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PH30087: Fluid dynamics

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Physics
Further information on credits Credits: 3
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Mandatory extra work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PH20019
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and equations of fluid dynamics.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* analyse a two-dimensional flow in terms of displacement, local rotation and local shearing;
* derive the continuity and Euler equations;
* perform a dimensional analysis of the Navier-Stokes equation and interpret the Reynolds number;
* explain and interpret mathematically the terms: steady and non-steady flow, incompressible flow, irrotational flow, potential flow, laminar flow;
* derive and use Bernoulli's equation;
* solve simple potential flow and laminar viscous flow problems.

Skills:
Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A.

Content:
Introduction to fluid dynamics: Definitions; steady and non-steady flows, streamlines and pathlines.
Equations of motion for a fluid: Continuity equation, incompressible flows. Local nature of fluid motion; displacement, rotation and shear. Forces on a fluid; pressure gradient, gravity, viscosity. Acceleration of a fluid packet, rate of change of the velocity pattern. Navier-Stokes equations. Boundary conditions. Dedimensionalisation of the Navier-Stokes equations; Reynolds Number.
Non-viscous flow: Bernoulli's equation. Circulation theorem. Irrotational flow. Properties of potential flows. Examples including vortex flow, flow past a cylinder, waves on deep water.
Viscous flow: Laminar flow; flows in pipes and channels. Boundary layer flow. Separation and the transition to turbulence. Drag on a moving object.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PH30087 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 3)
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 3)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
Department of Mathematical Sciences Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFB09 : BSc Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys(Hons) Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AKM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional and Research Placements (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKM03 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Research placement (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Computing (Year 3)
  • USPH-AAB06 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Computing with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USPH-AKB06 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Computing with Year long work placement (Year 4)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.