Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The objective of the module is to familiarise students with the fundamentals of integral and differential fluid mechanics and the principles and methods of dimensional analysis while allowing students to integrate theory and engineering practice in a team-based design challenge. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe fluid problems using dimensional and non-dimensional formulations 2. Express mass momentum and energy conservation principles as equations 3. Manipulate and/or simplify a mathematical representation to achieve an outline solution to the physical problem 4. Identify and analyse fluid mechanics systems or processes 5. Design, build, test and assess the performance of a practical engineering solution to a fluid-based challenge using virtual and rapid prototyping tools 6. Solve design problem effectively as an individual in a team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
1. Introduction to dimensional analysis and modelling 1.1) The main fluid properties and forces are discussed with particular emphasis on dimensional analysis. The Buckingham's PI theorem is described and several examples considered 2. Introduction to non-dimensional numbers of relevance to fluid mechanics 2.1) The significance of non-dimensional numbers on experimental modelling of fluid systems is discussed and sample modelling problems are considered 3. Description of control volume analysis (CVA), Reynolds transport equation, integral relations of fluid dynamics 3.1) The principle of volume averaging is described in details prior to deriving generic conservation equations for control volume analysis 4. Application of CVA to the solution of problems involving flow momentum conservation in steady open systems 4.1) A large number of CVA problems are studied in details 5. CVA application to solve energy conservation problems in steady and unsteady, and open and closed fluid systems 5.1) A large number of CVA problems are studied in details 6. Derivation of differential relations for fluid dynamics, introduction to the Navier Stokes and energy equations 6.1) The proof of derivation of the Navier Stokes equation is covered in details in Cartesian Coordinates only 7. Simplified solutions for Navier Stokes equations 7.1) Simplified solutions to the Navier Stokes equations are derived for flow between flat plates 8. Engineering Design Challenge 8.1) A team-based engineering problem solving challenge will require that students design and build a rudderless boat using predefine build materials and components. The challenge will focus on the prediction and assessment of the boat performance by integrating theoretical foundations introduced in the lectures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||