Western Services Corporation:
Exploring the Market Demand for Simulation Software
Natalie Chambers, Rajani Ghosh, and John Stowell
ABSTRACT
Western Services Corporation is expanding into the education market with its 3KEYSTUDENT
and 3KEYITS software. As consultants for Western Services, the American University team’s
objective was to explore the market demand for simulation software in universities and
community colleges in the United States. We utilized an original research survey, which we
distributed to 180 universities and colleges recognized for excellent engineering or energy
programs. The survey was used to determine what educators need and expect from simulation
software and what criteria they use to select software. We then analyzed the data and provided
a technical overview of the results to illustrate the responses we received. We provided
additional outreach to professors who indicated they were interested in simulation software
and explored additional markets including international universities and high schools. We
conclude by providing a marketing overview of the product and offer key recommendations for
Western Services Corporation as they continue to develop their student-based simulation
software.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................2
Project Overview ............................................................................................................................3
Research Methodology ..................................................................................................................4
Scope of Outreach ..........................................................................................................................5
Second Round Interview .............................................................................................................11
Additional Outreach Summary ..................................................................................................13
Marketing Design Strategy .........................................................................................................15
Concluding Recommendations ...................................................................................................16
Works Cited ..................................................................................................................................19
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................20
1
Executive Summary
Western Service Corporation (WSC) provides simulation technology for the power industry
throughout the world including business partners in Russia, China, South Africa, and Qatar among others.
WSC, headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, is a global simulation and services company. Founded in
1995, WSC has be on a steady growth trajectory due to the quality and efficiency of its products and its
flexible team-oriented approach for serving its customers. WSC has maintained is success by diversifying
its software and technology for nuclear, fossil, hydro, renewable, and desalinization plants.
In that same spirit of diversification, WSC is now developing simulation software for students
and academics. WSC has already developed two types of academic simulation software: a glass top
simulation hardware for in-class instruction and 3KEYSTUDENT software, a web-based platform for
long distance learning. To market its technology to universities, WSC has partnered with American
University's Multinational Enterprises practicum to examine the market demand for simulation software
in academia to better cater their products to the needs of students and educators. In coordination with
WSC, the American University team has conducted extensive market research to explore the demand for
simulation software in universities.
This report aims to provide practical recommendations to WSC as it continues to expand into the
academic market. The American University team developed and conducted a research survey which was
sent to 180 universities across the United States to identify and analyze the demand for the simulation
software in the academic setting. Of the 180 surveys, the team received 30 responses which provided
useful and insightful thoughts and statistics on simulation software. A few critical findings are
summarized below:
 68% of professors currently use some type
of simulation software
 Top 3 Student Software: MATLAB,
Solidworks Simulation, and ANSYS
 Primary obstacles to purchasing
simulation software
1. Amount of time require for training
instructors and students
2. Initial and ongoing cost
 64% of second round contacts were from
technical or community colleges
Once the surveys were collected the team contacted professors who were interested in simulation software
to gather additional information about the type of software academics are seeking. The team conducted
additional outreach to a smaller sample of international universities and high schools to explore potential
demand for simulation software in markets other than domestic colleges and universities.
In conclusion, the practicum team feels strongly that WSC should continue to pursue the academic
demand for 3KEYSTUDENT, as there is a strong demand for affordable and widely applicable
simulation software. The team proposes the following recommendations:




Creation of an Off-the-shelf Demo
On-Site Visits
Finalization of a Price Point
Marketing Considerations
2
Project Overview
Western Services Corporation has partnered with American University’s Issues for
Multinational Enterprises practicum to promote and facilitate business development
opportunities for their academic and training simulators. Through collaboration with the
American University team, WSC determined the most effective way to achieve this objective
would be through examination and analysis of the market for simulation software similar to
3KEYSTUDENT and 3KEY Intelligent Tutoring Service (3KEYITS) at universities and
community colleges in the United States. With an understanding of the project objective, the
American University practicum consultants gathered the necessary data and performed the data
analysis and market research to make a comprehensive overview of the simulation software
environment and needs of educators in the United States.
