2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Hands-on Mechanics Learning through the Design and Testing of an Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter in a Senior Capstone Project

Presented at Mechanics Div (MECHS) Tech Session 8: How to Learn

This paper presents a two-year senior capstone project centered on the design, fabrication, and experimental evaluation of an Oscillating Water Column (OWC)-based wave energy converter as a platform for hands-on mechanics learning. The system integrates a serpentine air chamber and an axial impulse turbine, enabling students to investigate airflow dynamics, turbine response, and energy conversion behavior under controlled wave conditions. Experimental testing was conducted at both laboratory scale and in a large programmable wave tank, where students collected airflow velocity and turbine rotational speed (RPM) data. While initial small-scale prototypes exhibited limited performance due to scale constraints, these outcomes were intentionally leveraged as instructional opportunities, guiding students toward diagnostic reasoning, system-level analysis, and justified redesign. The final large-scale system achieved rotational speeds exceeding 9,000 RPM, demonstrating effective airflow generation and turbine response under resonant wave conditions. Beyond technical development, the project is framed as an engineering education case study. Student learning was assessed through a structured, ABET-aligned framework using milestone reviews, design artifacts, faculty evaluation, and performance-based evidence. Results indicate that students developed the ability to diagnose experimental limitations, interpret data within appropriate physical contexts, and iteratively refine engineering systems. This work provides a replicable model for integrating renewable energy systems into undergraduate mechanics education while emphasizing failure-informed learning and evidence-based assessment.

Authors

Dr. Yang Gao North Carolina A&T State University [biography]

Dr. Yang Gao is an Adjunct Professor and Associate Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. His research focuses on developing fundamental algorithms for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), particularly for high-fidelity modeling of complex, unsteady flows. He leads the development of the third generation of NCAT’s in-house CFD solver (IDS), which enables accurate and robust simulations using simplified, physically grounded algorithms.

In addition to his work in CFD, Dr. Gao is actively engaged in marine renewable energy research, focusing on the modeling, experimental testing, and performance analysis of Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy converters. His research bridges theoretical fluid mechanics with practical engineering applications through hands-on undergraduate capstone projects and interdisciplinary collaboration with research partners such as the Coastal Studies Institute.

Dr. Gao has published over 20 peer-reviewed papers and presented his work at leading international conferences, including AIAA SciTech Forum, AIAA AVIATION Forum, ASME Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, and ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. His recent recognitions include 1st Place at the 2025 FEDSM Flow Visualization Competition, 2nd Place at the 2023 AIAA Flow Visualization Showcase (Most Artistic Flow), and the 2023 ASME Lewis F. Moody Award for his contributions to backpressure control in scramjet isolators.
Dr. Xingguang Li North Carolina A&T State University [biography]

Xingguang Li is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. His work focuses on engineering education and the development of hands-on, project-based learning environments in undergraduate mechanical engineering curricula. He has contributed to capstone projects involving renewable energy systems, including oscillating water column wave energy converters, to support experiential learning and ABET-aligned assessment. His interests include design-based learning, experimental pedagogy, and student-centered engineering education.
Dr. Paul Akangah http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5867-2112 North Carolina A&T State University [biography]

Dr. Paul Akangah is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from NC A&T and has over two decades of experience in academia and industry. His expertise spans composite materials, fracture mechanics, and finite element analysis, with a strong emphasis on engineering education and student success. Dr. Akangah’s research and pedagogical work focus on improving retention, active learning strategies, and preparing underrepresented students for STEM careers. He is an active member of ASEE and has presented multiple papers at national conferences on engineering education and student pathways.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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