MAEN4300 Fluid dynamics and computational methods Course description

The course will provide some basic knowledge of fluid mechanics and mass transfer, as well as good skills in calculating fluid dynamics problems linked with heat and mass transfer. Numerical methods (computers) must be used to solve realistic problems. The course provides a brief introduction to general computational methods for the natural sciences and particularly focuses on the numerical solutions of coupled heat and fluid dynamics problems including mass transport.

No requirements other than the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to achieve the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has in-depth knowledge of:

• different types of fluid flows and their properties
• continuity equation
• energy equations for mechanical and thermal energy and associated loss
• Navier-Stoke's equations for calculating velocity field
• Key concepts of laminar boundary layer, turbulent flow and turbulence modelling
• key concepts and context of calculating mass transfer
• numerical solution of differential equations based on Finite Volume Method

Skills

The student is capable of:

• calculating vector algebra expressions such as curl and divergence
• performing simple calculations using Euler's equations
• calculating stream functions of different fluid flows
• performing dimensional analysis for a given problem involving fluid flow, heat transfer and mass transfer
• calculating pressure drop and mass flow for iso-thermal flows
• calculating concentration of the components in a multicomponent mixture
• solving simple diffusion and advection problems (e.g. heat transfer) by creating his/her own program code (MATLAB)
• use commercial software (StarCCM+) for CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) problems

General competence

The student is capable of:

• assessing whether a numerical or analytical solution method is appropriate for solving a given problem
• solving complex problems by combining thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer and fluid dynamics
• communicating with natural scientists on topics relating to thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer
• communicating with CFD specialists

Lectures, computer exercises and problem-solving exercises.

The following required coursework must be approved before a student can take the exam:

• Individual submission of 4 exercises (including computer programming exercises/CFD simulations) related to lectures

The purpose of the coursework requirements is to encourage consistent efforts throughout the semester and help the students meet the skills and competence requirements.

Individual written exam, three hours.

The exam grade can be appealed. In the event of a new or rescheduled individual written exam, an oral examination may be conducted. The new and rescheduled oral exams if conducted, the result/grade cannot be appealed further.

A handheld calculator that cannot be used for wireless communication. If the calculator's internal memory can store data, the memory must be deleted before the exam. Random checks may be made.

Graded scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.