Kent State University, at the forefront of aerospace engineering education, has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Aeronautics and Engineering building. Dr. Ali Abdul-Aziz, a seasoned professional with 35 years of experience at NASA as a senior research scientist, joined the university in 2016, aiming to establish a robust program in aerospace engineering and thermal fluid sciences. We recently spoke with Dr. Aziz, to get his insights and thoughts about using a range of TecQuipment products in his teaching.

Why was TecQuipment the chosen supplier for Kent State University?

In the pursuit of excellence, Dr. Aziz explored various options for thermal fluid science equipment. Inspired by the success of a colleague's purchase and use of the Subsonic Wind Tunnel (AF1300), he engaged with Cary from Buckeye, our dedicated representative in Ohio.

After a visit to Jackson College, Michigan, USA who helped demonstrate the purchased equipment for their thermofluids and solid mechanic labs and being impressed by the functionality and quality, Dr. Aziz decided to integrate TecQuipment's teaching equipment into Kent State University's cutting-edge curriculum.

Exploring the equipment purchased

The Kent State aerospace engineering programme is brand new and with aims for establish the program as a leader Dr. Aziz with his specialism in thermal analysis was in charge of establishing a thermofluids lab for both undergraduates and postgraduates.

The aim of the undergraduate course is to teach students the fundamental principles of thermosciences: fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. So, with this in mind the lab pieces purchased from TecQuipment were as follows:

The thermofluid lab at Kent State boasts an array of TecQuipment apparatus, including:

• Bernoulli's Theorem Experiment (H5)
• Ideal Gases – Boyle’s Law Experiment (TD1000)
• Ideal Gases – Guy Lussac’s Law Experiment (TD1001)
• Viscosity and Particle Drag Experiment (H410)
• Centre of Pressure Experiment (H11)
• Osborne Reynolds Apparatus (H215) and Heater Module Ancillary (H215A)

Additionally, the lab incorporates heat transfer apparatus’ for both linear and radial heat transfer which are the:

• Heat Transfer Experiment Base Unit (TD1002)
• Linear Heat Conduction Experiment (TD1002a)
• VDAS mkII (FRAME MOUNTED VERSION) (VDAS-F) for seamless experimental data acquisition for analysis

The inspirational Subsonic Wind Tunnel is used by seniors in the advanced research lab that focuses on the topic of applied fluid dynamics:

• Subsonic Wind Tunnel (AF100 Now rebranded as the AF1300)
• Three Component Balance (AFA3 Now rebranded as the AF1300T)
• Balance Angle Feedback Unit (AFA4)
• 150mm Chord Naca 2412 Aerofoil with Variable Flap (AF1300c)
• 32 Way Pressure Display Unit (AFA6)
• VDAS mkII (FRAME MOUNTED VERSION) (VDAS-F)
• Differential Pressure Transducer (AFA5)

Why this Engaging Learning Experience is important to Kent State University

The undergraduate course, a blend of lectures and hands-on lab work, accommodates 28 students or 14 students per session, maximising the lab's capacity. Dr. Aziz ensures a dynamic learning environment, with each week dedicated to different experiments covering fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermal dynamics.

Utilising TecQuipment's Subsonic Wind Tunnel for research projects.

In a separate research-focused lab, Dr. Aziz utilises TecQuipment's Subsonic Wind Tunnel for applied fluid dynamics. The wind tunnel serves as a valuable tool for testing model aircraft and various geometries, enabling students to delve into aerodynamics applications. A notable experiment conducted in the wind tunnel involves studying the effect of winglet configurations on model airplanes. By manipulating parameters such as airspeed, angle of attack, and winglet shape, students analyse coefficients of drag, pressure, and lift. The objective is to enhance aerodynamic performance, potentially leading to fuel savings and minimised drag in real-world aircraft applications.

Having purchased many pieces of equipment from TecQuipment that enables students, to test the theoretical concepts and apply these practically to understand impact in the real world, is why Dr. Aziz is a proud supporter and customer of TecQuipment.

In summary

Kent State University's collaboration with TecQuipment underscores a commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of aerospace engineering. The success of Dr. Aziz's program serves as a testament to TecQuipment's role in shaping the future of engineering education.

Discover how TecQuipment can shape your engineering education programme. Contact us to explore our range of high-quality apparatus and join the ranks of institutions advancing the next generation of engineers.