Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module ENGI44420: Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery

Department: Engineering

ENGI44420: Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap None.
Tied to H1KA09

Prerequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge and understanding of fluid flows and of their application to aircraft propulsion.

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.
  • Axial compressor analysis and design.
  • Axial 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

  • Fluid Mechanics course. This is a lecture course reinforced with worked problems and is assessed by written examination.
  • Turbomachinery and Propulsion course. This is a lecture course reinforced with worked problems and is assessed by coursework.
  • 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. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
  • 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Fluid Mechanics Lectures 20 Typically 1 per week 1 Hour 20
Turbomachinery and Propulsion Lectures 20 Typically 1 per week 1 Hour 20
Tutorial Hours As required Weekly sign-up sessions Up to 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 152
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 100% Yes

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