CE2FMT-Fluids Mechanics: theory and application

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Maria Vahdati
Email: m.m.vahdati@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the fundamental conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy. In this module the concept of fully developed incompressible flows IS introduced and the reduced Navier-Stokes equations are derived. Then these fundamental equations together with fluid mechanics techniques will be used to study the behaviour of fluids in engineering applications including forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces, the flow of fluids through pipelines and pressure vessels together with the behaviour of hydraulic machines, hydro and wind power generation systems.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to provide students with principles of fluids mechanics and to develop their ability to solve engineering problems involving fluid-flow systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Define a fluid and its basic properties,


• Apply conservation of mass, energy and momentum to fluid flow,


• Compute hydraulic gradients and design pipe networks,


• Analyse flows and pressures for single pipe network using the continuity and steady flow energy equations,


• Apply well-established techniques to solve engineering problemsin fluid mechanics,


• Evaluate the force on a bend/nozzle due to momentum change.

Additional outcomes:

• Develop a critical understanding of well-established principles in fluid mechanics,


• Recognise the limits of knowledge in fluid mechanics and how this influences analysis,


• Describe the significance of Reynold's Number to laminar and turbulent flow,


• Derive different forms of Bernoulli's Equation, under suitable sets of assumptions, and apply them in simple flow situations.

Outline content:

• Fluid properties and the concept of pressure


• Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids


• Incompressible viscous flow


• The motion of a fluid particle, mass continuity, laminar and turbulent flow


• Basic equations in integral form for a control volume


• Differential analysis of fluid motion


• Boundary-layer theory and applications


• Momentum equation, simple Navier Stokes equations for simple 2D fluid flow


• Turbulence and the time-averaged equations


• Flow in open channels


• Application fluid mechanics in hydropower and wind turbines

Global context:

The skills and knowledge that students will acquire from this module have global applications.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching in this module will be by means of lectures and tutorials. These sessions will be complemented by guided independent study.

Independent study hours needed depend on the learning style of each individual. The following guide for independent study hours is just an example.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Tutorials		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		19
Wider reading (directed)		5
Exam revision/preparation			15
Peer assisted learning		5
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for tutorials		10
Revision and preparation		4
Reflection		2
Total hours by term	0	85	15
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	20
Class test administered by School	80

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There is a set exercise test that will be assessed summatively and should be submitted online by the end of week 11 of the spring term - 20%

In-class test - 80%

Formative assessment methods:

This module includes formative assessment of a set of exercises and problem-solving practices about the theory and application of fluids mechanics that will be discussed in tutorial sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark 0f 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who have failed in their first attempt will be provided with an opportunity to re-sit in a two-hour re-examination.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 6 November 2023