The Development and Deployment of a Virtual Unit Operations Laboratory

Authors

  • Sreeram Vaidyanath Texas Tech University
  • Jason Williams Texas Tech University
  • Marcus Hilliard Texas Tech University
  • Theodore Wiesner Texas Tech University

Abstract

Computer-simulated experiments offer many benefits to engineering curricula in the areas of safety, cost, and flexibility. We report our experience in developing and deploying a computer-simulated unit operations laboratory, driven by the guiding principle of maximum fidelity to the physical lab. We find that, while the up-front investment in terms of labor in virtual laboratory development is substantial, the benefits of augmenting a physical laboratory with computer-simulations can justify the investment.

Author Biographies

Sreeram Vaidyanath, Texas Tech University

Sreeram Vaidyanath is a software engineer with Microsoft in Bellevue, WA. He completed a Master's of Science degree in Computer Science at Texas Tech University in December 2005, specializing in image registration. Prior to coming to Texas Tech, he earned a Bachelor of Technology degree from the University of Calicut, Kerala, India. His home is Palakkad, India.

Jason Williams, Texas Tech University

Jason L. Williams is a doctoral student in chemical engineering at Texas Tech University. Prior to entering the TTU doctoral program, he earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from TTU in May 2002, during which time he also contributed to the Virtual Unit Operations Laboratory.

Marcus Hilliard, Texas Tech University

Marcus Hilliard is a doctoral student in chemical engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. Prior to entering the UT doctoral program, he earned a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from TTU in May 2002, during which time he contributed to the Virtual Unit Operations Laboratory.

Theodore Wiesner, Texas Tech University

Theodore F. Wiesner is an associate professor of chemical engineering at Texas Tech University. His research interests are computer-based instruction, biomedical engineering, and bioprocess engineering. Prior to entering academia, he worked in the chemical process industries in the areas of polymer manufacture and wastewater treatment. He earned his B.S. degree from Kansas State University, his M.S. from the University of Houston, and his doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology, all in chemical engineering. He is a member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Society of Engineering Education, and the Biomedical Engineering Society.

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Published

2007-04-01

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 2 (2007): Spring 2007

Section

Manuscripts