Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07
The fluid mechanics section of the course begins with the material properties of fluids. This is followed by studying fluid statics and principles of fluid motion. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. The final fluids section introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines.
The thermodynamics section presents: the gas laws, including Van Der Waals’ equation; the first law of thermodynamics with work done, heat supply, and the definitions of internal energy and enthalpy. The second law is introduced including entropy through the Carnot cycle.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
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The course starts with the delivery of the Fluid Mechanics module. It begins with the material properties of fluids and fundamental concepts relating to fluids. This is followed by a study of fluid statics, with emphasis on variation of pressure with position in fluid and measurement of pressure. Pressure forces on plane and curved surfaces are covered. A section of principles of fluid motion deals mainly with description of the fluid motion, definitions of velocity, acceleration, flow types and patterns. It considers development of the basic equations, i.e. Bernoulli and continuity equations. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. Practical applications of Bernoulli equation are covered. The final section of the Fluid Mechanics module of the course introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines. Various kinds of energy losses in a pipeline are studied. Friction factor is introduced with particular focus on its dependence on Reynolds number and relative roughness.
The Fluid Mechanics module is followed by the Thermodynamics module of the course. Reversible and irreversible processes are explained. The First Law of Thermodynamics is presented. The function of state enthalpy is introduced. The steady flow equation is presented and applied to turbines, boilers, condensers and compressors. The Second Law is applied to operations on an ideal gas and to entropy changes in heating. The Third Law is introduced. The work function is developed and its importance as an index of the efficiency of engines explained. The use of steam tables is discussed and selected thermodynamic cycles are analysed.
The laboratory exercises are designed to help to understand and reinforce concepts covered in lectures. They involve separate experiments to develop better understanding of the Venturi meter principle and to investigate the relationship between the pressure and temperature of the saturated steam.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt: 1 two hour written examination (80%); continuous assessment (20%).
Resit: 1 two hour written examination paper (80%) and continuous assessment (20%). The continuous assessment mark from the first attempt will be carried forward to the resit.
The lab exercises and online quizzes require the students to submit their reports and quizzes' solutions for marking in order for formative assessment and feedback to be provided
Feedback includes marking of the lab exercises' reports with feedback comments, marking of online quizzes, discussion on issues/performance at tutorial sessions, and forward feedback on common mistakes from past exams. Students can also receive feedback on their progress with the course on request at the weekly tutorial/feedback sessions and at the lab sessions.
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