Versatile Desktop Experiment Module (DEMo) on Heat Transfer
Abstract
This paper outlines a new Desktop Experiment Module (DEMo) engineered for a chemical engineering junior-level Heat Transfer course. This new DEMo learning tool is versatile, fairly inexpensive, and portable such that it can be positioned on student desks throughout a classroom. The DEMo system can illustrate conduction of various materials, thermal energy generation, thermal contact resistance, heat dissipation from fins, and convection across surfaces of varying geometry. Advantages of this approach are that students can closely examine and fiddle with the system to see cause and effect better than with instructor led demonstrations. These learning tools can also serve as vibrant hands-on experiments with high school students.