In this course, Fluid Mechanics – MET330, I have learned the principles and applications of using Bernoulli’s equation to solve complex fluid problems. Understanding the way forces act on a fluid and how the medium in which the fluid flows can change the overall performance of the fluid is essential to solve and design systems to move fluids in a desired application. This includes how a fluid flows through pipes and channels from one place to another using pumps, pressure, and gravity. The work that I have completed on this course have demonstrated my ability to set up and solve these problems. The process of solving these problems were mostly all based in using Bernoulli’s equation.

            I faced many difficult issues during this course and had to use many different strategies with the guidance of my professor. The process of using intuition and really think about each problem was the most helpful in solving the later problems. I had difficulty on the second test with time management. I gave the test a timeframe to complete it and it took my much more time than expected. This was mostly due to unforeseen issues that could have been avoided if I could have started the same day the test was open. My biggest improvement was setting up Bernoulli’s correctly for the system whereas previously, I had issues in the set up and it stopped me from moving towards a solution. The tests that I spent the most time on came out to give me a better understanding of the problem and how each process was applied.

            The Project this semester to design a system of pipes, pumps, and tanks, to move fluid throughout a manufacturing warehouse. We were partnered with a team of 3 people to complete these tasks to design this system. The project is an in-depth assignment that covers most aspects of designing an actual system. It was very helpful to work with the professor acting as a client. His direction was helpful and gave much insight on how he feels about where we were at certain stages in the design process. My team was exceptional in the process. We met at times we specified and were able to work through the process. We had great feedback on our peer review from other students and we had some confusing feedback with unfound issues. We were able to take the feedback from peers and the professor to make necessary changes to the design report. My team was the greatest asset in this project gave great experience working with a team.

            Overall, my performance in this course improved dramatically and I was able to show my ability to understand the process, even if the correct answers were not correct. In working through some of the problems, I tended to try and do too much at the same time and I failed to see the little mistakes in the calculations. The amount of effort that I put in was more than most classes and the guidance from my professor helped me to use my brain to solve the problems by breaking down each problem. I went back on the last test to solve again to find that the values made more sense as I wrote them out. I am confident in my understanding of the material covered in this course. My weakness was in not asking enough questions and obtaining direct insight from the professor. If I were to give myself advice to restart the course, it would be to devote more time on practicing problems in my spare time and ask more questions. My understanding increased exponentially when I brought up questions. Also, I would say to do all the e-Portfolio work. This course gave me some insight to the kind of work that an engineer does with pipe systems. It gives me some insight on the kind of career I can expect if I choose to work with fluid systems.