Syllabus

AEM 4201

Fluid Mechanics

4 Credits

 

Catalog Description:

 

First course in fluid mechanics. Includes stress and strain rate descriptions, fluid statics, use of differential and finite control volume analysis with continuity, momentum, and energy equations, Bernoulli and Euler equations, vorticity, potential flow, incompressible viscous flow using Navier-Stokes equations, dimensional analysis, pipe flow, boundary layers, separation, introduction to turbulence.

 

Prerequisites by Topic:

 

1.      Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (Math 2373)

2.      Multivariable Calculus (Math 2374)

3.      Dynamics (AEM 2012)

 

Text:

 

Smits, A Physical Introduction to Fluids Mechanics, 2^nd ed., Wiley.

 

Format of Course: 

 

4 hours of lecture per week

 

Computer Usage:

 

Spreadsheets and Matlab

 

Course Objectives:

 

1. Develop an understanding of fluid dynamics in aerospace engineering as well as a variety of other fields. 
2. Learn to use control volume analysis to develop basic equations and to solve problems.
3. Understand and use differential equations to determine pressure and velocity variations in internal and external flows.
4. Understand the concept of viscosity and where viscosity is important in real flows.
5. Learn to use equations in combination with experimental data to determine losses in flow systems.
6. Learn to use dimensional analysis to design physical or numerical experiments and to apply dynamic similarity.

 

Course Outcomes:

 

1.      An understanding of fluid mechanics fundamentals, including concepts of mass and momentum conservation.

2. An ability to apply the Bernoulli equation to solve problems in fluid mechanics.
3. An ability to apply control volume analysis to problems in fluid mechanics.
4. An ability to use potential flow theory to solve problems in fluid mechanics.
5. An ability to perform dimensional analysis for problems in fluid mechanics.
6. A knowledge of laminar and turbulent boundary layer fundamentals.
7. An exposure to recent developments in fluid mechanics, with application to aerospace systems.
8. An ability to apply the concepts developed for fluid flow analysis to issues in aerospace design.

 

Relationship of course to program objectives:

 

This course develops the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and problem solving skills necessary 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.
3. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.
4. 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:

 

 

 

Student Survey Questions:

 

In this course I acquired the following:

 

1. Knowledge of basic fluid dynamics.
2. Knowledge of control volume analysis.
3. An ability to use differential equations to understand pressure and velocity variations.
4. Knowledge of dimensional analysis.
5. An ability to determine ‘losses’ in flow systems.
6. Understanding of viscosity and its importance in real flows.

 

Please assign one of the values above to each of the following statements:

 

7. The text book was clearly written and appropriate for the course.
8. The homework helped me to understand the concepts presented in the course.
9. The tests were appropriate in length and content.
10. The level of work required in this course was appropriate for the credit given.

 

Last modified:

 

2018-11-17