Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module ENGI4221: FLUID MECHANICS AND TURBOMACHINERY

Department: Engineering

ENGI4221: FLUID MECHANICS AND TURBOMACHINERY

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2009/10 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H100
Tied to H300
Tied to H420

Prerequisites

  • (ENGI3391 Control and Signal Processing; ENGI3421 Management and Manufacture; ENGI3371 Electrical Engineering; ENGI3291 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics; ENGI3351 Engineering Design; ENGI3411 Applied Mechanics OR ENGI3361 Electronics) OR (MEng(Overseas))

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

Aims

  • This module is for students intending to fulfil the requirements of the M.Eng. streams in Aeronautics (H420), Mechanical Engineering (H300) and General Engineering (H100).
  • The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge and understanding of fluid flows and of their application to aircraft propulsion.
  • This module is complemented by the 60 credit MEng Research and Development project module where the final year MEng student has the opportunity to apply the material taught in this module in a large scale project.
  • The module provides a firm foundation for a broad range of careers in Aeronautics, Mechanical and General Engineering through an appropriate combination of core and optional courses

Content

  • Equations of fluid motion;
  • Laminar and turbulent flow and turbulent stresses;
  • Laminar and turbulent boundary layers;
  • Turbulence modelling;
  • Introduction to computational fluid dynamics;
  • Flow characteristics and boundary condition treatment;
  • Accuracy and stability of numerical solutions to flow equations;
  • Analysis of internal and external flows using CFD and other techniques;
  • Aerofoils in cascade;
  • Axial compressor and turbine analysis and design;
  • Theory of propulsion and the definition of performance parameters;
  • Principles of operation of ramjets;
  • Turbojets, turboprops and turbofans and analysis of those engine types.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • An appreciation and technical understanding of the physics of laminar and turbulent flows and their effects upon the performance of engineering components.
  • A knowledge and understanding of the equations of fluid motion and their application.
  • An understanding of the fundamentals of modern computational techniques for fluid flow, and an appreciation of their capabilities and limitations.
  • An understanding of the principles and controlling parameters of aircraft propulsion.
  • An understanding of fluid flow behaviour and analysis in the specialised application of flow over turbine and compressor blading and an appreciation of the parameters affecting turbomachinery aero-thermal performance.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • To use effectively specialised, advanced computational tools and packages for the analysis of fluid flows.
  • The ability to carry out the preliminary design and analysis of axial flow compressors and turbines.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Highly specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The courses in Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery are covered in lectures, and are reinforced by seminars and by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability.
  • Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis.
  • Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
  • The written examinations are supplemented by written coursework assignments based upon experimental and computational work. These written assignments provide the mechanism for the assessment of a student's ability to perform independent investigation, analysis and reporting.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 38 2 per week 1 Hour 38
Seminars 2 2 per week ( week 20 ) 1 Hour 2
Tutorials 4 8 per module up to 1 hour 4
Preparation and Reading 156
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Fluid Mechanics Assignment 100% No
%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 75%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Turbomachinery and Propulsion 2 hours 67% No
Fluid Mechanics 1.5 hours 33% No

Formative Assessment:

None


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University