Fluid Mechanics module (ME40002)

Fluids are an essential part of our day-to-day life, as an engineer you can use your knowledge of fluids to work with hydroelectric power plants, hydraulic machines, car industry designing engine cooling systems or working on refrigeration and air conditioners for example. In combination with level 3 modules, you will develop and expand your understanding of fluid mechanics principles and their application, as well as being introduced to a number of more advanced topics.



The intended learning outcomes when you have completed this module include knowledge to know:

• The underlying thermodynamic and fluid principles of compressibility and its effect on fluid flow. The use of the fundamental equations of motion that apply to fluid systems. The meaning and implications of vorticity, irrotationality and circulation for inviscid flows. How to analyse problems involving unsteady flow conditions. The effect of boundary-layers on structural drag forces.
• The implications of fluid compressibility in the design of systems interacting with high-speed gas flows. The use of ideal/inviscid flow relationships in the modelling of practical fluid flows. How fundamental fluid properties affect unsteady pipe flows and the mechanics of the resulting pressure changes. The relevance of the fundamental equations of fluid mechanics in the solution of practical engineering problems. The importance, significance and physical characteristics of laminar and turbulent boundary-layers.
• Carry out the calculations necessary for the solution of practical problems associated with compressible flows, ideal flow combinations, unsteady pipe flows and boundary-layers.

Other technological applications include using fluid mechanics to develop rocket engines, wind turbines and oil pipeline design. The applications are very broad, and this is an essential topic to become a successful engineer.