This course provides a grounding in the fundamental methods of fluid mechanics in both static and dynamic situations.  It also introduces general principles such as dimensional analysis, which are widely applicable in engineering.

2 lecture per week

None

None

63% Final written exam

21% Online assessment of Teaching Block 1

16% Report on laboratory work

The aims of this course are to:

■ provide a grounding in the fundamental methods of fluid mechanics in both static and dynamic situations

■ show the importance of general principles such as dimensional analysis, which are widely applicable in engineering.

■ provide experience in the practical aspects of carry out fluid experiments and analysing results

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain the behavioural differences between fluids and solids;

■ define the fundamental physical variables of fluid mechanics and dimensionless quantities such as the Reynolds number;

■ apply dimensional analysis to problems in fluid mechanics;

■ apply standard results in mechanics to static fluid problems, such as hydrostatic pressure distribution;

■ apply control volume analysis to one-dimensional fluid flow problems;

■ explain the significance and practical impact of conservation laws (linear momentum, mass and energy) in fluid mechanics and apply them to simple flows;

■ state the Bernoulli equation and apply it to simple problems in fluid dynamics;

■ solve flow problems in systems of closed pipes and of open channels.

■ gain knowledge, understanding and skills associated with carrying out, analysing and reporting of fluid experiments

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 75% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must satisfactorily complete the laboratory exercises.

Students must complete the set exercise.

Students should attend at least 75% of the timetabled classes of the course.

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates.  Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.