Fluid Mechanics unit (KYA315)

Introduction

This is a physics and mathematics discipline elective unit which is recommended for students doing an Honours in Physics or Applied Mathematics. The unit is suitable for graduate students in interdisciplinary applied science who lack theoretical background in fluid mechanics. This unit is offered only in even years. Teaching arrangements include weekly lectorials, tutorials, and independent study computer lab sessions. On completion of this course, you will be able to apply theoretical physics concepts to the analysis of real-world systems. Topics covered include: Introduction to the state of stress in a continuum; Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions of motion; Conservation laws for mass and momentum; Inviscid flow; Elementary sources and sinks; Complex-variable methods for ideal fluid flow in two dimensions, including conformal mapping; Airfoil theory, wings, the Kutta-Joukowski theorem; Viscous flow; Exact solutions; Boundary layers, viscosity and turbulence; Surface waves. The unit will also cover basic numerical recipes for analysing complex fluid flows and their applications.

Summary

Unit name	Fluid Mechanics
Unit code	KYA315
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Physics
Coordinator	Doctor Courtney Quinn
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how the theory of fluid mechanics applies to real-world scenarios that arise in the fields of mathematics, physics, engineering and other domains.
• Analyse the behaviour of fluid dynamical systems using mathematical concepts and techniques.
• Communicate the basic concepts of fluid mechanics through independent workings.
• Apply a range of computational techniques to solve problems in fluid mechanics.
• Explain and justify approaches to problem solving in written work.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

(KYA211 - Waves and Kinetic Theory AND KYA212 - Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics) OR (KYA375 - Engineering Physics AND KME271 - Engineering Mathematics) OR (KMA252 - Calculus and Applications 2 AND KMA254 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations)

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	3 x 50 minute workshops weekly (including demonstrations and presentations), 1 x 50 minute tutorial weekly (alternating between computational and analytical focus), 1 x 2 hour optional computer lab drop-in session weekly (shared with other 3rd year physics courses).  Workshops are livestreamed through Zoom.  Tutorial is an on-campus activity.
Assessment	Oral exam (10%)|Report (20%)|Assignments (30%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.