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EM40JJ: FLUID DYNAMICS (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04


Course Overview

The course develops incompressible and compressible flow topics of broad interest to mechanical engineers.  It demonstrates the link between well-developed theoretical studies and their practical application in offshore technology, aeronautics, engine design and fluid machinery.  The course begins with water wave theory with particular application to coastal and offshore engineering.  This is followed by consideration of boundary layer development over a flat plate and curved surfaces, leading to boundary layer separation and forces on immersed bodies.  These topics are also part of the EA40JF Civil Engineering Hydraulics course.  The second part of the course concentrates on compressible flow.  Using the fundamental conservation equations, the characteristics of converging-diverging nozzles and accelerating supersonic flows are examined.  Plane and oblique shock waves, Prandt-Meyer flow and Navier-Stokes equations are then introduced.  The course concludes with a discussion of the behaviour of transonic aerofoils, and the design of supersonic engine inlets.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 10 credits (5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Thomas O'Donoghue

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

1.    Wave mechancs:   linear wave theory; wave kinematics; wave energy and power; wave forces on structures (5 lectures).

2.    Boundary layer flow:  boundary layer description; momentum integral equation; laminar and turbulent boundary layer over flat plate; boundary layer separation and fluid drag (5 lectures). 

3.    Main Relations of Gas Flow:  basic equations of compressible flow: mass, momentum, energy conservation; speed of sound in gases; wave equation; mach number; simple nozzles; converging-diverging nozzles (de Laval nozzles); isentropic    relations; choking; isentropic flow tables (5 lectures).

4. Shock Waves:  normal shock equations; shock tables; oblique shock equations; detached shocks, vehicle re-entry; Prandtl-Meyer flow; expansions and compressions, Mach waves; supersonic flight; lift and drag on supersonic airfoils; engine inlet design (5 lectures ).


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

2x online open book exam (50% each)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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