Fluid mechanics is an important subject to engineers of many disciplines, not just those working directly with fluid systems. Mechanical engineers need to understand the principles of hydraulic devices and turbines (wind and water); aeronautical engineers use these concepts to understand flight, while civil engineers concentrate on water supply, sewerage and irrigation.

This unit introduces students to the fluid mechanics techniques used in mechanical engineering. The hydraulic devices and systems that incorporate the transmission of hydraulic pressure and forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces.

Topics included in this unit are: pressure and force, submerged surfaces, fluid flow theory, aerodynamics, and hydraulic machinery.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to work with the concept and measurement of viscosity in fluids, and the characteristics of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids; examine fluid flow phenomena, including energy conservation, estimation of head loss in pipes and viscous drag; and examine the operational characteristics of hydraulic machines, in particular the operating principles of various water turbines and pumps.

Pressure and force:
How Pascal’s laws define hydrostatic pressure
Pressure with the use of manometers
Transmission of force in hydraulic devices

Submerged surfaces:
Determining thrust on immersed surfaces
Moments of area and parallel axis theorem
Calculating centre of pressure with moments of area

Viscosity in fluids:
Dynamic and kinematic viscosity definitions
Characteristics of Newtonian fluids
Effects of temperature on viscosity
Classification of non-Newtonian fluids

Operating principles and limitations:
Operating principles of viscometers
Converting results acquired from viscometers into viscosity values

Fluid flow theory:
Energy present within a flowing fluid and the formulation of Bernoulli’s Equation
Classification of fluid flow using Reynolds numbers
Calculations of flow within pipelines
Head losses that occur within a fluid flowing in a pipeline
Viscous drag resulting from fluid flow and the formulation of the drag equation

Aerodynamics:
Application of prior theory of fluid flow to aerodynamics
Principles of aerofoils and how drag induces lift
Flow measuring devices and their operating principles

Hydraulic machinery:
Operating principles of different types of water turbine
Reciprocating and centrifugal pump theory
Efficiencies of these different types of hydraulic machinery
Environmental concerns surrounding hydraulic machines

A lab-based assignment of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2, focusing on static fluid systems, weighted at 50%.

A lab-based assignment of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4, focusing of dynamic fluid systems, weighted at 50%.

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Determine the behavioural characteristics of static fluid systems.

Examine the operating principles and limitations of viscosity measuring devices.

Investigate dynamic fluid parameters of real fluid flow.

Explore dynamic fluid parameters of real fluid flow.

PC with standard software such as Microsoft Excel

Hydraulics and Pneumatics rigs and fluid rigs, manometers and viscometers

MASSEY, B.S. and WARD-SMITH, J. (2011) Mechanics of Fluids. 9th Ed. Oxford: Spon Press.

Journal of Fluid Mechanics. Cambridge University Press.
Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics. Annual Reviews, California.

https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy Fluids (Tutorials)

Must be registered on HNC/D Mechanical Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College

Fluid mechanics is an important subject to engineers of many disciplines, not just those working directly with fluid systems. Mechanical engineers need to understand the principles of hydraulic devices and turbines (wind and water); aeronautical engineers use these concepts to understand flight, while civil engineers concentrate on water supply, sewerage and irrigation.

This unit introduces you to the fluid mechanics techniques used in mechanical engineering. The hydraulic devices and systems that incorporate the transmission of hydraulic pressure and forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces.

Topics included in this unit are: pressure and force, submerged surfaces, fluid flow theory, aerodynamics, and hydraulic machinery.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to work with the concept and measurement of viscosity in fluids, and the characteristics of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids; examine fluid flow phenomena, including energy conservation, estimation of head loss in pipes and viscous drag; and examine the operational characteristics of hydraulic machines, in particular the operating principles of various water turbines and pumps.