UNCW Coastal Engineering Students Build Industry-Inspired Clear Loop
Inspired by an industry learning experience and brought to life through student innovation and philanthropic support, UNCW’s coastal engineering program has developed a new clear loop demonstration system that will enhance hands-on learning opportunities for students.
During fall break 2025, Greg Williams, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, accompanied students enrolled in EGN 402: Dredging and Beach Nourishment to KSB-GIW in Georgia, for a specialized short course focused on dredge pumps and slurry flow in pipelines.
KSB-GIW, a leading manufacturer of dredge pumps, operates a hydraulics laboratory where engineers test pumps and equipment and analyze slurry, a mixture of sediment and water, for pressure, velocity and operating efficiency. The facility also features a variety of demonstrations designed to help students visualize and better understand complex dredging concepts.
Among the most important learning tools was a "clear loop," a demonstration apparatus that uses a pump, transparent piping and sediment-like particles to illustrate how materials move through a pipeline. By watching particles travel through the system, students can observe how sediment behaves in slurry flow and gain a deeper understanding of concepts discussed in the classroom.
Following the visit, Williams saw an opportunity to bring a similar learning experience to UNCW.
"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."
The project quickly became a student-driven effort.
In spring 2026, Dakota Smith ‘26, completed a directed independent study (DIS), focused on designing a clear loop. Smith researched materials and components, developed engineering drawings and prepared a cost estimate for construction.
Building on that work, coastal engineering student Kylie Showalter ‘27, constructed the apparatus during the summer. Using Smith's design as a foundation, Showalter assembled the system, transforming an idea inspired by an industry visit into a functioning educational resource for students.
The clear loop made its classroom debut in EGN 402 this semester. As part of lab demonstrations and exercises, students are investigating key concepts including slurry velocity, sediment suspension and settling, particle distribution and the formation of stationary or moving sediment beds, common challenges faced during dredging operations.
"The clear loop is a great example of experiential education in action," Williams said. "Students were involved from concept and design through construction, and now future classes will benefit from a teaching tool that was built by coastal engineering students for coastal engineering students."
Construction of the clear loop was made possible through the Manson Construction Co. Support Fund for Coastal Engineering. The fund supports enhancements to the program's geotechnical lab, the acquisition of advanced equipment and opportunities for students and faculty to pursue impactful dredging research.
The clear loop, inspired by a visit to KSB-GIW and funded through the generosity of Manson Construction Co., demonstrates the impact of industry partnerships and investment on student learning and innovation.