Abstract:

The experience we communicate focuses on designing a class activity based on the integration of content from various disciplines through an approach which supports mathematical models that connect theoretical knowledge with real systems, thus making the applied equations, the interpretation of the manipulated parameters and the results obtained meaningful. Using simulation software in advanced Mathematics courses optimizes teaching-learning process since students can observe phenomena and design the physical systems associated with specific applications.
Theoretical mathematical contents taught in an isolated and disconnected way do not facilitate the students’ skills required to develop competence in higher levels of the career. As analytic methods are not usually satisfactory to solve partial differential equations in certain boundary conditions, for non-ideal fluids, using computational methods becomes relevant to obtain solutions and analyze behaviors.
We designed a laboratory experience to analyze the boundary layer flow between a viscous fluid and a solid using the COMSOL Multi-physics simulation software in order to present partial differential equations through the application of the finite element method. By means of numerical simulation and basic knowledge on fluid flow, simple problems are introduced using a software platform both to evaluate the importance of results obtained in an analytical and symbolic way, and to enhance learning possibilities offered by virtual laboratory which supports disciplinary integration activities.

Keywords:

Simulation, computational mathematics, fluid flow, mathematical modeling.