Fluid Mechanics

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to: 1. distinguish laminar from transitional and turbulent flows using the concept of Reynolds Number; 2. utilise boundary layer theory to estimate Lift and Drag; 3. derive the distribution of velocity and shear stress in laminar and turbulent flows respectively past flat plates and in circular conduits, and utilisation to obtain total flow, head loss, etc; 4. undertake similitude, development of physical hydraulic models, and scaling of the results from model to prototype; 5. analyse ideal fluid flow into sources from sinks, past circular and ellipsoidal bodies concerning doublets and flow nets; 6. analyse flow in pipes in series, parallel and any network, which may include pumps; and 7. obtain simplified estimates of forces exerted by flow in pipes due to rapid closing or opening of valves, and the use of surge tanks to reduce these forces.

Introduction to incompressible viscous flow, laminar and turbulent flows, Reynolds number; boundary layer flow, lift and drag. Laminar flow – in pipes, between parallel plates. Turbulent flows – along a plate, in ducts and pipes. Physical hydraulic models. Interconnected pipes and pipe network analysis. Potential flows and application to flow nets. steady and unsteady flow in closed conduits; water hammer, surge tanks.