Module descriptors
The module descriptors for our undergraduate courses can be found below:
- Four year Aeronautical Engineering degree (H401)
- Four year Aeronautical Engineering with a Year Abroad stream (H410)
Students on our H420 programme follow the same programme as the H401 spending fourth year in industry.
The descriptors for all programmes are the same (including H411).
H401
Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Structure Interaction
Module aims
The module presents an advanced mathematical exposition of classical fluid dynamics with elements of the physics and theory of fluid-structure interaction. The module covers the inviscid flow theory, boundary layer theory, viscous-inviscid interaction, and theory of separated flows, and calculating forces acting on bodies moving with acceleration in a viscous fluid. It also covers the quasi-steady theory of galloping and the physics of vortex-induced vibrations. This enables the student to analyse, using advanced mathematical tools, the broad scope of phenome related to fluid flows and their interaction with structures.
Learning outcomes
At completion of the course, students should be able to: 1. Analyse and calculate fluid flows at high Reynolds number, and estimate the range of applicability of the results. 2. Critically evaluate the importance of viscous effects and pressure gradient on the character of the flow past and the magnitude of the forces acting on bodies immersed in a moving fluid. 3. Infer suitable features of the body shape that might be employed to achieve a a desired characteristics of the flow. 4. Analyse and improve the characteristics of flows past moving structures. AHEP Learning Outcomes: SM1m, SM2m SM5m, EA1m, EA5m, G3m
Module syllabus
Introduction: the governing equations of fluid motion High-Reynolds-number asymptotics: Euler equations and boundary layer equations Attached and separated potential flows Prandtl-Batchelor theorem Cyclic boundary layers Boundary layers in adverse pressure gradient: dual role of viscosity in separation Boundary layers in adverse pressure gradient: singularities Viscous-inviscid interaction Outline of high-Re steady asymptotics of separated flows Karman vortex street. Quasi-steady theory of galloping Added mass in viscous flows Vortex-induced vibrations: linear oscillator under the action of a sinusoidal force; lock-in phenomenon; non-dimensional parameters controlling vortex-induced vibrations; Griffin plot Buffeting: Froude-Krylov force and Morison’s equation Quasi-steady buffeting and aerodynamic admittance
Teaching methods
The content of the module is delivered by lectures and tutorials. The module is theoretical, and the main mode of delivery is through handwriting mathematical formulae and sketching by hand on a whiteboard or visualizer, with occasional visual illustrations using images or videos.Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets.
Assessments
This module presents opportunities for both formative and summative assessment. You will be formatively assessed through tests and progress tutorial sessions. You will have additional opportunities to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets. You will be summatively assessed by a written closed-book examination at the end of the module.
| Assessment type | Assessment description | Weighting | Pass mark |
| Examination | 2-hour closed-book written examination in January | 100% | 50% |
You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.
You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instructions on the correct solution to tutorial problems.
Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors.