Final Assessment- Portfolio 100%

Assignment containing case studies, mathematical calculations and analytical reports to demonstrate understanding of fluid and thermodynamics. Word count 4500 words + calculations. Learning outcomes 1-6.

Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics encompass the majority of engineering physics. This module allows you to develop the knowledge to apply standard formulae and principles with regards to heat transfer, over body flow dynamics and internal fluid flow both in a static and dynamic context. These skills will be essential for future aerodynamic and engine design modules.

The module will cover fluid definitions and properties, pressure and velocity and flow, conservation of mass and energy and momentum applied to fluids. It will also include flow and pressure measurement and pipe flow and fluid power.
Fluid definitions will include, Pascal’s Law, fluid static law, pressure movement, fluid forces, Bernoulli equation, continuity equation, fluid fraction, the Moody Diagram and fluid momentum.
The study of Viscosity will include Shear stress, shear rate, dynamic viscosity, kinematic viscosity and viscosity measurement: operating principles and limitations of viscosity measuring devices, including falling sphere, capillary tube, rotational and orifice viscometers.

Real Fluids will include flow of real fluid, head losses due to sudden restriction, enlargement of pipe entrance/exit. Reynolds number: inertia and viscous resistance forces, laminar and turbulent flow, critical velocities

Thermodynamic systems will study, polytropic processes; general equation pvn=c, relationships between index ‘n’ and heat transfer during a process. Constant pressure and reversible isothermal and adiabatic processes. Also closed systems, open systems, application of first law to derive system energy equations. It will conclude with study of the thermodynamics of Internal combustion engines;
Second law of thermodynamics: statement of law, schematic representation of a heat engine to show heat and work flow.

Heat engine cycles: Carnot cycle, Otto cycle, Diesel cycle, dual combustion cycle, Joule cycle; property diagrams, Carnot efficiency, Performance characteristics: engine trials, mean effective pressure, indicated and brake power, indicated and brake thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, heat balance and volumetric efficiency. Air standard efficiency.

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download containing topic information, example questions and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE known as the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by staff through video input. Study is by independent learning with tutor support of approximately 6 hours per module but students may access tutors whenever they choose within the working week 9-5 BST.

Computer with fast broadband connection
Range of resources located on the VLS
Library Services through Sconul access or e books

Atkins, P., (2010) The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction. GB: Oxford University Press.
*Cengel, Y., Boles, M. (2014) Thermodynamics: an engineering approach; 8th Ed. Burr Ridge: McGraw Hill.
Chang, Y.A. and Oates, W.A., (2010) Materials Thermodynamics. US: Wiley.
*Chang, Y.A. and Oates, W.A., (2010) Thermodynamics. John Wiley & Sons.
Douglas, J.F., Gasiorek, J. M., Swaffield, J. A. (2011) Fluid mechanics; 6th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Kondepudi, D.K. (2008) Introduction to Modern Thermodynamics. Chichester: Wiley
*Kundu, P.K., Cohen, I. M. (2014) Fluid Mechanics; 5th Ed. Oxford: Academic Press
Potter, M.C. (2009) Thermodynamics Demystified. New York: McGraw-Hill
Singh, O., (2008) Applied Thermodynamics. New Age International.
Theodore, L., (2009) Thermodynamics for the Practicing Engineer. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
*Core texts, select at least one

1) Describe viscosity in fluids and viscous drag on bodies and determine the impact of pressure on surfaces. (Knowledge and Understanding).
2) Describe the effect of shear force, expansion and head losses on real fluids. (Knolwedge and Understanding, Application, Analysis).
3) Assess the significance of reynolds’ number for flow and apply dimensional analysis to fluid flow. (Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Analysis).
4) Investigate polytropic processes and determine the relationships between system constants for an ideal gas. (Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Enquiry).
5) Define thermodynamic systems and their properties and apply the first and second law of thermodynamics to automotive engines. (Knolwedge and Understanding, Application).
6) Analyse the performance characteristics of gas-based heat engines to determine how improvements may be made to the efficiencies of ic power units. (Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Analysis).