Challenge In The Classroom

Challenging Problems and Research as Vital Components of Computer Science, Engineering and Math Courses

Dr. Vladimir Riabov
University of New Hampshire
Newbridge Networks Inc.

Friday, January 29, 1999
11 a.m.
Fuller Labs 311

One problem the aerospace industry faces is that newly graduated engineers are often ill-equipped to do the jobs available [Aerospace America, Vol. 33, No. 3, 1995, pp. 35-41]. As a result, their prospects for finding a good job in aerospace remain grim.

Some Computer Science, Engineering and Math courses in American colleges have been analyzed to find positive factors which would be helpful in mutually beneficial cooperation between colleges and industry. The analysis of traditional and modern applications of the course concepts [design of a hypersonic vehicle, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, anisotropic media and liquid crystals, properties of Martian atmospheric gases, non-monotone aerodynamic coefficients of simple-shape bodies, etc.] and ways of collaboration between industry and universities have been provided. Students' mistakes have been reviewed, allowing generation of new research ideas and numerical algorithms in projectile aerodynamics and rarefied gas dynamics, as well as discovery of new physical phenomena [non-monotone pressure changes, an opposite sign of the Magnus (lift) force on a rotating cylinder, the drag reduction, the absence of the Reynolds analogy between heat flux and skin friction]. Abstract group analysis has been applied to find common features in algebra, continuum theory and classical artificial intelligence. Challenge in the classroom allows for the motivation of students in the analysis of modern physical concepts, math methods and numerical algorithms, the development of strong background and research skills, finding unique solutions to new problems, the development of new physical concepts and computational algorithms, and the preparation of students for success and survival in an industrial environment.

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Micha Hofri

Colloquium Coordinator

Carolina Ruiz

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Last modified: Sep 27, 2006, 16:05 EDT