University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
MECA0011-2  Fluid Mechanics : Basics

Duration :  20h Th, 30h Pr
Number of credits :  
Bachelor in engineering sciences, civil engineer orientation (Bachelor in engineering sciences, civil engineer orientation), 2nd yearSecond semester4
Lecturer :  Michel Pirotton
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
The course introduces the basic concepts and mathematical models used in various fields of application of fluid mechanics. A particular attention is paid to the understanding of the physical processes.
Theory
  • Definition of fluid vs solid
  • General conservation principles
  • Hydrostatics, buoyancy, stability
  • Eulerian vs Lagrangian movement
  • Euler, Navier-Stokes and Bernoulli equations
  • Notions of viscosity and viscous tensions (Couette, Poiseuille flow, etc.)
  • Pi theorem, adimensional numbers and similarity laws
  • Potential flows
  • Lift force, drag effects, d'Alembert's paradox
  • Local head loss and in length
Practical work
  • Irrotational and potential flows
  • Viscous flows (velocity profile, limit speed, etc.)
  • Pipe flow
  • Similarities
Learning outcomes of the course :  
This course establishes a link between general courses in maths, physics, thermodynamics, numerical analysis, etc., and a particular domain of engineering sciences: fluid mechanics. It has a double objective:
* to teach students to use the notions studied in these general courses in order to approach a new discipline, which involves "crossing" these notions and developing a synthetic and applied approach * to provide students with the bases in fluid mechanics and to teach them to apply them to a number of concrete cases.
For engineering students who are going to specialise in the domains of construction, geology, mechanics, aeronautics, and applied physics, this course will serve as a foundation for a series of more specialised courses such Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Applied and Environmental Hydraulics, Hydrogeology, the study of Pumps and Turbines, Hemodynamics, etc. For the others, this course is about training future engineers in a scientific approach while providing the "basic vocabulary" that will allow them to interact with specialists.
Particular attention is paid to fluid resistance, flows in pipes in continuous and discontinuous movements, the flow of a perfect gas and to applications of the theory of quantities of movement and the momentum theory.
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
General Physics course, Mathematical Analysis course, Numerical Analysis course
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
Practice (2 hrs/week). Work carried out in groups, numerical or in the Construction Hydraulics Laboratory on the 3 main notions of the class :
  • hydrostatics
  • potentional flows;
  • pipe flows.
The sessions are held at Sart Tilman
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
2nd semester Ex-cathedra classes. Questions to be asked after class or during the break
Active participation during practical classes All sessions are held at the Sart Tilman campus
Recommended or required readings :  
  • Transparencies and course notes available on unit's site (http://www.hach.ulg.ac.be/cms/supportcours)
  • Course notes available on AEES: NO for theory, YES for problems.
  • Reference works: Dynamique des Fluides (I. Ryhming) - Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics (Wiley & Streeter)
  • Compulsory reading: NO
  • Compulsory reading: Dynamique des Fluides (I. Ryhming)
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Handling in practical works reports is obligatory and leads to an individual mark.
A non exempting examination is organized on the practical matters during the year.
A written examination is organized for the whole of the course during the June or September examination period. It counts for a theoretical and exercises parts.
The theoretical examinations are organized without any support while the practical examinations can be solved using the course support.
The final mark results from a balance between the partial marks; 20% for the reports of practical works, and 80% for the written examination.
Contacts :  
Teacher: Prof. M. Pirotton, tel.: 366 95 36; Michel.pirotton@ulg.ac.be
Assistant: R. Paulus: 366 90 04 raphael.paulus@ulg.ac.be

Items online :  
Slides and course notes
(http://www.hach.ulg.ac.be/cms/supportcours)


imageHome
imageSearch by Faculty
imageSearch by teacher
imageSearch by course code and title

Students and Studies Administration - Academic Affairs - Contact : Monique Marcourt, General Director for Education and Training - Developed by SEGI