Graphics as a learning aid: Developing visual models can be the key to solving difficult engineering problems

The computer can plot the data unblemished by personal biases and idiosyncrasies, and, provided that the physics is correct, the representation will be accurate. Thus, rather than getting a graphic that shows what one thinks ought to be, one gets a graphic that accurately reflects the model. People make mistaken interpretations based on a drawing in a textbook in which the artist was given considerable license. Another advantage computers have over the art department is that most scientific calculations today are of a sophisticated nature and must be done on a computer. Thus, there is an economy of effort in having a computer plot the data in graphical form when this must be done from calculations. Perhaps, more importantly, the computer can plot the data while the calculations are proceeding. Seeing the solution evolve graphically as the calculation progresses is quite fascinating, and a powerful diagnostic tool. Developing visual models can be the key to solving difficult engineering problems.