Model Description This is a demonstration of the concept of total energy. There are three principle components to total energy for introductory thermodynamics: potential energy, kinetic energy, and internal energy. This demonstration should take 3-5 minutes. Engineering Principle Total energy is the sum of all forms of energy for a system. In introductory thermodynamics it […]
Model Description This is a demonstration designed to introduce the basic concepts of psychrometry, the adiabatic saturation or wet bulb temperature, sling psychrometers and the ASHRAE comfort zone. This demonstration should take 8-10 minutes. Engineering Principle This demonstration is best used in a Thermodynamics course when the topic of psychrometrics is introduced. It is designed […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the concept of conservation of mass. By pouring an incompressible fluid (molasses), it is clearly demonstrated that as the velocity of the flow increases, the cross-sectional area of the flow must decrease. This demonstration should take 8-10 minutes. Engineering Principle Mass is conserved when the mass flow rate […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the basic principles open and closed systems. It reinforces the conservation of mass and energy. This demonstration should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle Most students have a basic understanding of open and closed systems, but tend to get lost in the terminology. In order to assist in the […]
Model Description This is a demonstration designed to generate a conceptual discussion about the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and the Kelvin-Planck statement of the law in particular. It utilizes a pendulum to introduce the concept of irreversibilities due to friction. This demonstration should take 10-15 minutes. Engineering Principle This demonstration is based on the assumption […]
Model Description This is not a hands on demonstration, but a visual aid designed to generate discussion about the Clausius statement of the 2nd Law. This activity should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle The Clausius statement of the 2nd Law states “It is impossible to construct a device that operates in a cycle and produces […]
Model Description This is a simple demonstration of the basic principles and behavior underlying projectile motion. A Nerf gun is used to show that projectile motion can be modeled by a particle having a vertical component of motion with constant acceleration, and a horizontal component with constant velocity (zero acceleration). This demonstration should take 5-8 […]
Model Description This is a simple demonstration to illustrate initial deformation, primary creep and secondary creep of a material subjected to a constant load over time. Students can observe a phenomenon over a few days that often takes years to complete. Students can compute the steady state creep rate and gain an appreciation for the […]
Model Description This is a demonstration that uses a fish tank to reinforce the definition of a fluid and some of the important physical characteristics associated with fluids. This demonstration should take 3-5 minutes. Engineering Principle A fluid is defined as a substance that continuously deforms when subjected to a shear stress. Additionally, the molecular […]
Model Description This is a simple demonstration of the basic principles of internal fluid flow and can also cover major losses. The demonstration can cover concepts such as conservation of mass, volumetric flow rates, flow regimes, use of the Moody Chart and major head losses. This demonstration should take 10 minutes. Engineering Principle Internal flow […]