Fluid Mechanics 1

Description

Topics
1. Basic concepts: fluid mechanics, liquids and gases, stress/force/mass, properties of fluids
2. The SI system for chemical and process engineering
3. Dimensional analysis of the variables used in chemical and process engineering systems
4. Report writing
5. Laboratory measurement. Statistics of measurement and estimation of uncertainty
6. Computing with Excel
7. Pressure in static systems: pressure, manometers, atmospheric pressure
8. Dynamic systems:
Bernoulli’s equation: applications of Bernoulli to flow measurement, including pitot tube,    orifice, venturi, weir
Friction
Pipe flow: laminar flow, turbulent flow, velocity profiles, pressure losses in pipes and fittings, non-circular ducts
9. Scale up
10. Pumping
Pumps: net positive suction head, complete system
Control of flow with valves and variable speed
11. Pipe networks
12. Brief topics
Optimal pipe diameter
Compressible flow and buoyancy


Laboratories

Excel Lab:  
This is a compulsory session Thursday 26th February and Friday 27th February, in the ENGCAD Glade computer suite (E216/7), 3-5pm.  There are no marks associated with this but all students must complete it satisfactorily to obtain a pass in this session.

Measurement Lab (Semi-scale laboratory):  
Each student will be required to attend one afternoon lab in the first term to investigate the principles of measurement accuracy.  Students examine the accuracy of basic measuring operations and apply these principles to calibrate a variable area flow meter.  The lectures on statistics of measurements will be applied in this and later labs.  Individual reports will be required.

Fluid Pumping and Flow Measurement Lab (Civil Engineering Fluids Laboratory):
There will be one afternoon (consisting of two laboratories) for each student to investigate pumping and flow measurement in the Civil Engineering Fluids Laboratory in the second term.  Students will work as a team in groups of 5 or 6.  A group report will be required.

Pump Applications Lab (Semi-scale laboratory):  
Each student will be required to attend one afternoon lab in the second term.  Students work as a group to dismantle and reassemble a pump and piping network. The pumping rate is then investigated for different discharge pressures. The objectives are to give the students experience of some important plant items, to foster teamwork and time management skills and to introduce appropriate safety procedures.  There are no marks associated with this but all students must complete it satisfactorily to obtain a pass in this paper.

Water Feature:
During term 2, students will work in groups of 5 or 6 to design and build a water feature.  In the last Tuesday of the semester (2nd June), each group will demonstrate their water feature.  A group report will be required.