Solution to Air Flow Problem:

An airplane took 4 hours to fly 1200 miles agianst a headwind.The return trip with the wind took 3 hours. Find the speed of the plane in still air and the speed of the wind. What is the speed of the wind in still air? What is the wind speed? 

Here is the solution:

let rate of plane in still air be x
let rate of wind be y
(x-y)*4 =1200
(x+y)*3=1200

4x-4y=1200
3x+3y=1200
3(4x-4y)+4(3x+3y)=3*1200+4*1200
12x-12y + 12x +12y = 8400
24x=8400
x=350 mph rate of plane in still air 

This is only a simple example of an assignment problem given to our students in aerodynamics and air flow related courses. The key competencies being tested here are creative problem solving ability and attitude/approach to problem solving. 

An engineering student has to develop key competencies in the field related to his branch of study. Our online courses help to develop these key competencies in a  systematic manner by applying them to real world problems.

In our next post, we will provide information on the curriculum and regulations for Fall 2014 session of ELIM Virtual University in association with Energy University of Schneider Electric. For more details of free online courses available in Energy University, please visit the link:  http://www.schneideruniversities.com/