22 research outputs found
Computer analysis of transient effect on pipe system - using method of characteristics
No full textTransient or unsteady phenomenon in a flow system may occur as a result of closing or opening of valves, stoppage of pumps, etc. This phenomenon has to be taken into consideration during design stage. At present, the use of digital computer is so widely used for two basic reasons, achieving more accuracy and saving time. In this dissertation, the transient effects are analysed using the Method of Characteristics. Besides being able to visualise the actual physical conditions of the flow, the method also caters for all boundary conditions existing in the system. A computer program that is capable of predicting any transient phenomenon in the piping system is produced. A few case studies are identified for analysis, ie, single pipe, series pipe and simple pipe network. The scope of the investigation is limited to transients as a result of valve closure at the downstream end. Two flow parameters, ie, discharge, Q and piezometric head, H are considered. In addition, two types of closure are investigated, namely, rapid and slow closure. In general, results indicate that the transient phenomenon has performed effect around the source (valve). As the distance of propagation increases upstream, this effect slowly deminishes and is finally dissipated. Rapid closure achieves peak pressure time at or before 2L/a, whereas for slow closure, some resonance pressure arises that result in a damping at the end of the time interval
Instilling environmentsl sustainability among first year engineering students using cooperative problem-based learning approach
No full textEnvironmental sustainability is an issue that is not new but is rather complex to define. Quality teaching has been identified as the most effective lever to transform engineering education into delivering the related outcomes for students, who would be engineers of the future. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Cooperative Problem-based Learning (CPBL) in instilling students’ knowledge and promoting behaviour changes associated with environmental sustainability. This study consists of two phases. In phase one, a quantitative study was conducted to investigate the level of students’ prior knowledge and practice on pro-environmental behaviour among 316 first year students from three engineering faculties, prior to admission to the university. These were measured using a set of questionnaire which was adapted from several environmental attitude inventories after it was statistically tested. In phase two, a mixed method research was carried out to investigate the implementation of CPBL towards students’ knowledge and behaviour changes associated with environmental sustainability, as featured in the syllabus of the first-year ‘Introduction to Engineering’ course at one of engineering faculties at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. 63 first year chemical engineering students participated in this phase. In the quantitative study, the questionnaire in phase one was administrated before and upon completion of the course. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software. The statistical results showed that most of the engineering students had low to moderate level of knowledge and effort to practice sustainable lifestyles before the course and increased the level at the end of the course. Furthermore, a qualitative study was also performed to investigate how the use of problem and learning environment in CPBL enhanced students’ knowledge and behaviour using thematic analysis. The results showed the convergence of the four domains of knowledge (declarative, procedural, effectiveness and social) among the students. Supports from the CPBL learning environment had significantly changed students’ perceptions associated with environmental sustainability on knowledge, skills, responsibility and readiness to be engineers in the future. Finally, a framework for teaching environmental sustainability through formal education in engineering which is able to instil students’ knowledge and promote behaviour associated with environmental sustainability was recommended for educators
Developing a structural model to assess students’ knowledge- attitudes towards sustainability
No full textThis paper presents results of a study in developing a structural model of assessing engineering students’ knowledge-attitude towards sustainability. A model of knowledge-attitude with the smallest number of parameters that adequately describes the observed covariance structure was developed using the structural equation model (SEM). Results showed the structural model was reliable and in agreement to identify the influence of knowledge on attitude towards sustainability among engineering students. It was found that the basic knowledge on sustainable development have a strong correlation to develop and improve students’ attitude. It is proposed the model can be used as a tool for lecturers to identify important elements on sustainable development they need to address in preparing lecture materials
Kajian peningkatan prestasi akademik pelajar melalui program kecemerlangan
