Teaching heat exchanger design using COMSOL multiphysics in a computer-based lab
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Pini, Ronny
Buchner, David
Millan-Agorio, Marcos
Eckel, Anna-Maria Elisabeth
Hejazi, Sayed Allreza Hosseinzadeh
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The operation of a heat exchanger is a multiphysics problem, involving the simultaneous flow of two fluids and heat transfer between them. Velocity, pressure and
temperature gradients within each fluid vary with location, operating conditions, flow arrangement and heat exchanger geometry. While robust design procedures exist, including analytical approaches, their solution can be hard to fully comprehend without computational tools that visualize the underlying physical processes within the heat exchanger. Here, we present a classroom exercise aimed at improving student’s understanding of double pipe heat exchangers using the computational fluid dynamics software COMSOL Multiphysics. This computer-based laboratory class is integrated within a ‘Process Heat Transfer’ module offered to undergraduate and postgraduate chemical engineering students. The exercise is fully documented, including the problem statement and solution, and guides students to apply the design workflow and discuss their solutions in class. A survey distributed at the end of the module indicates overall satisfaction with the hands-on approach, especially the opportunity to receive training on a computational software. A pre- and post-test evaluation demonstrates that the computer-based class helped eliminate persistent student misconceptions regarding the operation of heat exchangers. Ensuring proper software set-up, in-class support, and the provision of instructional material is crucial due to the learning curve associated with
using the software. By developing a digital model of the heat exchanger, the exercise serves as a cognitive tool- encouraging students to explore more advanced problems,
such as the completion of parametric studies, thereby reinforcing the understanding of theoretical concepts.
temperature gradients within each fluid vary with location, operating conditions, flow arrangement and heat exchanger geometry. While robust design procedures exist, including analytical approaches, their solution can be hard to fully comprehend without computational tools that visualize the underlying physical processes within the heat exchanger. Here, we present a classroom exercise aimed at improving student’s understanding of double pipe heat exchangers using the computational fluid dynamics software COMSOL Multiphysics. This computer-based laboratory class is integrated within a ‘Process Heat Transfer’ module offered to undergraduate and postgraduate chemical engineering students. The exercise is fully documented, including the problem statement and solution, and guides students to apply the design workflow and discuss their solutions in class. A survey distributed at the end of the module indicates overall satisfaction with the hands-on approach, especially the opportunity to receive training on a computational software. A pre- and post-test evaluation demonstrates that the computer-based class helped eliminate persistent student misconceptions regarding the operation of heat exchangers. Ensuring proper software set-up, in-class support, and the provision of instructional material is crucial due to the learning curve associated with
using the software. By developing a digital model of the heat exchanger, the exercise serves as a cognitive tool- encouraging students to explore more advanced problems,
such as the completion of parametric studies, thereby reinforcing the understanding of theoretical concepts.
Date Acceptance
2026-08-10
Citation
Discover Education
ISSN
2731-5525
Publisher
Springer
Journal / Book Title
Discover Education
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted