New Educational Tool Developed at UNCW
Students in the coastal engineering program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) have created a new clear loop demonstration system aimed at enhancing their practical learning experiences. This initiative was inspired by a visit to KSB-GIW in Georgia, where students participated in a specialized course on dredge pumps and slurry flow.
Greg Williams, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, led a group of students enrolled in EGN 402: Dredging and Beach Nourishment to the facility. KSB-GIW, a prominent manufacturer of dredge pumps, features a hydraulics lab that allows engineers to test equipment and analyze slurry mixtures of water and sediment for various operational parameters. The lab also showcases demonstrations that help students grasp intricate dredging concepts more effectively.
Hands-On Learning Experience
A key educational tool used during the visit was the “clear loop,” a system designed to visually demonstrate how materials flow through pipelines. This apparatus consists of a pump and transparent piping that allows students to observe sediment-like particles as they navigate the system. By witnessing this flow in real-time, students can better comprehend how sediment interacts within slurry, reinforcing theories discussed in their coursework.
Motivated by the clear loop demonstration at KSB-GIW, Williams sought to replicate a similar hands-on learning tool for UNCW students. “After seeing the clear loop demonstration at KSB-GIW, I wanted our students to have access to the same type of hands-on visualization tool here on campus,” Williams said. “Being able to see sediment transport in action helps connect theory to practice in a meaningful way.”
Student-Driven Initiative
The project developed into a student-led initiative, with Dakota Smith, a senior, undertaking a directed independent study focused on designing the clear loop in spring 2026. Smith researched necessary materials, created engineering drawings, and estimated construction costs.
Following Smith’s groundwork, fellow coastal engineering student Kylie Showalter constructed the clear loop during the summer, turning the initial concept into a practical educational tool. The completed system was first used in the classroom for EGN 402 this semester, where it is now integral to lab demonstrations and exercises. Students are exploring concepts such as slurry velocity, sediment suspension, particle distribution, and the dynamics of sediment beds, which are vital aspects of dredging operations.
Support from Industry Partners
The development of the clear loop was made possible through funding from the Manson Construction Co. Support Fund for Coastal Engineering. This fund aims to enhance the program’s geotechnical laboratory, acquire advanced equipment, and provide opportunities for students and faculty to engage in significant dredging research.
The clear loop, a product of collaboration between students and faculty, exemplifies the benefits of industry partnerships in fostering educational innovation and enhancing student learning experiences at UNCW.
Source: UNC Wilmington
