Module MATH31620: Fluid Mechanics

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH31620: Fluid Mechanics

Prerequisites

• Dynamics and Analysis in Many Variables.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce a mathematical description of fluid flow and other continuous media to familiarise students with the successful applications of mathematics in this area of modelling.
• to prepare students for future study of advanced topics.

Content

• Kinematics: Eulerian and Lagrangian pictures, velocity field, streamlines and stream functions.
• Compressibility, vorticity and circulation, integrals over material domains.
• Dynamics of ideal fluids: derivation of the incompressible Euler equations, energy, vorticity dynamics, circulation and rotating frames.
• Water waves: free-surface boundaries, linearisation, travelling and standing waves.
• Compressible flow: barotropic fluids, sound waves, nonlinearity.
• Hydrodynamic stability: normal mode analysis, Rayleigh-Taylor and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities.
• Dynamics of viscous fluids: Newtonian fluids, derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations, exact solutions, dynamical similarity, boundary layers.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will: be able to solve novel and/or complex problems in Fluid Mechanics.
• Have a systematic and coherent understanding of theoretical mathematics in the field of Fluid Mechanics.
• Have acquired coherent body of knowledge of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas:
• Kinematics and dynamics of fluid flows, compressible flow, hydrodynamic stability and dynamics of viscous fluids.
• Equations of motion and their derivation for fluids.

• In addition students will have highly specialised and advanced mathematical skills in the following areas: Modelling.
• They will be able to formulate and use mathematical models in various situations.

• Students will be able to study independently to further their knowledge of an advanced topic.

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

• Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
• Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
• Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
• The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve complex and specialised problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Eight written or electronic assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.

■ 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