WSC has an attractive simulation software package for educators. 3KEYITS provides an
authentic simulation experience for students with is glass top simulator. The web-based software,
3KEYSTUDENT, provides students with a platform where they can receive simulator and lesson
plan content through long distance learning. Professors are now able to reach larger audiences of
students with 3KEYSTUDENT in ways that would not have been possible before. Lesson plans
include model configurations, initial conditions, scenarios, event triggers, HMI screens, sound
and/or video files. Training modes range from tell-all mentor mode to life-like test mode.
3
Research Methodology
WSC outlined their desire for feedback and simulation software preferences from
university and college professors to help them structure and sculpt their 3KEYSTUDENT and
3KEYITS product to help ensure product competitiveness in the academic market. The
consulting team from American University developed a contact list of university educators and
created and sent a comprehensive survey using Qualtrics online survey software and insight
platform. The survey was intended to get an overview from professors about their current
software and their software preferences generally. The team then analyzed the data collected and
followed up by interviewing educators that showed interest in expanding on their experience
with simulation software.
Per guidance of WSC contacts, the initial step to developing a contact list was
researching mechanical engineering programs across the United States. Through this research the
team identified resources and academic programs through the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) a
non-governmental organization whose mission has been to support the development and use of
nuclear energy technology before Congress, the White House and executive branch agencies.
The NEI supplies input to federal regulators, state policy forums, while providing a unified
industry voice on the importance of nuclear energy.
One area of NEI’s work that was useful for this project was their resources on Nuclear
Energy and Education Programs. NEI has identified American university and college programs
that emphasize on nuclear technology education. This list of nearly 100 programs provided an
initial foundation for the survey outreach. The team utilized the program information to identify
a point of contact at each program listed by the NEI. The point of contact was typically the
4
department chair or the program coordinator, someone believed to understand the types of
simulation software used throughout their program.
Additionally, the team identified the Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology (ABET), a non-profit and non-governmental accrediting agency for academic
programs concentrated in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
ABET is an accreditor in the United States certified by the Council for Higher Education
Accreditation. ABET supplied a list of an additional 97 community college mechanical
engineering programs that had attained accreditation through ABET. Their resources also
supplied a point of contact within each program.
Once the team organized their resources from NEI and ABET and identified a point of
contact within each program, the contacts were sent personal emails explaining our research
objective, an invitation to fill out the survey, and the survey link.
Scope of Outreach
While working with the clients at Western Services Corporation, our team determined
that the best way to optimize the time during the project would be to conduct a survey of
universities across the United States in order to thoroughly examine and determine the market for
3KEYSTUDENT and 3KEYITS. With an understanding that surveys are frequently overlooked
or ignored entirely, our goal was to make it as short and direct as possible to help maximize the
number of responses. This section will detail the results of the survey, analyze the data from the
surveys, and discuss next steps for turning this outreach and marketing project into a business
development opportunity for Western Services Corporation.
5
As discussed in the previous section, we reached out to more than 180 universities and
community colleges with various applicable science programs primarily in energy and
engineering. We determined the best contact at each of these institutions, which was usually the
dean or chair of the department or the program director for the schools’ energy or engineering
program. Of the 180 surveys sent to universities and community colleges, 30 of the professors
responded and of those respondents 68 percent currently use some type of simulation software.