No full textKecemerlangan akademik merupakan asas untuk mengukur kejayaan seseorang pelajar dalam semua peringkat, dari alam persekolahan hinggalah ke institusi pengajian tinggi. Pelajar cemerlang dalam akademik di peringkat Universiti dikategorikan sebagai mereka yang mencapai prestasi CPA melebihi 3.5. Sokongan dan pemantauan berterusan merupakan salah satu faktor yang telah dikenalpasti sebagai pendorong dan penyumbang kepada peningkatan kecemerlangan seseorang pelajar itu. Kertas kerja ini membincangkan hubungan latar belakang pendidikan dan prestasi akademik pelajar cemerlang yang terpilih mengikuti Program Pembangunan Pelajar Cemerlang di Fakulti Kejuruteraan Awam, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Prestasi akademik pelajar dipantau dan dianalisis berdasarkan kelok prestasi yang akan mengambarkan corak pencapaian di sepanjang pengajian mereka. Hasil kajian yang telah dijalankan mendapati bahawa kejayaan seseorang pelajar itu bukan hanya terletak atas usaha mereka sahaja malahan juga memerlukan sokongan luaran
Perception on Sustainable Development among New First Year Engineering Undergraduates
No full textAbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate students’ perception about their knowledge on sustainable development. The research used qualitative method such as interviews and observations of engineering students in a university in Malaysia. The results showed that most students are clueless about sustainable development at the entry level. Most of them did not know how to explain or elaborate the definition on sustainable development because they have not been exposed previously. Students also unsuccessfully explain the definition of sustainable development but most of them do involved some aspects of their daily activities and are receptive towards sustainable development initiatives such as earth hour, recycling, green technology, climate change and so on
Enhancing the First Year Engineering Student Motivation through an Introductory Engineering Course
No full textDevelopment of students’ knowledge-behavioural changes in relation to sustainability through a case study
No full textThe purpose of this study is to develop students’ knowledge and behavioural changes in relation to sustainability through a case study. Cooperative Problem-Based Learning (CPBL) was used as a teaching and learning approach among the first year chemical engineering students. A case study was designed to create a learning environment where students involved in the ‘Waste to Wealth’ Campus Contest. A quantitative method was conducted. Data for the research were gathered through administrated a survey instrument at the beginning and end of semester. Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy and Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) of changing individual behaviour were used to measure the levels of students’ knowledge and behavioural changes, respectively. The findings showed that CPBL significantly developed students’ knowledge, and behavioural changes towards instilling the awareness of sustainable development
Mechanical properties of kenaf fibrous pulverized fuel ash concrete
No full textThe main objective of the experimental work is to identify the mechanical properties of Kenaf Fiber incorporate with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) in the mix proportions of concrete. Kenaf Fibrous Concrete (KFC) and Kenaf Fibrous Pulverised Fuel Ash Concrete (KFPC) will be measured on physical and mechanical properties in order to investigate the suitability of this natural fiber as a composite material. A comparison of properties between these two composites will determine the density, workability, compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of the concrete. Eight different mixes with varying percentage of Kenaf fiber were prepared with 30N/mm2 strength at 28days ,56 days and 90 days. Short fiber with 25mm and 50mm length were randomly distribute in composite to enhance the tensile and durability. PFA was obtained by the process of burning in the Power Station Coal Ash at Tanjung Bin, Johor. The unburning powder from the process is called as a PFA generally suitable for cement replacement in the concrete mix. The pozzolanic reaction will improve the adhesion of cement gel, hence increased the properties of concrete in a long-term strength development. The result shows that the inclusion of Kenaf fiber improve tensile strength of composite, furthermore the 25% PFA mix increase the durability of concrete
Inculcating sustainable development among engineering students, part 2 : assessing the impact on knowledge and behaviour change
No full textIssues related to sustainability are the primary focus for the 21st century society. Today’s engineering professionals are coming under increased pressure to practice engineering more sustainably. In line with current needs, higher education has a responsibility to produce future engineers who are concerned about sustainable development. Therefore, an understanding on the concept of sustainable development (SD) is the main issue that should be addressed at the stage of education where future engineers are being educated. Educators play a major role in imparting knowledge and commitment towards sustainable development among students through effective teaching and learning approaches to gain meaningful impact. The aim of this study is to assess the impact on knowledge and behaviour change in inculcating SD among first year chemical engineering students enrolled in the ‘Introduction to Engineering’ course, in which Cooperative Problem-Based learning (CPBL) was implemented as a teaching and learning approach. This study involved 89 respondents. A quantitative study was conducted using a knowledge-behaviour instrument. The Rasch Model framework using WINSTEPS version 3.68.2 was employed in this study. Results from the study revealed that applying CPBL significantly improved the levels of students’ knowledge and behaviour change to practice sustainable lifestyles. The study also found that inculcation of SD among first year engineering students can be attained through proper design of problems and learning environment
