Fluid Mechanics (ENGR30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
FeesLook up fees

AIMS

This subject is integral to the understanding of fluid physics from a theoretical and real-world application basis. This is examined in the discussion of pipe flow, pumps, mixing tanks, momentum balances and related concepts. Pipe flow material includes fluid statics, manometry, the derivation of the continuity equation, mechanical energy balances, friction losses in a straight pipe, Newton’s law of viscosity, pipe roughness, valves and fittings, simple pipe network problems, principles of open channel flow, compressible flow, pressure waves, isothermal and adiabatic flow equations in a pipe, and choked flow. Pump material includes 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 net positive suction head (NPSH), introduction to positive displacement pumps, affinity laws and pump scale-up. Mixing tank material includes stirred tanks, radial, axial and tangential flow, agitator types, vortex elimination, the standard tank configuration, power number and power curve, dynamic and geometric similarity in scale-up. Momentum balance material includes examination of 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 and Stokes flow. We will visit computational fluid dynamics and real-world applications for fluid mechanics concepts.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

  • Apply the fundamental conservation laws of fluid mechanics to solve relevant engineering problems that address global needs
  • 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
  • Apply the key dimensionless parameters in fluid mechanics in relevant contexts.

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: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20029 Engineering Mathematics
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20030 Differential Equations
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

Note: these can be taken concurrently (at the same time)

OR

Selection of the Environmental specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MCEN30018 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

LMS Quizzes (5x); approx. 2 hours each, including revision and resubmission(s) (up to 3 are allowed) Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 hours (of work required)
From Week 2 to Week 1210%

Assignment 1; 10 hours of work ; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 2 and 5 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 hours (of work required)
Week 510%

Assignment 2; 10 hours of work ; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 3, 4 and 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 hours (of work required)
Week 1010%

Practical Report 1; 10 hours of work ; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 and 2 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 hours (of work required)
From Week 5 to Week 710%

Practical Report 2; 10 hours of work ; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 2 and 3 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 hours (of work required)
From Week 8 to Week 1010%

Weekly Mathematical Model Workshop submissions (8%) and final Mathematical Model Workshop Report (2%); 10 hours of work ; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 10 hours (of work required)
From Week 2 to Week 1110%

End of semester examination. ILOs 1-6 are assessed in the exam.

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: The final exam must be passed to pass the subject.		During the examination period40%

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorAnthony Stickland
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours*Contact hours - Lectures (2 weekly): 2x12 = 24 hours; Workshops (1 weekly): 1x12 = 12 hours; Tutorial Sessions (1 weekly): 1x12 = 12 hours; Practical/Labs (2 total): 2x2 = 4 hours *Self-guided - Assessments total: 68 hours; Content review during semester: 34 hours; Content review during SWOTVAC: 16 hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022
    Last self-enrol date11 March 2022
    Census date31 March 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022
    Assessment period ends24 June 2022

    Semester 1 contact information

    Anthony Stickland

    stad@unimelb.edu.au

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorDavid Collins
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours*Contact hours - Lectures (2 weekly): 2x12 = 24 hours; Workshops (1 weekly): 1x12 = 12 hours; Tutorial Sessions (1 weekly): 1x12 = 12 hours; Practical/Labs (2 total): 2x2 = 4 hours *Self-guided - Assessments total: 68 hours; Content review during semester: 34 hours; Content review during SWOTVAC: 16 hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022
    Census date31 August 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail23 September 2022
    Assessment period ends18 November 2022

    Semester 2 contact information

    david.collins@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated 170 hours

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025