Virtual laboratory development for undergraduate engineering courses

The mechanical engineering program at the United States Military Academy (USMA) has recently explored virtual laboratories for its undergraduate thermodynamics course to complement - or someday replace - existing full-scale laboratory equipment. During the fall term 2003, mechanical engineering faculty developed a virtual gas turbine laboratory and offered a fully digital virtual laboratory exercise in the undergraduate thermodynamics course. By digitally reproducing the laboratory setup, introduction, instrumentation, data collection and analysis, the virtual experience captured the essence of the laboratory. This paper explores virtual laboratory development and future opportunities for virtual educational events. Results of the first version of the USMA Virtual Gas Turbine Laboratory and details of its development are provided.