We will introduce interactive simulations to explain fundamental nature of air and water and how they behave differently from solids. For example, if you open holes on the side of a water-filled can at different heights, water jets follow different trajectories. Interactive simulations will show the computed results in animation and explain the phenomenon. Another example is how the water flows through pipes. Here we will introduce the concept of pressure. We will explain Bernoulli principle, and demonstrate the relationship between air speed and pressure. Rather than selecting a specialized topic, the intent of this project will be to cover fundamental concepts relevant to their required class room learning. We will consult with local educators as well as faculty in the Education department and present the material to middle and high school students for feedback throughout the project.

Discrete vortex flow simulations will be presented to demonstrate the effect of geometry on the flow pattern such as those past streamlined bodies and blunt geometries. Students can not only select the geometry, they can draw arbitrary 2-D geometry and learn about the flow. Even with a streamlined geometry, for example, an airfoil, the flow cannot follow the surface when it is placed at a high angle, and the flow separation would occur. The lift suddenly decreases. This phenomenon is called stall. Many aircraft accidents have occurred due to this type of inadvertent flow separation. The code will also allow flow simulation past blunt geometries, called bluff-bodies. Oscillating flow past oilrig platforms and flow-structure interaction on flexible structures will be simulated. Users will be able to draw the geometry on screen and watch the computation of the flow. A few years ago, this type of computation was possible only on super computers in batch processing mode, but the rapid progress in computational power of personal computers makes this possible on individual computers to enhance students' learning.