Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
ME20022: Thermofluids 4 - fluid mechanics with historical perspective |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 15%, EX 85% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | ME20022 Re-assessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take ME20015 |
| Description: | Aims: To develop the student's ability to apply the principles of fluid dynamics to problems of engineering importance at high and low speeds. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit the student will have: * Demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of a variety of techniques available for calculating the flow over an arbitrary two-dimensional aerofoil with various degrees of approximation. * Demonstrated the ability to calculate the skin friction and drag caused by boundary-layer flow over external surfaces. * Demonstrated the ability to calculate the pressure losses in duct/pipe networks. * Demonstrated an understanding of the effects of compressibility on fluid flow and the ability to solve engineering problems dealing with high-speed aerodynamics. Skills: Problem solving; numeracy; working independently. Content: VISCOUS FLOWS: Introduction to effects of fluid viscosity, laminar and turbulent pipe flows, Reynolds experiment, effects of roughness, minor losses. BOUNDARY LAYERS: Boundary layers in zero pressure gradients, transition, effect of pressure gradient, including flow separation. COMPRESSIBLE FLOW: Mach number and speed of sound. Shock waves. Area-change. Flow through a converging-diverging nozzle. Application to rockets and aerospace engineering. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: History of fluid dynamics and flight in the 20th and 21st century. AEROFOIL LABORATORY: Measure lift coefficients versus angle of attack, examine aerodynamic stall and Reynolds number effects. |