48641 Fluid Mechanics
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 33230 Mathematics 2
Recommended studies:
good background in physics, mechanics and applied mathematics
Description
This subject aims to enable students to understand key concepts and fundamental principles, together with the assumptions made in their development, pertaining to fluid behaviour both in static and flowing conditions. Students also learn to deal effectively with practical engineering situations, including the analysis and design of engineering systems and devices involving fluids and flow. Furthermore, students consider possible applications and links to other disciplines, and engage in further specialised study or research. The subject also aims to enhance interests in fluid phenomena and applications. Topics include fluid properties, fluid statics and kinematics, conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy, differential analysis of fluid flow, dimensional analysis, flow in pipes including flow measurements and pipe network analysis, and external flow (lift and drag).
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Understand and apply the concepts of fluid behaviour to static and flowing conditions in a real world engineering problems. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Design theoretical solutions using engineering systems and devices involving fluids and flow. (C.1) |
| 3. | Recognise possible applications and links to other disciplines, and engage in further specialised study or research. (C.1) |
| 4. | Develop collaborations through team building, team work and leadership skills. (E.1) |
| 5. | Reflect on the principles of fluid mechanics and apply this knowledge to current and future professional engineering practice. (F.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
Workshop slides are available on Canvas for students to view before the online/face-to-face classes. Workshops will include interactive learning activities where the students can ask and discuss questions, receive feedback, and test their understanding of the subject material with teaching staff and peer discussion. While theory provides the foundation, the discussion of real-world problems and issues is central to the learning in this subject. In tutorials, students will engage in a series of tutorial questions. Students are encouraged to review these tutorial questions prior to attending the tutorial classes. Opportunities for gaining practical experience and collaboration in the subject are provided by the laboratory experiments, for which students perform a group task and submit a report. Students are encouraged to review the laboratory notes before attending the laboratory classes to enhance understanding of the experiments that will be undertaken.
Content (topics)
Topics covered in this subject include:
- Fluid properties and fluid statics
- Fluid statics and kinematics
- Conservation laws: mass, energy and momentum
- Differential analysis
- Dimensional analysis
- Flow in pipes Pumps and turbines
- External flow
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quiz
| Intent: | To acquire fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics covering the basic concepts of fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid kinematics and conservation of mass. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: Engineering Problems A
| Intent: | To apply theoretical analysis and concepts of fluid mechanics, in order to develop a framework for calculating and solving real-world problems for topics covered in weeks 1 to 6. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | Handwritten solutions of eight engineering problems. |
Assessment task 3: Laboratory Report
| Intent: | To validate basic fluid mechanics theories through undertaking laboratory activities, in order to establish behaviour and applications that inform rational pipe network designs. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | No more than 2,500 words |
Assessment task 4: Engineering Problems B
| Intent: | To apply theoretical analysis and concepts of fluid mechanics, in order to develop a framework for calculating and solving real-world problems for topics covered in Weeks 7 to 12. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | Handwritten solutions for 14 engineering problems. |
Assessment task 5: Project Report and Reflection
| Intent: | To identify real world applications of fluid mechanics systems and synthesise concepts, in order to establish their relevancy to professional engineering practice and to conduct self-reflection regarding learning in the subject. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | No more than 1,500 words (1,000 words on application/s, and 500 words on reflection). |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
- Yunus A. Cengel, John M. Cimbala, Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications, 4th edition (SI Unit)
References
- Munson's Fluid Mechanics, Global Edition, by P.M. Gerhart et al, Wiley, 2016; OR Munson, Young and Okiishi's Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, 8th Edition, by P.M. Gerhart et al, Wiley, 2016
- Munson, B.R. et al, Fluid Mechanics, 7th Ed., SI version, Wiley, 2013
- White, F.M., Fluid Mechanics, 9th Ed., McGraw-Hill, 2020
- Giles, R.V., Evett, J.B. and Vennard, J.K., Theory and Problems of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics, 3rd Ed., Schaum’s Outline series, McGraw-Hill, 1994, and Schaum’s Interactive Outline series, MathSoft and McGraw-Hill, 1995
- Engineering Fluid Mechanics, 12th Australia and New Zealand Edition, Donald F. Elger, Barbara A. LeBret, Clayton T. Crowe, John A. Roberson, Wiley 2019
Other resources
It is advised that you attend the timetabled activities to gain maximum benefit from your subject. For further help with understanding the subject material, or to ask any questions, please see the tutors during tutorials.
Alternatively, you can contact the subject coordinator or teaching staff during consultation hours.
You can also seek study assistance and resources from the?FEIT Learning Precinct.
Students have a collective and individual responsibility to adhere to safe work and study practices to prevent injuries and illnesses and act in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).”