Fluid Mechanics

This module provides an enhanced understanding of fluid flow and properties. The fundamental fluid concepts are reviewed first. Momentum balance is introduced and applied to flow problems in both macroscopic and microscopic levels. The governing fluid flow equations, including continuity equations and motion equations, are obtained in 3D form in tensor notation and they are applied to the flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid flows in simple geometries. Turbulent flow is studied using Reynolds stress.  

The typical process flow problems are also examined and related to the process industries. Pipe networking part covers the design of pumping systems, pipe networks, pump selection, pump curves and Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH). Compressible flow focuses on the pressure drop calculations through energy balance, maximum flow and compressor characteristics and selection. Multi-phase flow includes the flow regime identification and friction loss calculations.  Mixing is introduced, which covers mixing equipment, vortexing and baffles, power curves, blending, solids suspension and gas/liquid dispersion.

This course aims to generalise fluid mechanics so that at a later stage, the knowledge gained can easily be used in numerical simulations, such that the students understand the meaning and implications of exact/approximate solutions in the description of fluids, flow geometry and flow kinematics.

Lectures convey the mathematical concepts and techniques in fluid mechanics; tutorials are used to provide supervised problem solving. Assignments are for independent study and research.