Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)/Bachelor of Commerce

Aims & Objectives:

During the unit, we aim:

• To enhance understanding of fluid behaviour through application of dimensional reasoning, drag and lift considerations, boundary layer theory, compressible flow theory, measurement techniques and pump and turbine theory, computational fluid dynamics and computer applications and simulations

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• Understand fluid behaviour through application of dimensional reasoning, drag and lift considerations, boundary layer theory, compressible flow theory
• To develop an appreciation of the design principles in thermo-fluid systems
• To develop the ability to analyse existing thermo-fluid systems and contribute to new designs

Teaching Methods:

Lectures (36 hrs); Tutorials (20 hrs); Laboratory

Assessment:

Tests (15%), Assignments (15%), Examinations (70%)

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

Content:

Drag and Lift (20%)

• Basic considerations
• Drag of two-dimensional bodies
• Coefficients of drag
• Vortex shedding from cylindrical bodies
• Streamlining, drag of axisymmetric and three-dimensional bodies
• Terminal velocity
• Effects of compressibility on drag
• Lift: circulation, airfoils
• Airfoils of finite length
• Drag and lift on road vehicles

Surface Resistance (18%)

• Surface resistance with uniform laminar flow
• Qualitative description of the laminar and turbulent boundary layer
• Quantitative relations for the laminar and turbulent boundary layer
• Boundary layer control

Compressible Flow (20%)

• Wave propagation in compressible fluids
• Mach number relationships
• Normal shock waves
• Isentropic compressible flow through a duct with varying area
• Compressible flow in a pipe with friction

Flow Measurements (8%)

• Instruments for the measurement of velocity
• Pressure and flow rate
• Measurement in compressible flow

Advanced Turbomachinery (18%)

• Propeller theory
• Axial flow pumps
• Radial flow machines
• Specific speed
• Suction limitations
• Turbines
• Viscous effects

Computational Fluid Dynamics (16%)

• Finite difference equations
• Discretisation techniques
• Viscosity variations
• Incompressible and compressible flows
• Unsteady flow modelling
• Introduction to CFD computer packages
• CFD modelling project
• Computer-based pipe network analysis and design

Textbooks:

References: