MECH ENG 7026 - Advanced Topics in Fluid Mechanics

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course builds on the concepts learned in core Mechanical Engineering courses and extends these to provide practical interpretive and predictive methods. The syllabus begins with a practical and theoretical overview of modern flow measurement techniques and the methods used to interpret velocity and flow data. These are then applied to the fundamental flow cases such as free shear flows. Specific applications of these flow cases are then given through the study of internal flow systems and external flows around air, ground and sea-going vehicles. These include wind tunnels, race cars, high-performance yachts, swimmers, sports balls, birds and fish.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MECH ENG 7026
    Course Advanced Topics in Fluid Mechanics
    Coordinating Unit School of Mechanical Engineering
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours lectures/tutorials and 3 hours laboratories per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assessment Assignments, Lab Experiments, Final Exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Richard Kelso

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 A a high level of technical competence in fluid mechanics;
    2 Familiarity with current practice in fluid and aerodynamic measurement;
    3 Ability to apply fluid mechanics principles to the analysis of real systems;
    4 Ability to apply fluid mechanics principles to the design of real systems;
    5 Well developed problem solving and analytical skills;
    6 Understanding of the principles underlying sustainable flow system design.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 4
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1-6
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1-4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3, 4, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Course notes – these are essential and required.
    Recommended Resources

    Munson, B.R., Young, D.F., Okiishi, T.H., Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley and Sons Inc, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th Edition.

    A list of other resources will be provided in the lecture notes.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials developing material covered in lectures.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The following information is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements. The required time commitment from the beginning of semester to the end of the final exam is 48 hours attendance at lectures, 48 hours of self directed learning, 3 hours of laboratory work, 40 hours completing assignments and laboratory reports and 40 hours of revising course material and preparing for the exam.

    Learning Activities Summary

    1. Introduction (2.5%)

    2. Overview of Experimental Methods (20%)

    • Signal analysis & resolution
    • Energy cascade and turbulence
    • Flow visualization
    • Quantitative measurements, including pressure, PIV, LDA, HWA, and fluorescence
    • Volumetric visualization and measurement methods.

    3. Flow Facility Design (10%)

    • Review of analysis techniques
    • Optimal design of components, including contractions, diffusers, flow screens, bends, etc.
    • Wind tunnel modelling of steady-state and dynamic loads.

    4. Flow Structure Analysis (37.5%)

    Including but not limited to:

    • Potential flow
    • Topology & vortex dynamics
    • Vortex rings, induced velocity, complex vortex patterns, Biot-Savart law.
    • Jets and wakes – statistical flow structure, analytical techniques, similarity solutions, energy cascade
    • Turbulent boundary layers - 3D vortex structure, statistical description (not covered every year).

    5. Flow System Analysis (30%)

    Including but not limited to:

    • Ground vehicles
    • Aerodynamics of cycling
    • Seagoing vehicles
    • Hydrodynamics of swimming
    • Airborne vehicles – aeroplanes, etc.
    • Aerodynamics of Sports Balls
    • Other aerodynamic and hydrodynamic sports
    • Nature - birds, insects and fish.
    Specific Course Requirements
    NONE
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    All assessment tasks are formative. There are 4 assignments, each worth approximately 3.75% of the assessment, a laboratory that is worth 5%, and a small project that is worth 10% of the total assessment. The open book exam is worth 70%. All assignments are due by 5:00pm on the due date. Details of each task are tabulated below. This schedule is subject to change during the semester. See MyUni for details.

    Assessment Task Weighting % Description Due date Learning objectives
    (See 2.1 above)
    Assignment 1 10

    Flow Facility Design

    See course notes 1-6
    Assignment 2 3.75 Potential Flow See course notes 1-6
    Assignment 3 3.75 Vortex Dynamics See course notes 1-6
    Assignment 4 3.75 Free Shear Flows See course notes 1-6
    Assignment 5 3.75 Other See course notes 1-6
    Laboratory 5 Magnus Effect See laboratory schedule 1-6
    Final Exam 70 Exam on all parts of the course Exam period 1-6
    Assessment Related Requirements
    NONE
    Assessment Detail

    Assignments

    All assignments will are based on a problem-solving format. In each case a practical problem will be presented and the students will be asked to provide a solution to that problem. The problem format and difficulty are the same as the final exam. Each student’s submission will be assessed primarily on the quality of their approach to the problem. Students are required to state all assumptions used in their solutions, provide appropriate diagrams, and to follow a standard solution and presentation procedure known as the “problem solving protocol”. Approximately 10% of the marks of each problem are awarded for fulfilling these requirements.

    Laboratory

    This laboratory consists of an experimental investigation of the lift produced by a spinning cylinder mounted in a wind tunnel. Students will be required to measure the lift force, air speed and cylinder rotational speed in order to calculate the lift coefficient, and then compare the data with published values. Students are required to submit individual reports for each laboratory. Students must have submitted a report and scored at least 35% overall to be eligible to pass the course. Further details are provided by the laboratory demonstrators.

    Project

    A group project will be undertaken by each student, involving a literature review, analysis and/or experiment. Projects will be assessed on the basis of a report and, depending on class numbers, a presentation to the class. Students are encouraged to form groups of 2 or three students. A list of possible project topics will be provided during the lectures.

    Submission

    Individual assignments are to be submitted by each student to the submissions box on Level 2, Engineering South. Unless students are otherwise notified, assignments must be submitted by 5.00pm exactly two weeks after each assignment is issued. Submitted assignments must be accompanied by an assessment cover sheet, available from the front office S116 or near the assignment submission boxes. Late assignments will be penalised 10% per day. Extensions for assignments will only be given in exceptional circumstances and a case for this with supporting documentation can be made in writing after a lecture or via email to the lecturer. Assignments will be assessed and returned within 2 weeks of the due date, along with a “model” solution prepared by the lecturer. There will be no opportunities for re-submission of work of unacceptable standard. Due to the large size of the class, feedback on assignments will be provided by limited comments on the returned assignments and general feedback given during the lectures and tutorials.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.