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Module

PHY3046 : Advanced Fluid Dynamics & Computational Modelling (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Carlo Barenghi
  • Lecturer: Dr Graeme Sarson
  • Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

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

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To present advanced topics of fluid dynamics building on the introductory concepts developed in PHY2033. To introduce the implementation of mathematical algorithms within practical computer programs. Students will learn the fundamental programming structures, and their implementation in a widely-used programming language: Fortran. Additionally, to introduce numerical and computational modelling techniques in a number of different mathematical and physical topics. Students will be able to interpret such methods algorithmically, and implement them within practical, problem-solving programs.

Module Summary
To introduce the mathematical tools to model two-dimensional inviscid flows more advanced than seen in PHY2033 and to predict the motion of realistic viscous flows using the Navier-Stokes equation. To illustrate the variety of solutions of the Navier-Stokes equation in the physical world, paying attention to topics such as transitions of flow patterns, and including applications to flying, weather and climate.

Numerical and computational methods are an important part of modern scientific practice, used in almost all branches of mathematics, statistics and physics, and in other fields. These methods are implemented in practice via computer programs, so this module introduces programming as a tool for the implementation of such methods. The emphasis is on the fundamental algorithms and structures, although the material is developed using one specific modern programming languages, to which the students will be introduced: Fortran 95.

The emphasis is on learning in a practical context; we will be writing simple programs from the outset, rather than abstractly studying the language syntax or implementation. The programming will be illustrated and developed through their use in applications from a range of mathematical and physical topics. The algorithmic nature of all the methods covered will be emphasised, highlighting the basic logical structures required.

Outline Of Syllabus

Review of elementary fluid dynamics presented in MAS2803 (e.g. continuity equation, Euler equation, vorticity, stream function, complex potential for two-dimensional flows). More advanced
complex complex potential methods to include singularities (sources, vortices), boundaries (method of images, Milne-Thomson theorem), Magnus force (lift) and Hamiltonians. Microscopic and macroscopic description of viscosity. The Navier-Stokes equation. The vorticity transport equation. No-slip boundary conditions. Analytic solutions of the Navier-Stokes equation (e.g. channel flows in Cartesian and cylindrical geometries, Couette flows, oscillating flows). Transitions to complex vortex flows (flows past
cylinder, Taylor-Couette, Rayleigh-Benard and Reynolds pipe problems). Dimensionless variables, Reynolds number, introduction to turbulence, drag. Flows in rotating frames: Coriolis, centrifugal and Poincare forces. Simple applications: flying (lift/drag), weather, climate.

Introduction to programming:
Basic program structure and implementation (editing, compiling, executing); simple data types (integer, real, complex, logical, and character); arrays of data; input and output; branching structures ('if' constructs); repeating structures ('do' loops); program blocks (subroutines, functions, modules, interfaces).
Mathematical applications:
Three mathematical topics will be explored in more detail. For each of these, computational methods will be motivated, and practical algorithms derived and converted into programs. The topics may include: numerical integration; numerical solutions of ODEs and PDEs; linear algebra.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture91:009:00Synchronous On-Line Material
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion301:0030:00Completion of ICA
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture91:009:00Present in Person
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials361:0036:00Non-Synchronous Activities
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion181:0018:00Non Synchronous Discussion of Lecture Materials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery41:004:00Office hour or discussion board activity
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study941:0094:00Lecture preparation/background reading/coursework review
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
MAS3812Advanced Fluid Dynamics & Computational Modelling
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Non-synchronous online materials are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on assessed work. Present-in-person and synchronous online sessions are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems and to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students, and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. In addition, office hours/discussion board activity will provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer: a typical student might spend a total of one or two hours over the course of the module, either individually or as part of a group.

Assessment Methods

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

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination602A40Alternative assessment - class test
Exam Pairings
Module Code Module Title Semester Comment
1N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M10written exercises
Written exercise2M50written exercises
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The course assessments will 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.

Reading Lists

Timetable