Web Based Fluid Mechanics Experimental System

Fluid mechanics is one of the most challenging areas of engineering sciences, which is great difficult to understand concepts for teachers´ lecturing and students´ learning. This paper describes the development of a Web based fluid mechanics experimental system which combines remote access to actual equipments with software based virtual laboratory. The remote laboratory was developed by retrofitting commercially available fluid mechanics equipments with remote control and remote monitoring capabilities. The resulting system enables the students to access the experimental apparatus via the Internet in real time from anywhere at anytime and to conduct several experiments. A virtual laboratory model with graphic, 2D animation, combine with 3D model achieve a realistic feel of experiment and to enhance the students´ understanding of some complex concepts of fluid mechanics. The flexibility of virtual laboratory enables the expansion of the scope of the experiments to parameter ranges and configurations that would not be suitable for remote laboratory. This Web based laboratory can be valuable and perhaps even preferable alternatives to the traditional hands-on experiments.