Use of FLUENT Software in a First-Year Engineering Microfluidic Design Course

Currently, the integration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software is typically only seen in higher level courses at the undergraduate level((1) (2) (3)). In this case, students are equipped with the basics of fluid dynamics from their core classes, which allows them to focus on the implementation of such problems and the rote mechanics of operating in the CFD environment((4)). This approach, while helpful in preparing students for industry, robs them of a visualization tool which could have supplemented traditional course material throughout their undergraduate careers. The Ohio State University has created a "cornerstone" design course, available to freshmen, in which basic micro-fluid dynamics concepts are presented, using CFD software as a visualization and verification tool((5)). This allows freshmen to identify and develop an interest in fluid dynamics at the start of their undergraduate career, perhaps shaping their progression throughout the curriculum. Overall, this course is still somewhat a work-in-progress, but also a unique proof of concept for teaching computational modeling early in an undergraduate curriculum. Results were seen in the high quality of the work produced by students, as well as the enthusiastic student reviews for the course. The course concludes with a poster presentation, judged by industry professionals in the fields of chemical, mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering, as well as biology, chemistry, and medicine.