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Thermofluids and Mechanical Systems 1

  • Module code: ME4011
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module introduces the students to the fundamentals of thermofluids (thermodynamics and fluid mechanics) and solid mechanics (statics and dynamics). The thermofluids section of the module covers the key concepts of system, work, heat and the main thermodynamics laws (zeroth, first and second laws) with special reference to their engineering applications. This section also introduces the main equations of fluid mechanics and dynamics, dimensional analysis, properties of fluids and their measurement methodology and units. The solid mechanics section provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies under equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters such as force, moment, stress, strain etc. are defined, derived and used for problems solving. This section also introduces kinematics and kinetics/dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorials sessions and laboratories. Course materials will be available on Canvas.

Aims

  • To introduce students to the main thermodynamics principles and laws with their engineering applications.
  • To provide an understanding of the main fluid mechanics equations, fluid properties and their metrics.
  • To introduce the fundamental principles and engineering applications of stress analysis, structures and dynamics.
  • To develop the ability and skills in problem solving related to static and dynamics of engineering components together with the measurement of relevant parameters.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Describe the fundamental properties of a fluid, use correct unit, property tables and charts. State and apply the zeroth, first and second laws of Thermodynamics to engineering problems.
  • State the basic equations of fluid mechanics, explain the concepts of pressure, temperature and measurements methods.
  • Describe laminar and turbulent flows and apply continuity, momentum and energy equations to fluid flow.
  • Determine the external and internal forces and moments in simple structures under equilibrium and carry out one-dimensional stress analysis of engineering components in tension, compression and bending modes.
  • Carry out kinematics and kinetics analysis of dynamic systems with constant and variable accelerations.
  • Apply Newton's laws and energy method to engineering components in motion modelled as particles and rigid bodies.

Curriculum content

  • Units and dimensions, open & closed systems
  • Work, heat, fluid properties
  • Zeroth, first and second Laws of Thermodynamics
  • Dimensions and dimensional analysis
  • Pressure and Temperature Measurement
  • Hydrostatics, laminar and turbulent flows, continuity, momentum and energy equations
  • System of forces and moments under static equilibrium, pin-jointed structures
  • Direct and shear stress and strain, compound bars
  • Shear force, bending moments, theory of bending and twist
  • Kinematics of particles with constant and variable accelerations, kinematics of rigid bodies, simple mechanisms 
  • Kinetics of particles and rigid bodies, Newton's method, energy and impulse

Teaching and learning strategy

The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of: formal lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises and independent study. 300 hours of learning time is allocated to this module of which up to 110 hours formal contact time will be available. Teaching notes, guided reading, problem solving case studies and other supplementary materials will be available on Canvas and can be accessed via the dedicated module site.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Lectures Tutorials and laboratories 70 40
Guided independent study 190
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

The module is assessed by a combination of examination and coursework. Summative assessment is through examination and coursework.

The written examination category consists of:

  • one end of module written examination (50%) of two hours and 30 mn duration made up of questions involving problem-solving and interpretation, and
  • a portfolio of three in-class tests (each worth 10%).

The coursework consists of a portfolio of two laboratory reports (each worth 10%. Formative assessment will be provided by tutors during the weekly tutorial and laboratory sessions, where students will be working in smaller groups.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Describe the fundamental properties of a fluid, use correct unit, property tables and charts. State and apply the zeroth, first and second laws of Thermodynamics to engineering problems. Formatively by tutorial exercises. Summatively by laboratory reports, in-class tests & end of module written examination.
2) State the basic equations of fluid mechanics, explain the concepts of pressure, temperature and measurements methods. Formatively by tutorial and laboratory exercises. Summatively by laboratory reports & end of module written examination.
3) Describe laminar and turbulent flows and apply continuity, momentum and energy equations to fluid flow. Formatively by tutorial exercises. Summatively by end of module written examination.
4) Determine the external and internal forces and moments in simple structures under equilibrium and carry out one-dimensional stress analysis of engineering components in tension, compression and bending modes. Formatively by tutorial and laboratory exercises. Summatively by laboratory reports, in-class tests & end of module written examination.
5) Carry out kinematics and kinetics analysis of dynamic systems with constant and variable accelerations. Formatively by tutorial exercises. Summatively by laboratory reports.
6) Apply Newton's laws and energy method to engineering components in motion modelled as particles and rigid bodies. Formatively by tutorial exercises. Summatively by end of module written examination.

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Written exam Written exam 50%
Portfolio of in-class MCQ tests Written exam 30%
Portfolio of laboratory reports Coursework 20%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Cengel Y and Boles M, Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2007. ISBN 0071257713.

White FM, Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008, ISBN 9780072938449.

Meriam JL and Kraige LG, Statics - Engineering Mechanics, 6th edition, 2008, Wiley, 2008, ISBN 9780471787020.

Meriam JL and Kraige LG, Dynamics - Engineering Mechanics, 6th edition, Wiley, 2007, ISBN 0471787035.

Bibliography recommended reading

Chadwick A, Morfett J, Borthwick M, Hydraulics in Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2012, ISBN 9780415672450.

Beer FP and  Johnston E, Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics, 7th edition, McGraw Hill, 2004, ISBN 0072304936.

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