Simulation-Based Learning on Electric and Magnetic Devices: A Project-Based Learning Experience

Simulations have emerged as an increasingly popular educational technique in university courses. They provide a graphical representation of abstract concepts, making them easier for students to comprehend. Additionally, they offer a high degree of interactivity, enabling students to modify parameters and analyze their effects. This methodology finds particular relevance in applying finite element simulation to electrical and magnetic devices, such as capacitors and inductances. This is due to their accurate calculation capabilities, which result in reasonable calculation costs. The present paper presents the outcomes of a project-based learning (PBL) case study. The students had the freedom to select their topic and employ finite element simulation with COMSOL (R) to analyze it. The primary results of this teaching-learning process indicated an improvement in learning outcomes and analytical skills based on computational modeling.