Units / CHE2161
CHE2161 · Mechanics of fluids
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit develops your 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.
Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)- Specialisation: Biomedical engineering E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Chemical engineering E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Chemical engineering
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Malaysia | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mid-semester tests | Quiz / Test | 21.5% | Threshold |
| 2 | Laboratory reports | Written | 12% | Threshold |
| 3 | Practical class exercises | Exercise | 11% | Threshold |
| 4 | Pre-workshop quizzes about recorded lectures and readings | Exercise | 5.5% | Threshold |
| 5 | Final assessment | Examination | 50% | Threshold |
Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
Learning outcomes
- Determine and solve fluid flow problems by employing Bernoulli's equation and control volumes to predict fluid behaviour with particular regard to the principles of continuity and momentum.
- Use dimensional analysis and modelling to plan experiments, present results meaningfully and predict prototype performance.
- Determine lift and drag forces for bodies including vehicles subjected to fluid motion.
- Analyse and discern between laminar and turbulent flows, demonstrate an understanding of boundary layers and flow separation, and explain how these concepts impact on drag and fluid energy loss.
- Determine the appropriate sizes and operating parameters for turbo machines by employing knowledge of the typical operation, limitations, and applications of these devices.
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Assessments | 4 hours |
| Laboratories | 4 hours |
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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