Engineering Multiphysics Research

Authors

  • Ivana Milanovic University of Hartford
  • Tom Eppes University of Hartford
  • Ingrid Russell University of Hartford

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v7i2.1641

Keywords:

multiphysics modeling, multidisciplinary design, contextual projects

Abstract


This paper describes an engineering undergraduate course that covers the methods and techniques of multiphysics modeling. Students become active participants in analysis and discovery by being challenged to solve a sequence of problems related to high priority technology areas. Projects range from power systems and thermal control of habitats to autonomous flight systems and harsh environment electronics. Working in a cooperative learning environment, teams encounter a series of assignments that build on existing skills while gradually expanding their knowledge and expertise in disciplines outside of their own. This project-based approach employs a scaffolding structure with assignments organized in progressively challenging modules supported by mentoring. Each project begins with a problem definition which requires consideration of factors and influences beyond a single discipline. Solution development then moves to setting material properties, boundary constraints and including the necessary physics engines. For many students, this is the first in depth exposure to problems with specialized terminologies, driving equations and limiting conditions. Lastly, solving and post processing are addressed exploring steady state, time-variant, frequency response, optimization and sensitivity methods. The paper discusses the teaching and learning strategies, course structure, outcome assessment and project examples.

Author Biographies

Ivana Milanovic, University of Hartford

Ivana Milanovic is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hartford. She earned a Ph.D. from Polytechnic University, New York, and an M.S. degree from the University of Belgrade. Her research interests are vortical flows, computational fluid dynamics, multiphysics modeling, and collaborative learning strategies.

Tom Eppes, University of Hartford

Tom A. Eppes is Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Hartford. He earned a Ph.D from the University of Michigan and an M.S. degree from Texas A&M University. His research interests are fiber optic communications, photonics, laser manufacturing processes, multiphysics modeling, and remote laboratories.

Ingrid Russell, University of Hartford

Ingrid Russell is Professor of Computer Science at the University of Hartford. Her research interests are in the areas of machine learning, data mining, pattern recognition, and computer science education. Her work has been funded by NSF, NASA, and the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium. She serves as an associate editor of the International Journal on Artificial Intelligence Tools, and in several other editorial capacities.

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Published

2011-05-07

How to Cite

Milanovic, I., Eppes, T., & Russell, I. (2011). Engineering Multiphysics Research. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 7(2), pp. 24–28. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v7i2.1641

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2011)

Section

Papers

License

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