Figure 1.1 depicts how
professors indicated they are
currently using some type of
simulation software. Sixty-eight
percent of professors stated that
they
use
various
types
of
simulation software among them
the most common software were
MATLAB,
Solidworks
Simulation, and ANSYS. Other software listed included Mathcad, Mathematica, PSCAD,
PowerWorld, FLUENT, RELAP, MCNP, MCNPX, OVERFLOW, FUN3D, ABAQUS, Q-Track
Radiation Simulation, Fortran, Creo, Altair Hyperworks, LS-Dyna, GSE Generic PWR,
MultiSim as well as internally developed software and various applications in electrical and
electronics programs. Once we gathered and reviewed the responses about the type of software
these universities and community colleges use, we did some additional research to better
understand these software packages, their offerings, and if they are competitors to the WSC
3KEYSTUDENT and 3KEYITS software offerings.
6
First, we found that all of the top three software, MATLAB, Solidworks Simulation, and
ANSYS, had distinct student software packages. MATLAB being the most expansive software
had various packages depending on the requirements. Solidworks Simulation, which was
mentioned by several professors, had a detailed product explanation for the CAD teaching tool.
This tool includes the software which includes premium Software, Simulation Premium, Motion,
Flow Simulation, Plastics, and Sustainability simulations as well as a full curriculum and
interactive courseware. Their software is 3D and they have “extensive interactive courseware
projects.” Due to the popularity of this project and seemingly all-inclusive package, Solidworks
Simulation provides a detailed example of a successful educational simulation software that will
provide useful insights to be discussed later in the marketing section. Second, we found that it
was very easy to identify what software on their website was intended for students, which
software was intended for educators, and which software they sold commercially. These findings
helped us to get a better understanding of how to best demonstrate to the public that WSC has
student and educator software that is distinct from their commercial software. We will discuss
this further in the marketing section.
In the survey, when asked what the professors liked most about their current simulation
software, many professors stated that they appreciated the ease of use, accuracy of results and the
realism that simulations lend to teaching and training. Additionally, professors noted that they
like the versatility, functionality and the ability to provide “distance learners with interactive lab
experiences.”1 We believe that understanding how the professors perceive their current software
is very important and useful to WSC as they evaluate their own software because outlines the
type of software functionality and user interface they should strive to achieve.
1
Devine, Tom. Simulation Software Research Survey. Question 6. Thomas Edison State College.
7
Although many professors had great things to say about their current simulation software,
they also had some suggested improvements including: quality of the user interface, expanding
the range of capabilities to include specifically nuclear engineering technology, and providing
manuals to help improve ease of use. These responses were useful for several reasons. First, it
shows the importance of having a user friendly interface and providing manuals and/or teaching
materials like curriculums as an important indicator of success and likability of a software.
Additionally, these responses demonstrate the demand for nuclear power plant technology from
multiple educational institutions. Particularly, Tom Devine of Thomas Edison State College
stated that they are, “Seeking more in other area(s) of technology, such as nuclear engineering
technology.”2
When asked if they preferred 2D or 3D simulation software, half of the professors stated
they had no preference, 30 percent preferred 3D software and 20 percent preferred 2D. Similarly,
the professors were split on their preference between an in-class lab experience (44 percent) and
a software students would access via an Internet portal (56 percent). These findings show that
Western Services Corporation’s current student software, 3KEYSTUDENT and 3KEYITS, meet
the demands of many professors even without further developing the software into 3D.
In an attempt to determine the market for simulation software overall, we asked
professors what they believe to be the obstacles or challenges to introducing simulation software
to a classroom. As we expected the two main concerns by professors were the steep learning
curve for software and/or the amount of time required for training instructors and students and
initial and ongoing cost. We anticipated these being the primary concerns of professors but we
wanted to verify our assumptions to help us better understand a pricing scheme for WSC’s
2
Devine, Tom. Simulation Software Research Survey. Question 7. Thomas Edison State College.
8
products. With an understanding of pricing concerns we conducted additional research to
determine the prices of the three main software programs discussed earlier.
