Study information

Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEFluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY3220 MODULE CONVENERProf Matthew Browning (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Many systems of both everyday and astrophysical importance can be studied using the equations and concepts of fluid dynamics.  The cup of coffee you drink in the morning, the waves you see at the beach, the blood pumping through your body -- but also the interiors of stars and planets, and the disks in which they form – are all governed by some version of these equations.
 
In this module, you will learn the fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics and apply them to a variety of problems in physics, everyday life, and astronomy. You will learn how to solve the Navier-Stokes equations (which govern the flow) in simple cases, and how to describe some aspects of fluid dynamical phenomena even in cases where no analytical solution is possible. 

Pre-requisite modules: PHY1022, PHY1031, PHY2025, PHY2023 and PHY2021 or equivalent modules.
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts of fluid dynamics, and practice in using these to solve problems of interest.  It also aims to highlight some of the many important applications of fluid dynamics in physics and astronomy, and to develop some physical intuition for the many problems in which no complete solution for the flow can be obtained.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Explain the basic concepts and equations of fluid dynamics;
2. Use the Navier-Stokes (and/or Euler, as appropriate) equations to solve or constrain the fluid flow in simple geometries;
3. Identify and describe non-dimensional parameters that frequently govern the flow;
4. Interpret solutions of partial differential equations in physical terms.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5. Describe astronomical and physical phenomena whose behaviour is governed by fluid flow;
6. Translate a complex physical problem into an approximate problem that can be solved or constrained.
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
 
7. Develop problem-solving skills;
8. Develop self-study skills.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Fundamental ideas and equations of fluid dynamics
  1. Continuity equation; mass conservation
  2. Euler equation; momentum conservation
  3. Navier-Stokes equation
  4. Governing non-dimensional parameters
  5. Laminar flow and other limiting states
  6. Energetics and Bernoulli’s principle
  7. Boundary layers
II. Vorticity and rotating fluids
  1. Vorticity equation
  2. Kelvin’s circulation theorem
  3. Irrotational flow
  4. Flow in rotating reference frames
III. Waves and instabilities
  1. Linearisation
  2. Examples of classic waves (including inertial and gravity waves)
  3. Classic instabilities (including Rayleigh-Taylor, convection)
IV. Compressible fluid dynamics
  1. The speed of sound and the Mach number
  2. Shock waves
  3. Effects of stratification
V. Applications to problems in physics, geophysics, and astronomy:
(Examples to be chosen at instructor’s discretion; below list is illustrative)
  1. Convection in stars and planets
  2. Accretion and accretion disks
  3. Planetary winds
  4. Aerodynamics
  5. Biophysical fluids
VI. Survey of advanced topics (as time permits)
  1. Introduction to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
  2. Non-Newtonian fluids
  3. Turbulence
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22 22 x 1 hour in class lectures / problems classes
Guided Independent Study 8 Problems sets discussed in class
Guided Independent Study 30 Self-Study material
Guided Independent Study 16 Individual project work
Guided Independent Study 74 Personal private revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Problem sets  4 hours per set 1-8 Discussion in class

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework (mini-projects) 40 8 hours per project 1-8 Written Feedback
Examination 60 2 hours and 30 minutes 1-8
Written, feedback via ELE and solutions
 

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Coursework (mini-projects) Examination (defer only) (40%) 1-8 Referral/deferral period
Examination Examination (60%) 1-8 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Coursework is not referrable, but deferral assessment is available via a written examination.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Core text:

  • Faber T.E. (1995), Fluid Dynamics for Physicists, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 9780511806735

Supplementary texts:

  • Acheson, D.J. (1990), Elementary Fluid Dynamics, Clarendon Press, ISBN 978-0-198-59679-0
  • Tritton, D.J. (1988), Physical Fluid Dynamics (2nd edition), Clarendon Press, Oxford, ISBN 000-0-198-54493-6
  • Choudhuri, A (1998), The Physics of Fluids and Plasmas (2nd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 9781139171069

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1022, PHY1031, PHY2025, PHY2023, PHY2021
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 13th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 15th May 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Fluid flow; Vorticity; Star; Energy; Transport; Viscosity; Planet

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.