Begin with the assigned case
Use the same names and starting values in the lesson, worksheet and lab. Show the starting case before detailed model settings.
2105603 · 2027 design preview
Graduate Thermodynamics Labs 2027
Use a reproducible baseline calculation, then test its assumptions. The graduate routes in Labs 01 and 02 combine guided calculations with input sensitivity, model comparisons and conclusions supported by evidence.
Lab 01 · Flash assumptions and sensitivity →Lab 02 · Experimental uncertainty and model evidence →
The earlier Lab 13 concentration-cell prototype is also available as a design reference.
What the graduate investigations require
Follow the numbered foundation steps first. Use their results as the control case for the graduate investigations, then complete the evidence record in the same saved study.
| Investigation | Run and compare | Explain with evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Lab 01 · Model and phase robustness | Compare liquid models at the same conditions. Change one assumed input bound at a time, then inspect the joint corner scenarios. | Distinguish a robust phase classification from a sensitive phase amount. Identify the assumptions that remain untested and the independent data needed to justify a model. |
| Lab 02 · Inference and conditional fitting | Propagate assumed measurement changes through one activity inference. Compare fixed-α fits using the same training data and retained checking pressure. | Separate measurement sensitivity, parameter sensitivity and model discrepancy. Explain how shared measurements correlate inferred activities and what is missing for statistical uncertainty intervals. |
Support each conclusion with at least two numerical comparisons, state the assumptions behind the comparison, and propose an additional measurement that could challenge the claim.
The sampled scenario ranges are deterministic sensitivity results. They do not supply probabilities, confidence intervals or guaranteed bounds. A fixed-α comparison also does not establish parameter identifiability. If checking errors are used to choose α or another model setting, additional independent data are needed to test the selected model.
What the classroom walkthrough revealed
The 13 November 2026 walkthrough surfaced four questions before the electrochemistry investigation could proceed.
- Where is the starting example?
- What do the left and right species tables represent?
- Which number changes the concentration?
- What should I try after the first calculation?
The prototype puts the starting case, editable scientific quantities and next actions together. The audit of the other labs identifies similar design risks for review.
A shared structure for the next version
Edit the quantity you understand
Label concentrations, temperature and pressure with their units. Use structured data tables and equation previews for imported measurements.
Connect a prediction to the result
Keep a short prediction near the calculate action. Show the numerical result, its physical meaning and a calculation the student can check.
Keep the comparison together
Save named cases with their inputs and notes. Reopen the study and recalculate it. Present validation messages beside the quantity that needs attention.
Redesign sequence for all 13 labs
| Lab | Preparation | Student workflow |
|---|---|---|
| 01 · VLE/flash | Graduate prototype | Establish a baseline, audit model assumptions, test phase robustness under assumed input bounds and defend the conclusion. |
| 02 · Case study | Graduate prototype | Infer activities, fit/check separate observations, quantify sensitivity to assumed measurement bounds and compare conditional fits. |
| 03 · Consistency | Next in sequence | Establish diagnostic applicability, inspect the data, and interpret each consistency check. |
| 04 · Stability/LLE | Planned | Connect the selected feed with Gibbs curvature, the supporting tangent and phase fractions. |
| 05 · LLE fitting | Planned | Enter observations in a table, fit, verify and compare. |
| 06 · VLLE | Planned | Identify coexisting phases and the amounts fixed by the chosen specification. |
| 07 · Adiabatic flash | Planned | Specify the feed and check material and energy balances beside the phase result. |
| 08 · Experimental VLE input | Planned | Preview imported columns, Antoine equations, units and valid property ranges before fitting. |
| 09 · Virial | Planned | Begin with a reference state, change one property and compare vapor models. |
| 10 · SLE/GSE | Planned | Choose a solid-equilibrium question and enter its relevant quantities. |
| 11 · Adsorption | Planned | Choose model comparison, vessel balance or fitting, with matching inputs and outputs. |
| 12 · Chemical equilibrium | Planned | Calculate K, then Q and reaction extent using structured species and property inputs. |
| 13 · Electrochemistry | Earlier reference prototype | Set two solution concentrations, interpret the voltage, and save a reproducible comparison. |
Try the prototype with a first-time student
- Open the Lab 01 starting problem, predict its phases, and calculate without verbal instructions.
- Explain the liquid and vapor compositions and check the component balance.
- Save the starting result, raise the pressure to 100 kPa, and explain the change in phase amount.
- Download the study, reopen it, and reproduce a saved comparison.
Record time, incorrect edits, places where help is needed, and the student's explanation. Include keyboard use and a narrow screen in the review.
For Lab 02, inspect the starting measurement, check your activity-coefficient calculation, fit 60 kPa, evaluate 80 kPa without refitting, and reopen a saved comparison.
For the graduate routes, ask the student to defend a claim using the sensitivity outputs, explain why the sampled range is not a confidence interval, and reopen the saved inputs and evidence record.
These are design prototypes for Labs 01, 02 and 13. Independent student usability sessions and the remaining 10 lab interfaces are future work. Numerical checks use the existing course calculation engines.
Design references
Field instructions, input feedback and control sizing follow the relevant W3C guidance. Form instructions · User notifications · Target size
Graduate uncertainty discussions refer to NIST's guidance on combining uncertainty components and expanded uncertainty and coverage factors.