MEEN2001W

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of concepts of a continuum, conservation and constitutive laws.
2. Formulate the integral conservation laws.
3. Analyse and solve problems through the application of the control volume equations.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the laws of similarity and dimensional analysis.
5. Analyse and solve problems using Buckingham's PI theory and repeating variable method.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow regimes.
7. Analyse and solve technical problems in internal flow.
8. Plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret experimental results.

Indicative Module Content:

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS: Gases, liquids and solids; Continuum hypothesis; Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions; Fluid properties
FLUID STATICS: Pascal's law; The pressure field; Gauge and vacuum pressure; Hydrostatic pressure; Mercury barometer; Manometry; Hydrostatic force on plane and curved surfaces; Buoyancy; Stability
INVISCID FLUID FLOW: Elementary fluid dynamics; Particle velocity and acceleration; Pathlines and streamlines; Streamline coordinates; Bernoulli's equation; Applications of Bernoulli's equation; Static, dynamics and stagnation pressure; Pitot-static tube; Venturi meter; Orifice plates;
CONTROL VOLUME ANALYSIS: System and control volumes; Reynolds transport theorem; Conservation laws of mass, linear momentum and energy; Steady and unsteady flow; Uniform and non-uniform flow; Applications of the continuity, momentum and energy equations
SIMILARITY AND DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS: Checking equations; Forming equations; Parametric investigations; Repeating variable method; Buckingham's PI theorem; Laws of similarity; Dimensionless groups; Geometric, kinematic and dynamics similarity
INTERNAL FLOW: Reynolds pipe flow experiment; Boussiniseq hypothesis; Laminar, transitional and turbulent flow; Newton's law of viscosity; Laminar pipe flow; Poiseuille flow; Turbulent pipe flow; Darcy-Weisbach friction factor; Colebrook formula; Moody diagram; Minor losses; Loss coefficients of common engineering components: Pipes in series and parallel; Pipe Networks

Laboratory Exercises:
Flow laboratory basics: Fluid properties & flow regime visualization
Advanced flow experiment: Experiment focused on internal flow

Assessment:
Class Tests: Two class tests to assess understanding of fundamental concepts.
In-Class assessment: Weekly assessment of students class participation.
Project: A course project that integrates multiple concepts, such as designing a system or component that involves external flow, heat transfer, or turbo machinery.
End of Trimester Examination: A comprehensive exam covering all course topics.
This detailed content ensures students gain both theoretical and practical understanding of key fluid mechanics concepts relevant to engineering applications.

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

1. Theoretical Approaches

1.a. Lectures and Conceptual Frameworks:
The core theoretical content of the course will be delivered through lectures that provide a structured framework for understanding the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics. These include topics such as external flow dynamics, convective heat transfer, and compressible flow.
Emphasis will be placed on derivation of equations to build a strong mathematical foundation.

1.b. Textbook-Based Learning:
Students will be encouraged to use the prescribed textbooks to supplement the lectures. These texts provide detailed explanations, worked examples, and exercises that support independent learning.
Reading assignments will be aligned with lecture topics to deepen students' conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities.

1.c. Problem-Based Learning:
To help solidify theoretical knowledge, students will engage in problem-solving exercises in class. These will be designed to connect fluid mechanics theory with practical engineering problems. Problem-solving sessions will focus on using analytical techniques


2. Practical Approaches

2.a. Laboratory Exercises:
Hands-on laboratory exercises will play a critical role in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. Students will conduct experiments that illustrate key concepts such as flow separation, heat transfer, and turbo machinery performance.
Laboratory reports will require students to analyze experimental data, compare it with theoretical predictions, and discuss potential discrepancies or errors, fostering critical thinking.


3. Experiential Learning

3.a. Project-Based Learning:
The project component of the course allows students to apply the principles learned in a more open-ended and practical way. Projects will involve solving real-world fluid mechanics problems, such as designing an aerodynamic structure, optimizing heat transfer systems, or analyzing turbo machinery performance.
Collaborative group work will be encouraged, promoting teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a practical engineering context.

3.b. Case Studies:
Real-world case studies from engineering industries, such as automotive aerodynamics or energy-efficient turbo machinery design, will be integrated into the course. This approach helps students relate theoretical concepts to their applications in modern engineering challenges.

4. Assessment-Based Learning

4.a. Class Tests:
Regular assessments, such as class tests, will be used to gauge students' understanding of key concepts throughout the course. These tests will emphasize both conceptual knowledge and problem-solving ability.

4.b. Examination Preparation:
The final examination will be designed to cover the full breadth of the course, ensuring that students have mastered both the theoretical and practical aspects of fluid mechanics.

5. Collaborative and Active Learning

5.a. Discussion Groups:
Group discussions and collaborative exercises will be encouraged during lectures and tutorials to facilitate peer learning. These sessions help students articulate their understanding and challenge their assumptions through dialogue.

5.b. Flipped Classroom Elements:
In some cases, students will be assigned readings or videos to study before class, and class time will be used to explore deeper applications or engage in active problem-solving. This approach shifts passive learning to active engagement during lectures.

6. Learning Through Feedback

6.a. Instructor and Peer Feedback:
Continuous feedback from instructors and peers on laboratory reports, projects, and class tests will help students identify areas for improvement. This will reinforce learning through reflection and iterative improvements.
Detailed feedback during problem-solving sessions or after laboratory exercises will ensure that students understand their mistakes and improve their approach.

7. Summary of Approaches:
Lectures and Textbooks: Building strong theoretical foundations.
Problem-Based Learning: Applying concepts to practical engineering challenges.
Laboratory Work and Simulations: Hands-on experimentation and computational analysis.
Projects and Case Studies: Applying fluid mechanics in real-world contexts.
Assessment and Feedback: Continuous evaluation of understanding through tests, projects, and labs.
Collaborative Learning: Peer discussions and group activities.
These approaches together ensure that students develop a well-rounded understanding of fluid mechanics, preparing them for professional applications in engineering.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Additional Information:
This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses


 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

1. Group/class feedback, will be provided to students in-class post-assessment. 2. Online automated feedback will be available to students for activities carried out online. 3. Self-assessment activities: Correct solutions or reference answers will be provided to students to critically evaluate their own work. 4. Peer review activities: During in-class problem solving sessions students will be provided with opportunities to review the work of their peers.