Syllabus

AEM 4253

(co-listed as AEM 5253)

Computational Fluid Mechanics

3 Credits

 

Catalog Description:

 

Emphasis on introductory concepts in finite difference and finite volume methods as applied to various ordinary and partial differential model equations in fluid mechanics; fundamentals of spatial discretization and numerical integration; numerical linear algebra. Introduction to engineering and scientific computing environment. Advanced topics may include finite element methods, spectral methods, grid generation, turbulence modeling.

 

Prerequisites by Topic:

 

1. Fluid Mechanics (AEM 4201)
2. Programming: (CSCI 1113 or equiv.)

 

Text:

 

Lecture notes. No required text.

 

Format of Course:

 

3 lecture hours per week

 

Computer Usage:

 

Computer programming required in homework assignments and term project.

 

Course Objectives:

 

1. Develop an understanding of introductory concepts in computational fluid mechanics with emphasis on the numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations; solution of ODEs by numerical integration; finite difference methods for parabolic, elliptic, and hyperbolic PDEs (techniques for single and multi-dimensional problems).
2. Numerical linear algebra.
3. Implement and utilize various numerical methods and basic mathematical analysis for canonical problems in fluid mechanics.
4. Develop advanced skills in Matlab and programming languages such as C/C++ & Fortran.

 

 

Course Outcomes:

 

1. Approximate complex physical systems in fluid flow by simplified canonical models.
2. Describe a continuous fluid-flow phenomena in a discrete numerical sense.
3. Use the techniques, skills, & engineering tools necessary for engineering practice by applying numerical methods to a "real-world" fluid-flow problem, integrating various numerical techniques in formulating a numerical solution method for that problem, and using computational tools such as Matlab and programming languages (Fortran, C/C++).
4. Analyze and interpret data obtained from the numerical solution of fluid flow problems.

 

Relationship of course to program objectives:

 

This course provides elements of computational fluid mechanics and numerical methods that are widely acknowledged important skills for success in aerospace engineering.

 

Relationship of course to student outcomes:

 

This course supports the following student outcomes:

 

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration public health, safety and welfare, as well as global cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies.

 

Outcome Measurement

 

This course is not used to directly measure any of the student outcomes.

 

 

Course Outline:

 

Lecture (Hrs, approx.)	Topic
6	Introduction and Review
6	Numerical Solution of ODEs
6	Methods for Parabolic Equations
6	Methods for Elliptic Equations
6	Methods for Hyperbolic Equations
6	Systems of Equations
6	Advanced Topics

           

 

 

Student Survey Questions:

 

In this course I acquired an understanding of the following topics:

 

1. Finite difference and finite volume methods.
2. Spatial discretization and numerical integration.
3. Numerical linear algebra.

 

Please answer the following questions regarding the course:

4. The textbook was clearly written and appropriate for the course.
5. The homework helped me to understand the concepts presented in the course.
6. The tests were appropriate in length and content.
7. The level of work required in this course was appropriate for the credit given.
8. The design project helped me to understand how the fundamental course material is applied in an elementary design problem.

 

Last modified:

 

2018-11-12