Module Catalogue 2013/14

CEG8517 : Computational Hydraulics

  • Offered for Year: 2013/14
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Vedrana Kutija
  • Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
Pre Requisites
Pre Requisite Comment

-

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

-

Aims

To acquire the necessary skills to competently use computational hydraulics software to solve engineering problems.

Introduction to equations describing flow and transport processes in free-surface flows.
• Introduction to methods of characteristics, finite differences, finite elements and finite volumes. Application of the method of finite differences to ordinary and partial differential equations.
• Analysis of convergence, stability and accuracy of numerical schemes.
• Modelling of flow in open channel networks using method of finite differences.
• Numerical solution of two-dimensional nearly horizontal flows using method of finite differences (ADI) and method of finite volumes.
• Modelling of advection-diffusion in one and two dimensions.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to method of finite differences;
Introduction to method of finite volumes;
Introduction to method of finite elements;
Stability of numerical schemes;
Accuracy of numerical schemes;
Explicit and implicit schemes;
Finite difference solution for free-surface flows in one dimension - Abbot-Ionesscu and Priessman scheme;
Finite difference solution for flow in channel network;
Godunov type schemes and Riemann solvers;
Godunov type schemes for shallow flows in one dimension;
Godunov type schemes for shallow flows in two dimensions;
Finite difference schemes for solution of transport diffusion equations in 1D;
Godunov type schemes for solution of transport diffusion equation in 1 and 2D.

Tutorials:
Basic finite differences- stability and accuracy;
Solution of 1D free-surface flow by finite differences;
Solution of 1D free-surface flow by FV and Riemann solvers.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should have an understanding of governing equations and numerical methods used for solution of flow and transport phenomena.

To become aware of limitations and common difficulties in using different numerical methods in solving flow and transport problems.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should have achieved the following skills:-

To be able to develop simple software for solution of free-surface flow.

To acquire confidence in using computational hydraulics software to solve engineering problems.

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes
  • Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
    • Numeracy : Assessed
    • Literacy : Assessed
    • Information Literacy
      • Synthesise And Present Materials : Assessed
      • Use Of Computer Applications : Assessed
  • Self Management
    • Planning and Organisation
      • Goal Setting And Action Planning : Present
      • Decision Making : Present
    • Personal Enterprise
      • Innovation And Creativity : Assessed
      • Initiative : Assessed
      • Problem Solving : Assessed
  • Interaction
    • Communication
      • Written Other : Assessed
  • Application
    • Occupational Awareness : Present
    • Commercial Acumen
      • Market Awareness : Present

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion115:0015:00Written exercise (development of simple numerical code)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion210:3010:30Revision for exam
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:301:30Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture211:0021:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical32:006:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study146:0046:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material.
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures allow knowledge transfer of the various numerical and modelling methods available for application in the hydraulics discipline, and practicals allow for consolidation of this knowledge prior to its application in the development of simple software and its application to given problems (which is carried out as coursework).

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A50Unseen written examination
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Prob solv exercises2M153 practical submissions at 5 % each.
Written exercise2M35Written exercise (development of simple numerical code, 1000 words/15hrs effort).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

To assess the student's grasp of the basic practical skills and understanding represented by the knowledge outcomes via a mix of written coursework (development of simple software and its application to given problems) and an examination paper (closed book previously unseen paper). Practical submissions are assessed to emphasise importance of completion of the practical tasks for development of intended skills. The written exercise involves development of simple numerical code which assesses skills in development of basic numerical methods, and their limitations. The unseen exam assesses knowledge of basic numerical methods used in Computational Hydraulics.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.