Thickening consists of separating parts of a suspension by sedimentation under the force of gravity, to obtain a denser product and a clarified liquid. Depending on which part is needed to recover, the denser product or the pure liquid, we use the term thickening or clarification to define these operations. Thickener design is compulsory for chemical engineering (CE) curricula and is usually introduced in courses related to unit operations. Thickening design problems are solved by geometric methods (e.g., Coe–Clevenger or Kynch–Roberts methods). However, nowadays, computers play a more and more important role in CE practice. Both specific and general software solutions are essential. Whereas CE‐specific software is adequate for graduates and professionals, general mathematical software can also be used in class. They can help to deliver certain competences included in the vast majority of CE curricula. For CE introductory courses, software with integrated functions and friendly interfaces are generally preferred over those that require to be familiarized with programming languages. Here, we describe the use of SMath Studio in 2nd‐year engineering courses by nonfamiliarized students. SMath Studio is a comprehensive mathematical notebook, similar to Mathcad, but it is entirely free for personal or commercial use. In this study, student's opinion was surveyed. Around 70 students took part in the two‐phase survey. The use of SMath allowed students to better understand the theoretical basis, fostered critical thinking, and increased their motivation to apply this software for solving other engineering problems.

中文翻译：

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使用免费软件 SMath studio 通过图形方法改进加厚设计的学习

增稠包括在重力作用下通过沉降分离悬浮液的一部分，以获得更稠密的产品和澄清的液体。根据需要回收的部分是密度较大的产品还是纯液体，我们使用术语增稠或澄清来定义这些操作。稠化器设计是化学工程 (CE) 课程的必修课，通常在与单元操作相关的课程中介绍。加厚设计问题通过几何方法（例如 Coe-Clevenger 或 Kynch-Roberts 方法）解决。然而，如今，计算机在 CE 实践中发挥着越来越重要的作用。特定的和通用的软件解决方案都是必不可少的。虽然 CE 专用软件适合毕业生和专业人士，但通用数学软件也可以在课堂上使用。他们可以帮助提供包含在绝大多数 CE 课程中的某些能力。对于 CE 入门课程，通常优先选择功能集成、界面友好的软件，而不是需要熟悉编程语言的软件。在这里，我们描述了不熟悉的学生在二年级工程课程中使用 SMath Studio。SMath Studio 是一个综合性的数学笔记本，类似于 Mathcad，但它完全免费供个人或商业使用。在这项研究中，调查了学生的意见。大约 70 名学生参加了两阶段调查。使用 SMath 可以让学生更好地理解理论基础，培养批判性思维，并增加他们应用该软件解决其他工程问题的动力。