Two-dimensional heat transfer was analyzed using the Finite Element Method. Brian and I were taking the Finite Element Method course with Dr. Chandrakanth and had experience in the subject. Dr. Shet has helped us in understanding the material using various examples to teach the class. Heat Transfer using the Algor program, however, had to be learned without the help of Dr. Shet because the material was not covered in the course. Algor is a program very much like ProE where we had to play with the program to obtain the correct values and diagrams. Brian took additional action when the Algor program would not respond to the heat transfer analysis. Computer associates from the multimedia center on the third floor of the engineering building were contacted and responded immediately to fix the problem.
The powerpoint presentation did not commence according to our plans. That morning Brian and I only presented half of our Heat Transfer introduction slides until the network shut down. We presented the rest of the slides that afternoon which became difficult as students not in attendance of the first class meeting asked questions about the previous slides presented that morning. Once we explained the heat transfer example in Algor the students began to grasp the concepts. For those who had additional questions regarding the Finite Element Method, having our presentation displayed on the developed webpage assisted them in finding additional background information.
The webpage was an excellent tool for students and should be made available before the presentation. Contacting information for Brian and I was made available to answer any questions on the material. Using the web-links will have assisted those who wanted to read ahead and could have their concerns addressed before the presentation. This way the excuse of the students not being there would not be an issue because the material was provided in advance. The webpage was developed as a reference to the formulas and steps used in our presentation. This resource was beneficial for students in referencing information for their heat transfer assigned homework as well as retrieve data for other courses.
I believe this Learning-By Teaching project was altogether a very good idea. It has been proven over again that students learn by doing and learn even more by teaching. This exercise has helped me in the understanding of two-dimensional heat transfer as well as the Algor program and its functions. Creating a presentation using powerpoint is always helpful in improving our presentation skills. Working in a team environment and designing webpages are analytical tools that are always beneficial for an engineer. For these reasons this assignment should continue in future Analytical Tools courses.