MATLAB: Mathworks MATLAB license costs $500.00 annually for educators with 58
toolbox options that can be added, each for $200.00 to $500.00. Students are able to purchase the
software individually, which is offered as MATLAB Student and only includes the basic
software ($50.00) or MATLAB and Simulink Student Suite ($99.00) which “MATLAB,
Simulink, Control System Toolbox, Simulink Control Design, Image Processing Toolbox,
Optimization Toolbox, Signal Processing Toolbox, DSP System Toolbox, Statistics and Machine
Learning Toolbox, Symbolic Math Toolbox, Data Acquisition Toolbox and Instrument Control
Toolbox.”3 Both packages offer students 55 additional toolbox items, each for $29.00. The
toolbox items for both educators and students include options like: Robotics System Toolbox,
SimMechanics, SimPowerSystems, and SimHydraulics.4
SolidWorks Simulation: The SolidWorks Student Edition package costs approximately
$149.95 and includes all of the same features of the CAD teaching tool discussed above. 5
Additionally, one commercial license costs $3995 not including an annual subscription service to
cover technical support and upgrades at $1295 per year.
ANSYS: The quoted prices below are for local network licenses for the products
contained in the ANSYS Academic HF product bundle which includes ANSYS HFSS, ANSYS
Q3D Extractor, Designer, Nexxim and ANSYS SIwave technologies. This bundle is “suitable for
3
"Individual License Options." MathWorks Products: How to Buy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
Ibid.
5
"MCAD Student Edition Software | SOLIDWORKS." Dassault Systems | SOLIDWORKS. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr.
2015.
4
9
high-performance RF, microwave, millimeter-wave device simulation and signal integrity (SI)
applications.”6 The prices are as follows:

ANSYS HFSS: $39,050.70

ANSYS Q3D Extractor: $18,286.13

Designer: $32,665.67

Nexxim: $73,386.30

ANSYS SIwave: $46,236.69
The prices listed for ANSYS software may vary when they are “bundled” for the academic
package but demonstrate the wide range of costs for simulation software. Overall the values for
the three, most popular software provide valuable insight about the type of costs universities and
community colleges endure to get simulation software.
Of the total respondents, 55 percent responded that they were willing to be contacted
again and only 45 percent responded that they were not willing to be contacted a second time. Of
the 55 percent that responded positively, 64 percent were from technical universities or
community colleges and 36 percent were from private or state universities. The schools who
were responded positively to being contacted again were Missouri University, Duke University,
Thomas Edison State College (2 professors), Lakeland Community College, Aiken Community
College, State Technical College of Missouri, Vermont Technical College, Augusta Technical
College, and Western Kentucky Community and Technical College. Of all the universities and
colleges that responded positively, 55 percent were interested in nuclear technology simulations.
Figure 1.2 demonstrates the interest in various types of simulation software.
6
"Ansys - Federal Acquisition Service." Federal Acquisition Service Authorized Information Technology Schedule
Price List GS-35F-0639N (n.d.): n. pag. 14 Feb. 2014. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
10
Overall, nuclear power plant simulators garnered the most interest with 55 percent of total
respondents showing interest in nuclear power plant simulation. The second most popular power
plant simulator was hydro-power plants with 32 percent with fossil power fuel plants, simple
cycle plants, process plants, renewable energy/grid and pipeline all tied with 23 percent of
respondents interested.
Second Round Interview Approach
After collecting and analyzing the survey results, we coordinated with WSC to determine
the next steps for contacting the most detailed responders that indicated they would be willing to
discuss simulation software more in-depth. We pursued a few initial “second round interviews”
using semi-structured methodology in order to maximize the feedback and insight from the
professors about their thoughts and experiences with simulation software in the academic
environment. From here we strategized the best transition from a general survey on simulation
technology as American University students collecting data to a more formal status as
consultants for Western Services Corporation. We decided that the best transition would be to
11
conduct the second round interview as students but to inform the contacts that we were working
with WSC to help develop their product for the needs of the academic market. The goal of the
interviews was to help determine market “best practices” and overall demand for the WSC
products in academia.
