MEC2404 - Mechanics of fluids - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Engineering

Organisational Unit

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Coordinator(s)

Dr Josie Carberry (Clayton)

Dr Saman Ilankoon Mudiyanselage (Malaysia)

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • First semester 2017 (Day)
  • Second semester 2017 (Day)

Malaysia

  • First semester 2017 (Day)
  • Second semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit develops the students' physical understanding of fluid statics and fluid flow and the interaction of fluid forces with solids.

Topics include hydrostatics, Reynolds transport theorem, continuity and momentum equations, control volume analysis, the Bernoulli equation, viscous pipe flow, pumps, dimensional analysis, boundary layers, flow measurement techniques and applications of fluid forces in flow - lift and drag.

Outcomes

At the successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Analyse fluid forces acting on bodies exposed to a volume of static fluid, with extension to fluid undergoing rigid body motion.
  2. Determine solutions to flow problems, with simplifications as appropriate, using a control volume approach to transport of mass and momentum.
  3. Apply dimensional analysis and modelling to plan experiments, present results meaningfully and predict prototype performance.
  4. Determine lift and drag forces on bodies (including motor vehicles) subjected to fluid motion, describing the effects of boundary layer modification and flow separation.
  5. Determine flow rates and pressure drops in pipe networks under steady state conditions for either laminar or turbulent flows.
  6. Select suitable pumps for a range of pipe networks and/or flow conditions and describe typical properties of turbo-machines.

Assessment

Semester 1:

Continuous assessment: 40%

Final Examination (3 hours): 60%

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Semester 2:

Continuous assessment: 40%

Final Examination (2 hours): 60%

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Workload requirements

3 hours lectures, 3 hours of laboratory/problem solving classes and 6 hours of private study per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

24 credit points

Prohibitions