Fluid Mechanics (ENGR30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject concerns the fundamental science of fluid flow relevant to a range of engineering applications, and is essential for specialisations relating to Chemical, Civil and Environmental Engineering.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include - Fluid statics, manometry, derivation of the continuity equation, mechanical energy balance, friction losses in a straight pipe, Newton’s law of viscosity, treatment of pipe roughness, valves and fittings; simple pipe network problems; principles of open channel flow; compressible flow, propagation of pressure wave, isothermal and adiabatic flow equations in a pipe, choked flow. Pumps – pump characteristics, centrifugal pumps, derivation of theoretical head, head losses leading to the actual pump head curve, calculating system head, determining the operating point of a pumping system, throttling for flow control, cavitation and NPSH, affinity laws and pump scale-up, introduction to positive displacement pumps; stirred tanks- radial, axial and tangential flow, type of agitators, vortex elimination, the standard tank configuration, power number and power curve, dynamic and geometric similarity in scale-up; Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, Multi-dimensional fluid flow-momentum flux, development of multi-dimensional equations of continuity and for momentum transfer, Navier-Stokes equations, application to tube flow, Couette flow, Stokes flow.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Apply the fundamental conservation laws of fluid mechanics to solve engineering problems
- Solve mechanical energy balances in pipe flow, scale-up pumps and mixers
- Apply the Navier-Stokes equations to determine velocity profiles in axisymmetric and planar flows
- Predict the flow depth in various open-channel flow scenarios
- Calculate forces on submerged objects
- Understand the key dimensionless parameters in fluid mechanics
Generic skills
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
- Capacity for independent thought
- Ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
OR
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
If available in the same semester, MAST20030 or MAST20029 may be taken concurrently
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
ENGR30001 Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
MCEN30015 Thermofluids
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- Four practical or written assignments of no more than 5 pages each (not including diagrams, graphs and raw data). Due throughout the semester. Overall time commitment of approximately 40 hours (10 hours per assignment). Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-6 assessed in the assignments. (40%)
- 6 quizzes administered throughout semester. Overall time commitment of approximately 5 hours ( approximately 45 minutes per quiz). Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-6 assessed in the assignments. (10%)
- 3 hour end of semester examination. Held in the examination period. ILOs 1-6 assessed in the exam. (50%)
Hurdle requirement: A pass in the end of semester examination is required to pass the subject.
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator David Collins Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x 1 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week, 2 x 2 hour laboratory sessions per semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 15 March 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Daniel Heath Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x 1 hour lecture per week, 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week, 2 x 2 hour laboratory sessions per semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated 170 hours
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Students will also complete two experiments and two assignments which will reinforce the material covered in lectures.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students will have access to lecture notes and lecture slides. The subject LMS site also contains worked solutions for all the tutorial assignments.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
When available, presentations in a Careers Program or Professional Engineers association will be arranged.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Architectural Engineering Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Civil Systems Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Bachelor of Design Elective Subjects Specialisation (formal) Structural Major Environmental Engineering Systems Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Major Chemical Systems Major Civil Systems Specialisation (formal) Environmental Specialisation (formal) Civil with Business Specialisation (formal) Chemical Specialisation (formal) Civil Specialisation (formal) Chemical with Business Major Engineering Systems Specialisation (formal) Biochemical - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 April 2025