This module consolidates and expands on the fundamental theory and principles of fluid mechanics. A more detailed understanding of fluid flow concepts will be developed for a range of internal/external flow and pumping/power applications. In addition, boundary layer and drag theory will be introduced. Fundamental knowledge will be applied to solving industrial problems, serving to develop your understanding of a practising fluids engineer. 

• Systematically comprehend the basic principles of both steam and water turbines in pumping applications. 

• Evaluate and describe the importance of the flow regimes as defined by Reynolds number and demonstrate use of the Moody diagram for applied flow problems. 

• Demonstrate a more exact understanding of Bernoulli’s equation, incorporating a range of major and minor losses to various pipeline configurations. 

• Analyse and examine boundary layer theory to derive solutions for the structure of assorted velocity gradient formulations, and how this is applied for the calculation of drag.  

The module will be delivered through a blend of face-to-face teaching (such as lectures, guided study, tutorials, and formative feedback sessions), and online learning material (such as recorded lectures, quizzes, numerical examples and sample tutorial problems). These are used to breakdown the fundamental principles and demonstrated application of various facets of fluid mechanics to a wide range of industrially relevant problems.  

You are expected to undertake all the problems and tutorial activities throughout the semester in preparation for the relevant in-person classes, thereby independently developing approaches for a broad scope of engineering problems, alongside necessary reading around the subject. Successful completion of all tutorial sheets will help you to achieve the desired learning outcomes. 

Skills developed through formal module learning outcomes, alongside summative assessment include: 

Your academic skills: 

• Critical thinking skills. You will need to develop and demonstrate different approaches to solving complex problems. 

• Reflection: You will actively reflect on your approach to applying your knowledge of thermofluid concepts.  

• Commercial awareness: You will need start to develop an understanding of industrially relevant solutions. 
    

Your subject-specific skills: 

• You will need to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and mechanisms involved in a wide range of important practical power and process systems and industries. 

• You will develop and apply an understanding of the development of Euler’s equation for ‘head’ and the subsequent application to all classes of rotodynamic machinery, and the importance of dimensional analysis for turbomachinery applications. 

• You will develop the ability to evaluate different types of losses associated with internal flows through combinations of pipeline networks. 

• You will gain an appreciation of the basic terminology and definitions used to define boundary layers associated typically with external flows over vehicles, buildings, bridges, cylinders, spheres and other shapes in the context of total drag.  

• Skills developed through informal module activities, not identified as learning outcomes include:  

• Employability, through enhanced knowledge in a specialist field. 

• Collaborative skills, with potential for informal groupwork through tutorial material.  

The module is assessed through a two-hour formal examination scheduled during the Autumn assessment period. 

The exam paper comprises two sections, each with three questions. You must answer two questions from each section. Questions are set to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of LO 1-4. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The re-assessment for this module will consist in a 2-hour written examination. 

The opportunity for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.  

Review of Fundamentals 

• Continuity, momentum and energy equations for 1-dimensional steady, incompressible flow. 

Rotodynamic Machines 

• Derivation of moment of momentum equations. 

• Flow within rotors. 

• Euler equations. 

• Characteristics of hydraulic pumps, fans and turbines. 

• Consideration of other types of machines where appropriate. 

Internal Flows 

• Steady developed flow in ducts and valves. 

• Velocity profiles in laminar and turbulent flows. 

• Relationship between head loss and Reynolds number. 

• The Moody Diagram. 

• The hydraulic losses. 

• Branching pipe networks and valves. 

• Operating point in pumped systems. 

External Flows 

• Growth of boundary layers on a flat plate. 

• Skin friction relationships for laminar and turbulent flows. 

• Separation and wake formation. 

• Friction drag, pressure drag and profile drag. 

• Drag coefficients, Vortex Shedding flowmeter. 

• Lift and characteristics of lifting surfaces, induced drag. 

• Minimum drag speed.