Fluid Dynamics (MCEN90008)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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AIMS

This subject builds upon previous fluids subjects, providing students with the basic skills necessary to calculate fluid flows around bodies. Broadly speaking the subject is divided into two units; Unit 1: potential flow and Unit 2: compressible flow. These could equally be described as subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics respectively. Fluid flows have broad reaching applications in many engineering systems and examples as broad as building ventilation, mixing, as well as meteorological applications are considered in unit 1. The supersonic course is more firmly concentrated on aeronautical / astronautical applications.

Both units will start from the basic equations of motion governing fluid flow, and build a useable set of tools that enable the students to calculate flow fields in potential and supersonic flows. This approach will give students a clear sense of the origins of the tools that they use, and also a clear sense of the limitations. Such knowledge is necessary since these theories provided much of the backbone to early computational fluid dynamics packages used in industry.

The two units are strongly linked by the same goal. Throughout the potential flow unit, we build slowly from first principles, proving the utility of potential flow solutions, adding building block flows until eventually the course culminates with a demonstration of how these techniques can be used to calculate the flow (and lift coefficient) of subsonic airfoils. The supersonic unit follows a similar approach, building from first principles, until we eventually develop a set of tools that enables the calculation of the flow (and lift coefficient) of supersonic airfoils. In doing so, students will be introduced to many aspects of supersonic aircraft design.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

This subject introduces students to analysis techniques used in subsonic and supersonic flows. Topics covered include (Unit 1) basic introduction to inviscid flow with and without vorticity; concepts and analysis using stream function and velocity potential; incompressible viscous flow past bodies with vortex shedding; magnus effect; complex velocity potential; (Unit 2) speed of sound; aerodynamic heating; normal and oblique shock waves; expansion fans; theories of thin airfoils; shock expansion theory; boundary layer and shock wave interactions; the `sound barrier’; experimental techniques.

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)


Having completed this unit the student is expected to be able to:



  • Use complex velocity potential analysis to solve a variety of inviscid flow problems including incompressible flow past airfoils
  • Use Matlab to find numerical solutions of certain more complicated flow situations
  • Understand the basic features of subsonic airfoils, including lift, drag and stall
  • Apply shock expansion theory to the solution of flow in a variety of situations including prediction of lift and drag of two-dimensional bodies in supersonic flow
  • Apply Ackeret or linear theory to thin airfoils
  • Understand the basic features of supersonic airfoil designs and appreciate the differences between subsonic and supersonic airframe design.

Generic skills

On completion of the subject students should have the following skills:

  • Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
  • Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Both of:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
COMP20005 Engineering Computation
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MCEN30018 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND, either:

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 both of:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20009 Vector Calculus
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20030 Differential Equations
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject and -

  • MCEN30004 Thermofluids 2 or
  • MCEN30005 Thermofluids 3

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.

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: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • Two assignments of up to 2000 words each, requiring 35-40 hours of work in total, due before week 10 of semester (15% each - 30% total)
  • One practical laboratory report of up to 2000 words, requiring approximately 13-15 hours work, scheduled throughout the semester (10%)
  • One 3 hour examination at the end of semester (60%)

HURDLE - students must pass the exam component to pass this subject.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 and 3 to 6 are assessed in the examination and the assignments.

ILO 2 is assessed throughout the laboratories and assignments.

ILO 3 is assessed in the laboratory.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorNicholas Hutchins
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorials and up to 10 hours of practical work.
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019
    Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019
    Census date31 August 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail27 September 2019
    Assessment period ends22 November 2019

    Semester 2 contact information

    nhu@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

200 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    TBA

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Students will also complete two experiments which will reinforce the material covered in lectures.

     

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Specialisation (formal)Mechanical with Business
    Specialisation (formal)Mechanical
    Specialisation (formal)Mechatronics
  • 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

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 3 November 2022