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
Organisational Unit
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Coordinator(s)
Dr P Ranganathan (Clayton)
Dr Tan Ming Kwang (Malaysia)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The foundations of continuum analysis of fluids will be presented. Using control volume analysis the fundamental conservation laws for mass, momentum and energy are developed leading to the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations. Techniques employed to solving these equations for specific problems are explored. Methods of exact and approximate solutions of these equations, and the use of conceptual and analytical tools such as flow similitude, vorticity, circulation, stream function and velocity potential are described. The concept of boundary layers and its use in the calculation of drag and lift forces is elucidated. The origins and physical consequences of the phenomenon of fluid turbulence are discussed, along with their implications for computation of turbulent flows. The analysis of compressible flows and its applications are discussed. The unit introduces the concepts underpinning the broad areas of fluid acoustics, computational fluid dynamics, environmental fluid mechanics and wind energy.
Outcomes
At the successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse fluid kinematics and characterise fluid motion.
- Apply Control Volume Analysis to analyse mass and momentum flows through fluid volumes of any shape or size and calculate forces on such volumes.
- Conduct Control Volume Analysis for advanced applications such as open channel flows, compressible flows in ducts, turbomachinery etc.
- Describe through the use of Control Volume Analysis the mathematical basis for the Navier-Stokes equations.
- Analyse equations to judge conditions under which flows will be similar.
- Apply the Navier-Stokes equations to analyse viscous laminar flows, inviscid potential flows and boundary layers.
Assessment
Practice classes: 10%
Assignment, projects: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 70%
Note that 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
6 hours of contact time per week (3 hours lectures and 3 hours practice sessions) and 6 hours of private study per week
See also Unit timetable information
Chief examiner(s)
Prerequisites
MEC2404 and 18 engineering credit points at level two