Module Catalogue 2025/26

MAR8189 : Experimental and computational modelling of marine systems

MAR8189 : Experimental and computational modelling of marine systems

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Weichao Shi
  • Co-Module Leader: Professor Zhiqiang Hu
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to:
-       Introduce and apply computational analysis methods for the analysis of marine vessels and offshore
structures
-       Explain underlying hydrodynamics theory and how link this to analysis techniques
-       Demonstrate the use of experimental facilities for the in-depth investigation of marine systems at real
sea conditions through hands-on project-based learning

Outline Of Syllabus

Ships and other maritime systems are increasingly designed and analysed using digital and computational methods. There is also continuing high demand for experimental testing to validate and extend numerical approaches. The combination of numerical and experimental analysis can capture the complex and uncertain nature of the ocean and how it interacts with systems including drag, propulsion and motion. Experimental facilities continue to be built and enhanced across the world, and naval architects will inevitably access these facilities either as analysts within the facility or project engineers requiring testing services.

The syllabus comprises:
-       Modelling theory of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Experimental Fluid Dynamics (EFD).
-       Navier-Stokes equation, Reynolds Decomposition, Reynolds Average Navier Stokes.
-       Computational analysis for the kinematics and dynamics of ships and marine systems.
-       Experiment investigations in marine hydrodynamics facilities.

This module provides you with essential knowledge for dealing with complex hydrodynamic issues encountered in the marine and offshore industries and the application of hydrodynamic modelling and testing, as well as using the unique suite of facilities at Newcastle, including:
-       Hydrodynamics software, including StarCCM+, Sesam, Orcaflex.
-       The cavitation tunnel for propeller, propulsor and turbine testing
-       The towing tank for drag and seakeeping testing
-       The wind, wave, current tank for specialist testing in combined sea conditions

The wide applicability of our facilities gives you unique hands-on experience of testing from model preparation, experiment design, testing and analysis of results. This provides you with experience and confidence for your future career when commissioning or carrying out physical testing.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

IKO1: Explain Navier-stokes equation, and Computational Fluid Dynamics in the context of real- world marine and offshore challenges. (M1, M2)
IKO2: Define the methods for solving high-order differential equations, including the theory of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). (M2, M3)
IKO3: Demonstrate computational and experimental methods to address practical issues encountered by ships and offshore structures. (M3, M4, M5, M6, M7)

Intended Skill Outcomes

ISO1 – Apply appropriate computational and experimental facilities to deal with real-life modelling issues in the marine and offshore industries. (M3)
ISO2 – Apply the knowledge of Navier-stokes equation to solve complex marine and offshore issues. (M2, M3)
ISO3 – Develop skills of using computational software for the design and analysis of maritime vessels and marine and offshore structures.(M3)
ISO4 – Develop skills of using experimental facilities at Newcastle University for testing the hydrodynamics performance of maritime vessels and marine and offshore structures. (M12, M13, M16)

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture361:0036:00Lecture
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Preparation and submission of coursework 2 for CFD simulations on marine systems.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion124:0024:00Preparation and submission of coursework 1 for experimental investigation on marine systems
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical45:0020:00Experimental test in marine facilities and computer labs.
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity190:0090:00Review and study lecture materials and notes
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture notes, lecture videos and pre-reading materials given out on Canvas together will familiarise students with the concepts of experimental and computational modelling approaches. Lectures will formalise learning related to the fundamental subject of modellings in marine systems for ships and offshore structures.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M50Coursework for experiment investigation on marine systems (2000 words) [M3- M7, M12, M13, M16]
Written exercise2M50Coursework for CFD simulation on marine hydrodynamics (2000 words) [M1 - M7]
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Prob solv exercises2MTutorial questions and feedback for CFD and EFD modelling for marine systems.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Written exercise 1 will evaluate the practical skills in utilizing experimental facilities to address real-world marine and offshore challenges. (IKO3, ISO4) [M3- M7, M12, M13, M16]

Written exercise 2 will evaluate the skills in conduct computational modelling to assess the performance at sea. (IKO1-IKO3, ISO1-3)[M1 - M7]

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.