Fluid Dynamics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MATH3017 | Mathematical Sciences | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- MATH3017
- School
- Mathematical Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The dynamics of fluids is important in many different areas, including weather forecasting, engineering, and biology. This course includes solutions of the full, nonlinear equations describing fluid motion, and several examples of approximate solution techniques in circumstances where full analytical solutions are not available. Topics include:
- Inviscid fluid motion and wave propagation.
- Understanding of and solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations.
- Boundary layers, jets and wakes.
- Slow flow.
- Lubrication theory.
- Rotating flows.
Target Students
Single and Joint Honours students from the School of Mathematical Sciences, Mathematical Physics, Natural Sciences students.
Classes
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 10% Coursework 1: Exercise 1
- 90% Exam 1 (3-hour): Written examination
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
Thiscourse aims to extend previous knowledge of fluid flow by introducing the concept of viscosity and studying the fundamental governing equations for the motion of liquids and gases. Methods for solution of these equations are introduced, including exact solutions and approximate solutions valid for thin layers. A further aim is to apply the theory to model fluid dynamical problems of physical relevance.Learning Outcomes
A student who completes this course successfully should be able to:
L1 - solve linear problems in inviscid fluid flow using potential flow/stream function methods to solve Laplace's equation with fluid sources/sinks and use the method of images to represent solid boundaries;
L2 - interpret the Navier-Stokes equations physically and understand when it is appropriate to consider the viscosity of a fluid;
L3 - determine solutions to slow flow and lubrication theory problems where nonlinearity maybe negligible;
L4 - use similarity solution techniques to model flows in boundary layers;
L5 - set up appropriate kinematic boundary conditions to model flows with free-surfaces/movable boundaries, e.g. travelling waves.