Course Description

The principles of fluid mechanics as applied to engineering, including unit operations, are discussed: flow in conduits, process equipment, and commercial pipes, as well as flow around immersed objects, and flow measurement. Microscopic mass and momentum balances are described, including the continuity and Navier-Stokes equations, and modern solution techniques are explored. Microscopic flow structures are examined for flow visualization. Boundary layer theory, turbulence, and non-Newtonian fluids are also discussed. A case-study project based on new technological advancements and/or environmental engineering is also required.

Specific Topics 

Overall Mass/Energy/Momentum Balances

Fluid Statics/Motion

Velocity Distributions in Laminar Flow (Newtonian/Non-Newtonian Fluids)

Dimensional Analysis

Friction in Smooth Conduits and Commercial Pipes

Expansions, Contractions, Valves, Fittings, and Piping

Flow of Compressible Fluids

Flow Measurement

Flow Past Immersed Objects

Movement of Spheres Through Fluid Media

Vector and Tensors Appearing in Transport Processes

Conservation Laws for Differential Systems (Mass/Momentum Balance)

Navier-Stokes Equation (Exact/Approximate Solutions)

Boundary Layer Theory

Turbulence

Tests (4 hours, in-class)

Prerequisites

Satisfactory completion of 06-100 (mastery of unit conversions and material balances)
06-221 (mastery of the first & second laws, and thermodynamic property relations)
Completion of (or concurrently taking) the calculus sequence (21-115, 116, 117, 118, 259)

For questions and comments, send email to: mj3a   

Last Updated on 01/13/01