By the end of the project, the team, in conjunction with the client conducted one second
round interview, which proved to be very insightful. The team along with WSC Director of
Business Development, Majid Mirshah, interviewed Dr. Ralph Esposito. Dr. Esposito is a
Professor and Department Chair at Vermont Technical College in Electrical and
Electromechanical Engineering Technology. In his survey response, Dr. Esposito indicated that
he is currently using National Instrument’s Multisim for his simulation exercises. He identified
the software’s strengths as its ability to mimic real life and allow for changing variables;
however, the component models it uses could use some upgrading.
Dr. Esposito kept the conversation brief. He explained that Vermont Technical College
almost exclusively buys its software from National Instrument (NI). Any new software purchase
would have to then be at a competitive price point to what NI is offering. Through the interview,
Dr. Esposito expressed a keen interest in software that would simulate renewable energy and grid
systems. He was open to being contacted again and definitely showed interest in exploring a
3KEYSTUDENT demo of grid simulations. Dr. Esposito did reinforce the fact that price point
was the ultimate deciding factor. If WSC were able to offer 3KEYSTUDENT renewable energy
software at a reasonable (compared to Nation Instrument) price, Vermont Technical College
would be an important potential client.
12
Additional Outreach: International Schools
With the global demand of energy increasing, the concern for climate change, and
dependence on fossil fuels from overseas, the global market demand for nuclear energy is
growing. The American University consulting team thought it would be useful to extend our
research and see how international schools would respond to the survey. We used the 2014 QS
World University Rankings system to identify the top ten engineering schools in the world while
attempting to target multiple regions throughout the world. We then sent the survey to an
identified point of contact at each school.
In Asia we sent the survey to professors at the National University of Singapore,
Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the Indian Institute of Technology and the
National Taiwan University. We also contacted schools in Australia and New Zealand, including
the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney. Additionally, we expanded our regional
outreach to Europe because of their strong engineering programs and the consistent nuclear
power use throughout Europe. We contacted the University of Cambridge in England, RheinischWestfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen in Germany, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
in Sweden, and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in France.
We received a response from Professor Anders Eriksson of KTH Royal Institute of
Technology who described that he uses multiple different types of simulation software including
MATLAB, Mathematica, Abaqus, and Comsol. He was primarily interested in simulation
software for pipeline systems and hydro-power plants. We provided the international outreach to
WSC to demonstrate an additional perspective and market for WSC to consider when marketing
its 3KEYSTUDENT and 3KEYITS software. Particularly with the growing demand for nuclear
13
energy abroad, there will be a large demand for power plant simulation at the technical training
and university level.
Additional Outreach: High Schools
With data collected from college professors across the country, we decided to also
explore the demand for simulation software in high schools. We sent the research survey to ten
public high schools in the Howard County School System in Maryland. The rationale behind this
choice was that Howard County has recently launched a new Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math (STEM) education initiative, which has increased potential funding mechanisms for
science teachers in the classroom. At Oakland Mills High School, a new Early College Program
is being launched next year that “will enable 11th grade students, with an interest in science and
math, to begin taking college classes to be offered at Oakland Mills and then in 12th grade, to
enroll in courses at Howard Community College”7 With this increased attention on STEM
throughout Howard County, we decided this would be an ideal case study for exploring
simulation market demand.
Within a week’s time span, we received one completed survey back from Michael Sivell
who is a science teacher at Hammond High School. He currently uses PhET a software created
by the University of Colorado Boulder, which provides free online physics, chemistry, biology
and earth science simulation software. He identified that he primarily uses the software for
teaching and lab simulations. His preference for the software lies in its ability to help students
conceptualize concepts and allow students to change variables. He had no preference with regard
to a 2D or 3D interface, but did prefer something that allowed students to access it via an Internet
7
Ames, Blair. "Oakland Mills High to Offer Early College Program." Baltimoresun.com. Baltimore Sun, 07 Jan.
