Overview
This course develops the principles and applications of fluid mechanics for engineering analysis and design. Topics include fluid properties, dimensions and units, pressure and hydrostatics, manometry, buoyancy, fluid kinematics, flow classification, and control-volume analysis.
Students apply conservation of mass, linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy to engineering systems, including Bernoulli’s equation, head losses, friction factors, dimensional analysis, similitude, boundary layers, internal pipe flow, pumps, turbines, and introductory external flow.
Laboratory and computational activities address pressure measurement, flow-rate determination, pipe-flow losses, pump performance, and interpretation of experimental data. Emphasis is placed on modelling assumptions, uncertainty assessment, engineering calculation, and technically defensible communication.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain fluid properties, dimensions, units, pressure distributions, hydrostatic forces, and buoyancy using appropriate engineering models.
- Classify fluid motion and select defensible assumptions for steady, unsteady, laminar, turbulent, internal, and external flows.
- Calculate pressure and velocity fields in common fluid systems using hydrostatic relations, Bernoulli’s equation, and control-volume methods.
- Apply integral conservation laws for mass, linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy to engineering flow problems.
- Estimate major and minor head losses, friction factors, and pressure drops in internal pipe-flow systems.
- Evaluate dimensional analysis, Reynolds number, similitude, and scaling relationships for fluid-mechanics applications.
- Select and assess pumps, turbines, piping arrangements, and basic pipe networks against specified operating requirements.
- Interpret laboratory and computational results, quantify uncertainty, and distinguish measurement limitations from modelling limitations.
- Communicate fluid-mechanics analyses and design recommendations using clear calculations, stated assumptions, appropriate figures, and technically justified conclusions.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 3 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual fluid-mechanics problem sets (3 × 5%). | 15.00% |
| Quiz | Short diagnostic quizzes (5 × 2%). | 10.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test covering foundational analysis. | 20.00% |
| Deliverable | Laboratory and computational investigation report. | 15.00% |
| Tutorial | Tutorial problem-solving portfolio. | 10.00% |
| Exam | Final examination covering analysis and design applications. | 30.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
