Aims

A sound grasp of practical hydraulics has always been useful for those working in the water industry. However, our new realisation of the need to be very careful with energy costs has reinforced this need. All those entering the industry should be aware of the precepts of sound hydraulic design without neccesarily being highly skilled hydraulic engineers. However, many people are now entering the industry who do not have a traditional engineering training. Many of these individuals are unaware of, and even intimidated by the kinds of hydraulics that would find extremely useful. This course is an accessible and practical introduction to the area. It will introduce them to the founding concepts of hydraulics and show how they can be applied to problems in drainage, sewer design, water supply and the specification of pumps. A brief glance into more advanced aspects such as computational fluid dynamics will also be offered.

Outline Of Syllabus

Conceptual basics: Statics, the conservation of mass and energy (Bernoulli's equation), ideal and non-ideal flow Reynolds number. Pipe Flow: Empirical and theoretical equations, simple pipes, branched networks, circular networks, flow measurement. Open channel flow: Uniform flow and Manning's equation, non-uniform flow, the design of drainage networks, and flow measurement. Pumps: Pump types, optimal selection and management. Network analysis: An introduction to hydraulic network optimization will be provided, using EPANET for water distribution systems.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The precepts will be imparted in the lectures and the physical reality illustrated in the laboratory. Problem solving ability and confidence will be built up in independent study and through follow up activities associated with the practicals. Design elements will assess integration of problem solving and practical considerations

Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Quiz assesses qualitative knowledge related to professional elements of the class. Laboratory report assesses the ability to provide a written report summarizing lab data. Design/presentation will assess problem-solving ability,