2015. Web.
14
portal. In utilizing simulation software in the classroom, the main obstacle he identified was:
“too many bells and whistles can take away from focusing on one or two concepts the simulation
is trying to investigate.”8 He suggested that he would be most interested in Nuclear Power Plant,
Fossil Power Fuel Plant, and Hydro-Power Plan simulations. Finally, he is open to being
contacted again, which opens the door for future contact with Western Services Corporation.
In considering future outreach to high schools, WSC may have the upper hand with
regard to other competitors. As Mr. Sivell identified, at the high school level the bare minimum
is required in terms of simulation needs: something simple and user-friendly that allows students
to account for changing variables. If WSC is able to tailor its 3KEY software to meet these needs
and at an affordable price point, high schools are an important potential client to consider as
WSC expands into the academic sector.
Marketing Design Strategy
While analyzing the results of our surveys we had the opportunity to learn about WSC’s
main competitors and their marketing strategy. After completing some additional research on the
most popular simulation software as well as looking into published research on branding and
marketing strategy we were able to get a better understanding about the best way to market
3KeySoftware. In this section we will briefly review a few critical insights we have gained.
First, and most importantly we think it is critical to package 3KEYSTUDENT and
3KEYITS into a distinct student or academic package. Software like SolidWorks and MATLAB
both have distinct academic packages that are thoroughly outlined on their website with breakdowns of what their packages include. Although one can find the 3KEYSTUDENT and
3KEYITS products fairly easily on the WSC website, we believe it is important to have an
8
Sivell, Michael. Simulation Software Research Survey. Hammond High School.
15
academic package rather than individual products including potentially a student-software
specific logo. In addition to defining a specific academic package, MATLAB and SolidWorks
both distinctly outline packages for students and educators which will become an important
decision for WSC to make when marketing WSC student products.
Additionally, the academic package page should outline the types of simulation the
products can provide, the extent of the curriculums or lesson plans, and the languages the
software comes in. As discussed in the data analysis section, some simulation software include
curriculums and lesson plans which will be an important consideration for WSC as they continue
to develop their software. Looking at the way MATLAB organizes its products could be a
beneficial step for WSC when creating a distinct student software; specifically considering
adopting the method of “toolbox” items that can be purchased as add-ons to the base software for
an additional price.
Additionally, we believe it is important for WSC to develop a reputation in the academic
field by utilizing its current academic customers and partners testimonials for the WSC product.
WSC should get customer feedback from its current academic customers and use that feedback
to help structure or re-structure 3KEYITS and 3KEYSTUDENT to meet the needs of students
and faculty. Publishing quotes or excerpts from current customers would be a good way of
demonstrating current usage and satisfaction with WSC products.
Concluding Recommendations
Western Services Corporation has demonstrated throughout its rich history that they are a
resilient company. Through the 2008 financial crisis and continued uncertainty in the
international economic system, they have remained at the forefront in the simulation software
16
field. This report has explored the market demand for Western Services Corporation’s simulation
software in the academic arena and has revealed several key areas for potential growth.
Professors are keenly aware of the financial obstacles in obtaining new software for the
classroom. If WSC is able to provide a product that is at a competitive price point, there is a high
likelihood that professors would be interested in purchasing it. Many schools, as Professor
Esposito reflects, are relying on one primary company for all of their simulation and broader
technology needs. In the case of Vermont Technical College, National Instrument is this go-to
company. It is unlikely that WSC will be able to replace this company entirely; however, the
expansion of engineering programs to include renewable energy and hydro power plant classes
has created a new, unmet need for simulation software specifically catered to those fields. This is
where Western Services Company could fill the void and serve alongside the other academic
technology companies, such as National Instrument and MATLAB, while building its reputation
in the academic market.
