2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

As part of our General Education (GenEd) program, we offer an experimental course on flow visualization to undergraduate students at the Pennsylvania State University. This course aims to bridge the gap between two distinct areas of knowledge: the art and science of fluid mechanics. Designed for students with minimal to no background in photography or physics, this non-mathematical course provides an opportunity for students to explore a variety of aesthetic issues through practical and creative assignments. The course consists of lectures on photography skills, fluid physics, visualization techniques, critique sessions, and a guest lecture. Assignments consist of images paired with written technical reports, and self-reflection sessions to learn "effective communication" skills. Other course objectives evaluated through students’ assignments and projects are "creative thinking" and "integrative thinking". Some samples of student work are presented. This course proved to be very successful in attracting all students (male and female) in both engineering and non-engineering majors.