P 26A/PHYS2670

Fluid Dynamics

(4 credits) Semester I Level II

Prerequisites :P 14A / PHYS1410 & P 14B / PHYS 1420, and (M 08B/MATH0100, and M 08C/MATH0110 or A-Level Maths or CAPE Maths)

Aim

To understand basic principles of fluid dynamics and their relevance to atmospheric processes, renewable energy sources and applications.

Objectives

• To use vector analysis in the derivation and solution of the equations of basic fluid dynamics.
• To apply the fluid dynamic principles in the analysis of atmospheric flows.
• To describe the basic principles governing the operation of propellers and wind turbines.
• To apply fluid dynamics to wind and hydro energy applications.
• To describe the concept of the boundary layer and turbulence with a view to explain transport processes and to study wind velocity profiles
• To state and apply the equations for turbulent motion.

Content

• Vector analysis and basic mathematical tools.
• Physical characteristics of the fluid state. Introduction to laminar and turbulent flows.
• Atmospheric dynamics- Apparent forces (Coriolis and centrifugal) in rotating coordinate systems and their effects.
• Kinematics and dynamics of fluid motion: Equation of continuity. Definitions of incompressible and compressible fluids. Euler’s equations of motion. Bernoulli’s equation. Simple applications of Bernoulli’s equation.
• Channel flow.
• Momentum equation for steady fluid flow. Momentum theory of a propeller and a wind turbine.
• Introduction to Navier-Stokes equation, without derivation.
• Concept of boundary layer and turbulence. Derivation of logarithmic wind velocity profile.
• Transport processes in the boundary layer: Vertical transport of kinetic energy, mass, heat, moisture and pollutants.
• Geostrophic flows
• Qualitative introduction to Ekman layer.
• Basic treatment of Rossby waves and Kelvin waves

Evaluation

2 -hour Final Examination 60%

In-Course (1-hour) Test 15%

Practical work 10%

Term Paper 15%