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.
 

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 Closed-book written examination 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.

Reading list

Resources

Module leaders

Professor Sergei Chernyshenko
MEng Student Handbook 2025-26
MEng Degree Programme Specification