Computer simulation can be used to study the airflow over a car or an airplane wing to help find the best shape to reduce drag. Biomedical engineers can simulate how the impact of a runner's foot on pavement translates into pressure on the knee. In a computer-simulated fuel cell, chemists can see how changing catalysts affects energy output. Engineers are increasingly using computer simulation to solve problems and save money.

Now a workshop at Cornell aims to bring more computer simulation into the classroom, so engineering students can learn to use the tools they will need to work on real-world projects. The ISTEC 2008 Conference (Integration of Simulation Technology into the Engineering Curriculum) will bring together more than 60 leaders from educational institutions and industry in Cornell's Statler Hall, July 25-26, to share curriculum materials, best practices and innovative strategies to integrate simulation technology into the engineering curriculum.

Speakers from Cornell and 10 other universities will share examples of their classroom applications, and a panel session will address overcoming such barriers as the cost of the hardware and software, limited time in the curriculum and faculty who are not familiar with industry-standard simulation software.

Cornell has taken the lead in bringing simulation into the curriculum, according to Rajesh Bhaskaran, director of the Swanson Engineering Simulation Program in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The program was launched in 2000 with a gift of almost $2 million from John Swanson '61, B.S. '62, M.Eng. '63, founder of ANSYS Inc., a firm producing simulation software. The gift provided the Sibley School with a computer lab with high-end workstations, access to a 24-node high-performance cluster and professional simulation software -- what Bhaskaran calls "industrial-strength tools."

The Swanson program works to assist faculty members in incorporating simulation into their classes, both to help students visualize complex ideas and teach them the use of the tools. Previously, faculty members had to generate their own simulation-related curriculum materials for their courses, said Bhaskaran, adding that is still true at many other institutions.

A goal of the conference, he said, is to develop virtual communities of educators to share ideas and methods worldwide. A Wiki-style Web site will be created where tutorials and other curriculum materials can be uploaded. All materials will be open-source, distributed under the Creative Commons license, Bhaskaran said.

Information and a registration form are available on the conference Web site at http://www.mae.cornell.edu/swanson/workshop2008/index.html.