- Student Records
Programme & Unit Catalogues

 

Department of Physics, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


PH30087 Fluid dynamics

Credits: 3
Level: Honours
Semester: 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Before taking this unit you must take PH20019
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.