- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Baggaley
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
|
Semester 2 Credit Value:
|
10
|
|
ECTS Credits:
|
5.0
|
Aims
To introduce the fundamental concepts and governing equations of fluid mechanics, using mathematical techniques to analyse simple flow problems for an inviscid (frictionless) fluid.
Module Summary
Fluid dynamics plays a central role in many natural phenomena. As we breathe, gas flows in and out of our lungs, whilst our heart pumps blood around the body. Without a proper understanding of large-scale fluid flows in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, it would be impossible for meteorologists to produce reliable weather forecasts. On yet larger scales, the complex motions in the Earth’s molten iron core are responsible for sustaining the terrestrial magnetic field. The principles of fluid dynamics can also be used to explain aerodynamic lift, whilst engineers need to be able to model fluid flows around solid bodies (like tall buildings) and along pipes.
This module will introduce the concept of a fluid, and the ways in which the motions of such a system can be described. The main focus of this module will be on the dynamics of inviscid (frictionless) fluids. Even with such an assumption, it is not possible to write down a general solution of the governing equations, but it is possible to make certain simplifying assumptions to deduce the properties of certain flows. In many respects, this module is a sequel to vector calculus (MAS2801). Many of the ideas that were introduced in that module, including the differential operators and integral theorems, will be used extensively.
Outline Of Syllabus
Continuum approximation.
• Kinematics: Streamlines, pathlines, steady and time-dependent flows, convective derivative, vorticity and circulation.
• Governing equations and elementary dynamics: Conservation of mass, the continuity equation and incompressibility, Euler’s equation, Bernoulli’s streamline theorem.
• Irrotational flows and potential theory: Laplace’s equation, principle of superposition, simple examples including sources, sinks and line vortices, flow around a cylinder and sphere.
• Linear water waves: Surface waves (deep and shallow), dispersive waves, group velocity.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category |
Activity |
Number |
Length |
Student Hours |
Comment |
|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formal Lectures – Present in Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Revision Lectures – Present in Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Problem Classes – Synchronous On-Line |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Completion of in course assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Synchronous On-Line |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 53 | 1:00 | 53:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review |
| Total | | | | 100:00 | |
Jointly Taught With
| Code |
Title |
|---|
| PHY2033 | Fluid Dynamics |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. Problem Classes are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description |
Length |
Semester |
When Set |
Percentage |
Comment |
|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | N/A |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Comment |
|---|
| PHY2033 | Fluid Dynamics | 2 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description |
Semester |
When Set |
Percentage |
Comment |
|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 10 | Problem-solving exercises |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 10 | Problem-solving exercises |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal unseen examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The coursework assignments allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
In the event of on-campus examinations not being possible, an on-line alternative assessment will be used for written examination 1.
Reading Lists
Timetable
