Scaffolding programming skills through fluid mechanics coursework

This work examines the trajectory of programming skills of undergraduate students in mechanical engineering and how the departments’ computing requirements can be reinforced in fluid mechanics classes. Students were surveyed to understand the breadth of experience they had in programming when entering their undergraduate career. Additionally, a survey of existing mechanical engineering requirements of top-ranked engineering schools was conducted to determine which programming languages are required and through­ which departments those classes are offered. While the majority of programs require classes in either MATLAB or Python, some teach Java, Excel, or C++ in alternative course options. However, very few curricula require more than one total class dedicated to these skills, so the students’ proficiency can often degrade throughout the following years. Students’ programming skills can be supported by scaffolding work on these skills in existing classes in the curriculum, such as fluid mechanics. This work concludes by offering some examples of how programming can be incorporated into fluid mechanics activities.