With regards to next steps, we feel strongly that WSC should continue to pursue the
academic demand for 3KEYSTUDENT and 3KEYITS, as there is a strong demand for
affordable and widely applicable simulation software. In concluding this report, we propose the
following recommendations:
 Creation of an Off-the-shelf Demo – To entice instructors to engage with 3KEY student,
we suggest the development of a user-friendly demo that could be sent electronically to
the survey respondents who indicated they were open to being contacted again.
 On-Site Visits – Visits to the instructors who were open to additional contact would offer
the WSC staff a chance to elicit more in-depth insight into what professors really need in
the classroom.
17
 Finalization of a Price Point – With the creation of an off-the-shelf product, a firm
understanding of the price point will prove essential in attempting to engage with
instructors. The first question many respondents asked was on affordability.
 Marketing Considerations – Highlight a distinct student product in all advertising
mediums, including the website. With a distinct logo and branding, this product could
stand on its own and attract the academic crowd.
Overall this project has proved incredibly fruitful in terms of our academic and professional
growth. It is our hope that the recommendations we have proposed will help to prepare Western
Services Corporation as they begin their expansion into the academic market. With a
demonstrated high quality product, we believe that the transition will prove incredibly beneficial
and help to facilitate the continued relevance of 3KEY software in the simulation sector.
18
Works Cited
Ames, Blair. "Oakland Mills High to Offer Early College Program." Baltimoresun.com.
Baltimore Sun, 07 Jan. 2015. Web.
Ansys - Federal Acquisition Service." Federal Acquisition Service Authorized Information
Technology Schedule Price List GS-35F-0639N (n.d.): n. pag. 14 Feb. 2014. Web. 13
Apr. 2015.
Devine, Tom. Simulation Software Research Survey. Question 7. Thomas Edison State College.
"Individual License Options." MathWorks Products: How to Buy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
"MCAD Student Edition Software | SOLIDWORKS." Dassault Systems | SOLIDWORKS. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
Sivell, Michael. Simulation Software Research Survey. Hammond High School.
19
Appendix
Respondents Open to Being Contacted Again:
Name
Institution and
Position
Anders Erikksson
Celia Reese
Earl Dowell
Gary Nevels
Professor, KTH Royal
Institute of Technology
Professor & Chair (ME),
Duke University
State Technical
College of Missouri
Currently using
simulation?
Interested in using
simulation?
Yes
Pgm Coord. & Instructor,
W. Kentucky Community
& Technical College
No
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
N/A
Yes
What simulation?
MatLab, Mathematica,
Abaqus, and Comsol.
N/A
N/A
What do you use it
for?
Teaching & Research
N/A
OVERFLOW, FUN3D,
ANSYS, ABAQUS,
internally developed
software
Teaching, Research,
and Lab Simulations
Pros about the
software?
Improvements?
User-friendly according
to my logic
N/A
Capability and
Reliability
N/A
In some cases: stability
(not releasing semiready features)
N/A
N/A
2D vs. 3D
Interface?
In-class lab
experience vs.
internet portal
Obstacles
2D
No Preference
(1) greater accuracy
in terms of physical
modeling and (2)
reduced
computational costs
through condensation
of the computational
model, e.g. what we
call "reduced order
modeling".
No Preference
Internet portal
In-class lab
Internet portal
In-class
Technical stability;
keeping close to reality
Didn’t answer.
The degree to
which it simulates
reality
What types of
power plant
simulation?
Which courses?
Pipeline and HydroPower Plant
Nuclear, Fossil, Process,
and Hydro-Power
Reliability and
simplicity while still
showing the essential
computational
concepts are the
primary
characteristics we
seek for classroom
use.
Hydro-Power Plant
All that I teach
Process TechEquipment, Operation,
Systems, and
Instrumentation
Most ME courses
Nuclear, Fossil,
Combined, and
Process
Operations,
Instrumentation and
Control, Radiation
Protection
Name
Institution and
Position
Hirram R. Reppert
Associate Professor &
Chair Nuc. Engineering,
J, David Deal
Instructor, Aiken
Technical College
Mariesa Crow
Professor, Missouri
University of S&T
Michael Sivell
Hammond High
School; Science
N/A
3D
20
Lakeland CC
Teacher
Currently using
simulation?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Interested in using
simulation?
