Recognized by Colleges of Distinction, with additional Field of Study recognition in business, education, engineering, nursing, and career development, Otterbein University places a strong emphasis on its STEM academic programs. Since the first Systems Engineering class in 2015 and the inaugural Mechanical Engineering cohort two years later, Otterbein has proudly graduated 117 students from the programs.
The Point: A Hub of Innovation
Completed in 2018, The Point is Otterbein’s state-of-the-art facility that houses the Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics. This dynamic space also hosts various Corporate Partners and an innovative Maker Space, a fabrication centre accessible to faculty, students, staff, and corporate collaborators. The Point fosters an environment of innovation and practical learning, crucial for engineering education.
Spotlight on the Thermal Science Laboratory
The Thermal Science Laboratory at Otterbein is the focus of today’s case study. The lab is led by Professor Daniel Mendelson, who has over 40 years' engineering teaching experience. He currently teaches thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, the senior’s automation course, alongside assisting with freshmen lab courses. His Thermal Science Lab supports all his lectures, and it features TecQuipment apparatus as an easy way for students to practice experiments.
Innovative Teaching with TecQuipment
In Professor Mendelsohn’s Thermal Science Labs students independently conduct experiments using TecQuipment’s practical teaching equipment and the lab manuals.
Otterbein is equipped with TecQuipment lab apparatus that helps students easily grasp theoretical concepts. The lab includes:
Fluid Mechanics:
- Digital Hydraulic Bench (H1F) for all fluid mechanics experiments.
- Flow Meter Apparatus (H40) for Pitot Tube, Venturi, Orifice Flow Meters, and Radial Velocity Distribution in Pipe Flow.
- Vortex Apparatus (H13) for studying Vortex Flow.
Heat Transfer:
- Heat Transfer Base Unit (TD1002) and experiments for Radial and Extended Surface Heat Conduction.
The Impact of Practical Learning
The hands-on experience in the lab, particularly with the Hydraulic Bench (H1F) and Vortex Apparatus (H13), allows students to witness fluid dynamics in action. Through these experiments, students observe and measure the behaviour of forced and free vortices, solidifying their understanding of fluid mechanics theory. The intuitive setup and user-friendly design of TecQuipment’s apparatus enable seamless integration into the curriculum, enhancing the teaching and student learning experience.
A Visual and Practical Connection to Theory
Professor Mendelsohn highlights the value of visualising theoretical concepts:
“When students create and measure the shape of the rotating fluid, it brings home the mathematical results from fluid mechanics theory. Seeing the shape replicated almost exactly in front of them makes the theoretical predictions much more tangible.”
The experiments with forced and free vortices vividly demonstrate key fluid dynamics principles. In a forced vortex, students observe rigid body rotation, while in a free vortex, they see how angular velocity increases towards the centre of the whirlpool. These visual and practical insights bringing to life theoretical learning.
A Testimonial to TecQuipment’s Excellence
Having selected TecQuipment based on a strong recommendation, Professor Mendelsohn affirms the ease of use and thorough documentation of the equipment. He notes:
“This was only the second lab I have set up and chosen the equipment for. The TecQuipment product range came strongly recommended from a sales rep we had worked with successfully in the past. It is easy to use, and the documentation is thorough.”
With cutting-edge facilities and dedicated faculty, Otterbein University is committed to empowering future engineers and the Thermal Science Laboratory is a shining example of how TecQuipment’s products enhance engineering education. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, TecQuipment helps cultivate the next generation of engineers, equipped with both applied knowledge and practical skills that will enable students to easily step into real world working scenarios and succeed in the ever-evolving engineering landscape.
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