CHE6112 · Advanced fluid dynamics

Overview

This unit on advanced fluid dynamics consolidates and extends your understanding of the principal concepts and methods of fluid dynamics gained in an earlier undergraduate unit. The main topics covered in the unit include the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy for continuous bodies, the derivation and use of Navier-Stokes equation for the description of viscous flows, the application of similarity and dimensional analysis, an introduction to lubrication theory, the fundamental concepts of boundary layers and separation, applications of circulation and vorticity theorems, analysis of potential flow, an introduction to turbulence, lift and drag, an appreciation of surface tension and surface tension driven flows. The unit aims to give you a deeper and more thorough grounding in principles and basic applications of fluid mechanics and will develop your capacity to formulate and solve problems involving diverse types of flows, from ideal to viscous flow, encountered in engineering practice.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% Final grades: PGO (pass grade only) or NGO (fail)

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate use of advanced mathematical methods to analyse fluid flow.
2. Demonstrate the use of mathematical and physical foundations of the continuum mechanics of fluids, critically evaluate problems in advanced fluid dynamics and apply theory to analyse the problems.
3. Develop the capacity to formulate and simplify advanced equations of change, select the appropriate boundary conditions for compressible and incompressible Newtonian fluids, write the problem in dimensionless form, select the appropriate dimensionless numbers, and use suitable numerical and analytical techniques to model the system.
4. Analyse and utilise solution strategies for a variety of problems in incompressible flow, inviscid flow, ideal fluid flow, boundary layer flow, irrotational flow, and potential flow.
5. Critically evaluate and apply theoretical concepts in turbulence to analyse turbulent flows.
6. Demonstrate an appreciation of how advanced fluid dynamics principles can be used towards the solution of practical problems in technological contexts.

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.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.