This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)

Module ENGI3291: Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 3

Department: Engineering

ENGI3291: Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 3

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	3	20	Available in 2025/2026		Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

ENGI2231

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations

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	Attendance Monitored
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	Yes
Revision Classes	2		1 hour	2
Preparation and Reading				136
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Written Examination	80%	On Campus Written Examination	2 hours	100%
Coursework	20%	Assignment		100%

Formative Assessment

Laboratories.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.