(82a) Simulation Through the Eyes of a Practitioner Turned Academic

Teaching process design in the age of computation poses unique challenges. Typically, students entering a design course expect to find a process simulation course where the title clearly says “Chemical Engineering Design”. These are really very different entities. Why is there such confusion that a single tool so dominates the student expectations?

On the other hand, proficiency with process simulation is critical to successful design. It almost sounds paradoxical, but the best simulations are generally produced by those who have learned the need to think outside the simulator. This talk explores what we mean by this and provides insight of the difference in approaches of experienced engineers and those who are newly introduced to design. With this, this paper will explore how even the student can take advantage of some of the tricks of the trade that can help guide their simulations. Some common errors by students learning simulation will also be highlighted.

In the end, an understanding of the role of simulation design and the ability to “think outside the simulation” provides an important education perspective that can help students to a quick start for simulations contributing to a successful design.