Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
A Liquid Piston Engine Designette: Creative Learning in Thermodynamics
Cassandra, Telenko; Shannon, Yee; Julie, Linsey; Todd, Sulchek; Wendy, Newstetter
Type:
Year:
2016
Editor:
Julie Linsey, Maria Yang, and Yukari Nagai
Author:
Series:
ICDC
ISBN:
978-1-904670-82-7
Abstract:
To develop engineers who can creatively apply their technical knowledge, more opportunities within traditional engineering courses to practice this skill are needed. This paper describes a liquid piston engine designette aimed at infusing more creativity and hands-on learning into a thermodynamics classroom. Thermodynamics presents a challenging topic that can be counter-intuitive and difficult for students. The authors created the designette by adapting laboratory experiments with a low-cost liquid piston engine. The engine design was decomposed into a set of reconfigurable factors and components. Students were given autonomy to select from 12 pre-built configurations based upon their own preliminary analysis. The experimentation greatly increased the number of designs tested for the research project, and allowed students to apply knowledge in an autonomous and creative fashion. This paper presents some of the creative decisions and performance outcomes of the students engaged in the open-ended, creative learning activity.
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