Computer-aided instruction in wave propagation phenomena

Author

Zirilli, F.

Volume

7

Issue

5

fYear

1998

fDate

10/1/1998 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

215

Lastpage

220

Abstract

A `virtual laboratory´ which uses computer simulation and visualisation techniques is proposed for the training of high school and college students in the study of wave propagation phenomena. Physical laboratory experiments are replaced by numerical experiments based on a mathematical model and its numerical simulation on a computer. Simple experiments that can be performed in a water tank with simple tools are simulated in the `virtual laboratory´ using the wave equation as a mathematical model. As an example the interference between the waves generated by two time harmonic point sources is studied and Bragg´s law observed. In the `virtual laboratory´ students can design their own experiments and observe the results of the numerical simulations via animation techniques

Keywords

computer aided instruction; computer animation; electrical engineering computing; electrical engineering education; electromagnetic wave propagation; engineering graphics; laboratory techniques; numerical analysis; student experiments; Bragg´s law; CAI; animation techniques; college students; computer simulation; high school students; mathematical model; numerical simulation; time harmonic point sources; training; virtual laboratory; visualisation; wave equation; wave propagation phenomena;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Engineering Science and Education Journal

Publisher

iet

ISSN

0963-7346

Type

jour

DOI

10.1049/esej:19980506

Filename

730813