Yes
N/A
N/A
N/A
What simulation?
N/A
Q-Track Radiation
Simulation
MATLAB, PSCAD, and
PowerWorld
PhET (University of
Colorado)
What do you use it
for?
N/A
Teaching, Training, and
Lab simulations
Teaching and
Researching
Teaching and Lab
SImulations
Pros about the
software?
N/A
The realism it lends to
the teaching/ training/
mock-up environment
Accuracy of results,
ease of use
Improvements?
N/A
Add a third dimension
Make it faster
Helps students
conceptualize
concepts and allows
students to change
variables
Not answered
2D vs. 3D
Interface?
3D
3D
2D
No preference
In-class lab
experience vs.
internet portal
In-class
In-class
Online portal
Online portal
Obstacles
Training of instructors,
initial costs and ongoing
costs
Building a scenario
around the availability of
the simulation and then
having technical
difficulties
Steep learning curve
for software
What types of
power plant
simulation?
Nuclear Power Plant
and Hydro-Power
Nuclear Power Plant
Renewable Energy &
Grid; Grid
Too many bells and
whistles can take
away from focusing
on one or two
concepts the
simulation is trying
to investigate.
Nuclear, Fossil, and
Hydro-Power
Which courses?
Nuclear classes,
mechanical, fluid
courses, and electrical
courses
Not answered
Reactor Systems and
Components
Power courses
Any science class
It has to be affordable –
the current software is
cost prohibitive for a
small school
Not answered
Not answered
Ralph Esposito
Richard Coe
Robert Collins
Tom Devine
Professor and Chair,
Vermont Technical
Assistant Dean, Applied
Science and Tech –
Department Head
Nuclear Engineering
Thomas Edison
State College
Comments
Name
Institution and
Position
21
College
Currently using
simulation?
Yes
Thomas Edison State
College
No
Technology, Augusta
Technical College
Yes
Yes
Interested in using
simulation?
N/A
Yes
N/A
NA
What simulation?
MultiSim
N/A
GSE Generic PWR
What do you use it
for?
Teaching, Training, and
Lab Simulations
N/A
Teaching
Various application
in electrical and
electronics
programs
Lab simulations
Pros about the
software?
It mimics real life and
allows changing
variables with ease.
N/A
Too early to tell
Improvements?
Improve component
models
N/A
Too early to tell
2D vs. 3D
Interface?
2D
2D
3D
Provide adult
distance learners
with interactive lab
experiences
Seeking more in
other areas of
technology, such as
nuclear engineering
technology
No preference
In-class lab
experience vs.
internet portal
In-Class Lab Experience
Internet Portal
In-Class Lab
Online portal
Obstacles
Students having laptops
with appropriate
software
Funding
Competing interests for
establishing the
appropriate network
environment
Our learners are in
50 States and 70
countries so online
simulation is ideal it
is used in natural
science courses,
electrical, and
electronic. Looking
to expand
applications.
What types of
power plant
simulation?
Renewable Energy &
Grid
Nuclear
Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear, Fossil,
Combined,
Renewable Energy,
Pipeline, and Grid
Which courses?
Most electronic courses
Nuclear Engineering
Technology Courses
Basis Reactor Theory;
Components
Comments
Simulation allows
exploring response to
change in variables
which may not be
otherwise easily
Not answered
Not answered
Programs: Nuclear
ET, Electronic
Systems ET,
electrical Tech. and
energy systems
tech.
Added simulations
initially in natural
sciences as lab kits
several years ago.
Shifted to online
simulations for
22
implemented.
ABET
design of
Electronics
program, Some
were applied to
other programs with
desire for more in
future, All must be
online
accessible.
23