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Fluid Mechanics

Module description

This is an applied module, which aims to develop your understanding of the continuity and energy equations used to solve fluid problems of relevance to both mining and renewable applications. By taking this module, you will develop an appreciation of energy loss in fluid flows, and learn about dimensional analysis techniques and how they are applied to wide range of analytical and experimental situations.

The module is based on a typical engineering undergraduate course but the engineering skills covered are directly important for mining and renewable energy fields.

Some of the content of the module may be useful for civil engineering-based discipline.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this course is to expand on the basic principles of the Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics module, particularly with respect to fluid flow, and help you appreciate the relevance of these principles to real life situations such as flow in pipelines and the design of pump and hydraulic systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. understand the principles of fluid flow and fluid machinery and comprehend dimensional analysis to perform calculations and solve problems relating to the theory (B1, B2, B3);
• 2. predict and compare aspects of the theory of fluid flow with observed data obtained through a laboratory session (B12);
• 3. use computer software to model fluid flow and use computational fluid dynamics (CFD);

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. utilise a wide range of academic skills in data acquisition (through the use of equipment), interpretation (through calculation) and communication of results;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. select appropriate data from a range of sources and develop research strategies (B4);
• 6. identify key areas of problems and choose appropriate tools/methods for their resolution in a considered manner.

Syllabus plan

- review of key principles: manometry, hydrostatic forces, continuity and Bernoulli's equations, dynamic and kinematic viscosity, Reynolds experiment, laminar and turbulent flow regimes and Reynolds number;
- laminar flow in pipes: pressure drop during laminar flow, Poiseulle's equation, development of laminar flow in pipes, relationship between average and maximum velocities;
- turbulent flow in horizontal pipes: friction factor and use of Moody diagram, pressure losses in pipes due to friction, Darcy's law in pressure and head form;
- frictional pressures losses during flow in non-horizontal pipes and pipes of varying diameters. minor losses in pipes due to expansions & contractions;
- flow in pipelines between reservoirs: relationship between losses and head, branching pipelines and parallel pipelines;
- open channel flow: definition of wetted perimeter, hydraulic mean depth, hydraulic gradient, Chezy and Mannings equations for discharge, solving discharge equation for depth of flow, channel proportions for maximum discharge;
- pumps and pumping: types of rotadynamic pumps, pump efficiency, derivation of pump affinity laws, pump characteristic curves, losses in rising mains, pump performance in series and parallel;
- turbines: types of turbine and applications;
- practical laboratory exercises: pressure drop in pipes;

- dimensions, units and the concept of dimensionless ratios;
- identifying dimensionless ratios using Rayleigh and Buckingham p methods, hydraulic similarity and the testing of models;

- CFD using SolidWorks;
- determination of hydraulic loss: simulation of flow patterns and hydraulic loss in a valve;
- cylinder drag coefficient: flow simulation around a cylindrical object;

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Referred and deferred assignments will mirror the original modes of assessment.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Douglas, J.F., Gasiorek, J.M., Swaffield, J.A., Fluid Mechanics, 6th, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2011. 10: 0273717723
• Massey B.S. and Ward-Smith J., Mechanics of Fluids, Stanley Thornes, 2012.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE.
• http://www.solidsolutions.co.uk
• https://forum.solidworks.com/community/solidworks

Key words search

Dimensional analysis; pipe flow; open channels; pumps; Bernoulli; continuity.