Performing Interactively A Thermo-Fluids Laboratory Experiment in the Virtual Domain

This paper deals with the development of an experiment in the virtual domain for the undergraduate thermo-fluids laboratory in the mechanical engineering program. A physical experiment titled Venturimeter as a Flow Measuring Device is replicated as a computer-based experiment as part of the ongoing effort at Old Dominion University to develop web-based laboratories that would provide students hands-on experience in the virtual domain. A web-based module is developed that allows experimentation and data taking in a virtual setting much like in the physical experiment. This module incorporating the virtual venturimeter has been used by students to take data for several flow rates to determine the coefficient of venturimeter as a function of Reynolds number. The proposed virtual module will provide impetus for development of virtual engineering laboratories which in turn may make it possible offering of web-based undergraduate engineering programs at Old Dominion University