Developing Student Competency in Engineering Tools Using Open-Source Software in Undergraduate Engineering Education

Abstract

Since the introduction of ECSA’s revised Graduate Attributes in August 2023, engineering programmes have had to adapt teaching to meet new requirements. Graduate Attribute (GA) 5 emphasises competence in selecting, applying, and evaluating engineering and IT tools for complex problems, with a stronger focus on mathematical and computational foundations. Commercial CAD and CFD software, while effective, is costly and often inaccessible post-graduation, making open-source alternatives attractive. FreeCAD (for CAD) and OpenFOAM (for CFD) were integrated into a third-year heat and mass transfer module at a South African university to perform CFD analysis. These tools require students to engage directly with solver algorithms, numerical methods, and scripting, fostering deeper understanding of model development, computational efficiency, and tool limitations. Their accessibility also encourages collaborative, independent learning. The study assessed the potential of open-source tools to develop GA 5 competencies through a final assessment project. Students submitted self-reflective notes, which highlighted cost-effectiveness, improved proficiency, confidence in simulation tools, and enhanced problem-solving skills. One student noted, “This assignment gave me a real sense of applying theory to practical engineering scenarios.” Findings indicate that open- source CAD and CFD tools can match the technical skill development of licensed software while adding accessibility and collaboration benefits.