Sommer-Behr is a postdoctoral researcher at Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University. His work focuses on digitalization in chemical engineering, including virtual and augmented reality applications, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and data-driven workflows. He completed his doctorate on automated workflows for research data management in catalysis, with emphasis on machine learning, ontology development, and process simulation.

Jakub Neumann, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

Jakub Neumann is a Master’s student in Computer Science at TU Dortmund University (2025–present), after completing his B.Sc. in Computer Science there (2021–2025). He is student assistant the Chair of Fluidics since 2024, a programming expert for Unity and mobile applications and he develops apps for digital teaching and learning, focusing on robust implementation, clean architecture, and an excellent user experience across platforms

Konrad E.R. Boettcher, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

Konrad Boettcher holds a doctorate in Chemical Engineering and serves as a faculty member in the Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering at TU Dortmund University, where he specializes in Fluid Mechanics. He has received multiple teaching awards at both the faculty and university levels. In addition to his academic role, he works as a trainer in higher education pedagogy, with a focus on laboratory instruction, immersive learning environments, and the professional development of early-career educators in engineering. His research interests include engineering education, hydrogen technologies, porous media, and multiphase flow systems.

Andreas Brümmer, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Brümmer, born in 1963, studied aerospace engineering at the TU Braunschweig University where he received a doctorate at the Institute of Fluid Mechanics in the field of soaring birds. His industrial career started in 1997 as Head of Department for Fluid Dynamics at Kötter Consulting Engineers KG. There, he gained first experiences in the physical analysis and elimination of flow-induced vibrations in industrial plants. In 2005, he became Technical Director of the company. Since 2006, he is professor and Head of Fluidics at the TU Dortmund University. His research focus includes the theoretical and experimental analysis of screw-type machines, both in compressor applications (e.g. refrigeration compressors and air compressors, vacuum pumps) and in expander applications (e.g. waste heat utilization). Furthermore, he researches pulsating flows in pumps and screw machines. From 2008 to 2011, he was Vice Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and from 2012 to 2014 Senator at the TU Dortmund University. He is reviewer of several international journals, member of industrial advisory boards and scientific committees and scientific director of the “International Conference on Screw Machines (ICSM)”. He got the “Geoffrey Soar Award” from IMechE in 2018 and the “Dave Tree Award” from the Purdue University, US in 2024.