Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026

Module ENGI3291: Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 3

Department: Engineering

ENGI3291: Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 3

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2025/2026 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to H100
Tied to H103
Tied to H211
Tied to H212
Tied to H213
Tied to H214
Tied to H215
Tied to H216
Tied to H311
Tied to H312
Tied to H313
Tied to H314
Tied to H315
Tied to H316
Tied to H411
Tied to H412
Tied to H413
Tied to H511
Tied to H512
Tied to H513
Tied to H514
Tied to H711
Tied to H712
Tied to H713
Tied to H714
Tied to H715
Tied to H716
Tied to H811
Tied to H812
Tied to H813
Tied to H911
Tied to H912
Tied to H913

Prerequisites

  • ENGI2231

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in the Programme Regulations

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To introduce the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics of turbomachines and to apply these to the simple analysis and design of hydraulic machines, axial flow steam and gas turbines
  • To gain an understanding of the engineering of nuclear power stations including reactor choice and thermodynamic plant
  • To gain an understanding of behaviour of subsonic and supersonic compressible flows in nozzles, pipes and around simple aerofoils.
  • To equip students with skills in running a numerical simulation of fluid flow, as well as the skills to verify and validate the results

Content

  • Turbomachinery, Thermodynamics, Compressible flow
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, principles, theories and mathematics relevant to turbomachinery, thermodynamics and compressible flow;
  • Understand the capabilities and limitations of CFD.
  • AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).
  • M3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (exam assessed).
  • M12. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (coursework assessed).
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To critically analyse, evaluate and interpret engineering data;
  • To apply engineering principles to the solution of a specific, complex problem;
  • To verify and validate CFD solutions.
Key Skills:
  • Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer;
  • General problem solving skills that can be applied in a novel context;
  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations;
  • Use of advanced engineering software to model engineering artifacts. .

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

  • The courses in turbomachinery, thermodynamics and compressible flow covered in lectures, and are reinforced by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability.
  • Assessment is through written examination which enables each student to demonstrate an ability to analyse and solve new problems.
  • Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office 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.
  • The self-study coursework element containing practical exercises in CFD are appropriate for the subject matter and for preparation of professional engineering practice.
  • The following Laboratory Classes relate to content taught in this module: TF31 Flow Around Cylinder; TF33 Hydraulic Pump; TF34 Transonic Flow; TF35 Heat Transfer.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 40 Twice weekly 1 hour 40
Surgeries 20 As required, weekly sign-ups available throughout the year Optional attendance as required 10
Laboratories 4 Throughout the year 3 hours 12
Revision Classes 2 1 hour 2
Preparation and Reading 136
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
On Campus Written Examination 2 hours 100% No
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Laboratories.


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