MEEN3005W

Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of external flow around objects, including boundary layers, flow separation, and drag forces.
2. Apply principles of fluid mechanics to evaluate automotive aerodynamics, including vehicle performance, drag reduction, and airflow optimization.
3. Utilize the principles of fluid flow and heat transfer to solve problems related to heat exchange in various engineering applications.
4. Understand and analyze compressible flow phenomena, including shock waves, and the effects of compressibility on flow behavior.
5. Apply fluid mechanics principles to the analysis of turbo machinery, including turbines, compressors, and pumps, focusing on performance characteristics and efficiency.
6. Perform and interpret experimental data from laboratory exercises related to fluid mechanics concepts.
7. Apply theoretical knowledge to solve complex fluid mechanics problems through class tests, projects, and examinations.
8. Integrate fluid mechanics principles into a practical project, demonstrating problem-solving skills and the application of course content to real-world scenarios.
9. Develop the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for further study and professional practice in fluid mechanics and related engineering fields.

Indicative Module Content:

1. External Flow
Boundary Layer Theory: Understanding how the boundary layer forms over a surface, including the concepts of laminar and turbulent boundary layers.
Separation and Wake Formation: Analysis of flow separation and the development of wakes behind objects in external flows, and how they affect pressure drag.
Drag and Lift Forces: Calculation and analysis of drag (pressure and skin friction drag) and lift forces on objects in a flow.
Flow over Blunt and Streamlined Bodies: Investigating the differences in flow behavior and drag characteristics between blunt and streamlined bodies.
Reynolds Number Effects: Understanding how Reynolds number influences flow patterns, particularly transition between laminar and turbulent flow in external flows.

2. Automotive Aerodynamics
Vehicle Aerodynamics Fundamentals: Application of fluid mechanics to vehicle design, focusing on the aerodynamics of cars and other vehicles.
Drag Coefficients and Vehicle Shape: Understanding how vehicle shape impacts aerodynamic drag and ways to reduce drag through design optimizations.
Lift and Stability in Vehicles: The role of lift in vehicle stability, especially at high speeds, and how it can be controlled.
Aerodynamic Forces on Ground Vehicles: Examining how aerodynamic forces act on ground vehicles, affecting their fuel efficiency, performance, and safety.
Wind Tunnel Testing: Overview of wind tunnel testing techniques used to evaluate vehicle aerodynamic performance.

3. Convective Heat Transfer
Basic Concepts of Convection: Understanding the mechanisms of convective heat transfer, including natural and forced convection.
Boundary Layer Heat Transfer: Analysis of thermal boundary layers and their role in convective heat transfer.
Correlation for Convective Heat Transfer Coefficients: Using empirical correlations to estimate heat transfer coefficients for different geometries and flow conditions.
Heat Transfer in External and Internal Flows: Comparing convective heat transfer in both external flows (over objects) and internal flows (in pipes and ducts).
Applications in Engineering Systems: Practical applications of convective heat transfer in cooling systems, heat exchangers, and electronic equipment.

4. Compressible Flow
Basics of Compressible Flow: Understanding the fundamental differences between incompressible and compressible flow, particularly when Mach number exceeds 0.3.
Mach Number and Flow Regimes: Analysis of different flow regimes based on Mach number: subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flows.
Isentropic Flow and Shock Waves: Studying isentropic flow relations and the formation of normal and oblique shock waves in compressible flow.
Prandtl-Meyer Expansions: Analyzing flow expansion in compressible systems using Prandtl-Meyer relations.
Applications in Aerodynamics and Jet Propulsion: Application of compressible flow principles in high-speed aerodynamics, jet propulsion, and nozzle design.

5. Turbo Machinery
Introduction to Turbo Machinery: Overview of various types of turbo machinery, including pumps, compressors, and turbines, and their applications.
Energy Exchange in Turbo Machines: Understanding how energy is exchanged between a fluid and the rotating components of turbo machines.
Performance Parameters: Key performance indicators, such as efficiency, pressure ratio, and work input/output for turbo machines.
Centrifugal and Axial Machines: Comparison of centrifugal and axial compressors and turbines, their operational characteristics, and design considerations.
Design and Operational Considerations: Exploring the design factors that influence the performance and stability of turbo machinery, including blade design and flow dynamics.
Applications in Power Generation and Propulsion: Real-world applications of turbo machinery in power generation (steam and gas turbines) and propulsion systems (jet engines and marine turbines).

Laboratory Exercises:
External Flow Laboratory: Practical measurement of drag and lift forces on various body shapes in a wind tunnel or similar experimental setup.
Convective Heat Transfer Laboratory: Experiment focused on measuring convective heat transfer rates and verifying theoretical predictions.

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.