Introductory description

This module is designed to provide the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics that underpin many branches of engineering science.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

(A) Thermodynamics

• Ai. Thermodynamic Properties
• Aii: The First Law
• Aiii: The Second Law
• Aiv: Heat Transfer and Heat Exchangers

(B) Fluid Mechanics

• Bi. Viscosity: real and inviscid fluids
• Bii. Pressure and its measurement (manometers)
• Biii. Reynolds number: laminar and turbulent flow
• Biv. Conservation of mass and momentum (the continuity and momentum equations)
• Bv. Application of Bernoulli's equation
• Bvi. Model testing, dimensional analysis, and drag coefficients
• Bvii. Laminar and turbulent flows; pipe flows, surface roughness, Moody Chart
• Bviii. Compressibility effects
• Bix. The role of pressure in fluid mechanics and the 1-D wave equation for an acoustic wave.

The module also includes two laboratory exercises (Energy Balance and Wind Tunnel).

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the thermodynamic properties of systems, including the nature of heat, and apply this knowledge.
• Understand the 1st Law of Thermodynamics and its application to open and closed systems.
• Understand the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics (including the concept of entropy) and apply this knowledge to basic Thermodynamic systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the well-established equations of fluid mechanics and to be able to classify different types of flow regime and fluid behaviour using appropriate dimensionless numbers.
• Apply Bernoulli’s principle to a range of applications to predict inviscid fluid-flow behaviour, while being able to identify its limitations.
• Show appreciation for extensions to fluid mechanics theory, e.g. compressibility, surface tension.
• Analyse experimental measurements of flow rates, temperature, velocity and pressure, and be able to quantify and analyse the various forms of error.

Indicative reading list

Thermodynamics:
“Thermodynamics for Engineers, Third Edition” by M.C. Potter, C.W. Somerton, Schaum’s Outlines, 2014, ISBN: 978-0-07-183082-9.
“Basic Engineering Thermodynamics” by P.B. Whalley, Oxford University Press, 1992, ISBN: 978-0-1985-6255-9.
“Equilibrium Thermodynamics, Third Edition” by C.J. Adkins, Cambridge University Press, 1982, ISBN: 978-0-5212-7456-2.
Fluid Mechanics:
Potter, M.C., Wiggert, D.C., Ramadan, B.H., 2017, Mechanics of Fluids (5th Edition), Cengage Learning, Stamford. ISBN 978-1-305-63761-0.
White, F.M., 2016, Fluid Mechanics (8th Edition), McGraw-Hill, New York. ISBN 9789814720175.
Douglas, J.F., Gasiorek, J.M., Swaffield, J.A., Jack, L.B., 2011, Fluid Mechanics (6th Edition, or latest edition whenever new editions become available), Prentice Hall, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, UK.

Subject specific skills

Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies.

Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems.

Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key engineering processes.

Communicate their work to technical and non-technical audiences.

Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, and of risk assessment and risk management techniques.

Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills

Comply with statutory and organisational safety requirements.

Transferable skills

Appreciate the importance of concepts such as fluid flow, energy, heat transfer in everyday life.

Write concise reports of technical events.

Apply mathematical and computational methods to find answers.

Apply problem solving skills in the search for unknown quantities.