Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.

The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.

Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook,  for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.

Applications of Fluid Dynamics S5

Module aims

This module explores a number of applications of fluid dynamics to areas within and beyond aeronautics, in fields such as the fluid dynamics and heat transfer of physiological flows in the human body and the study of animal locomotion in fluids and its application to the bio-inspired design of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). At the same time the course will deepen the understanding of the physics and governing equations of fluid dynamics. 

Learning outcomes

 On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

1. Describe the essential characteristics and components of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and apply dimensional analysis to derive key parameters describing physiological flows;  

2. Construct appropriate models to describe transport and exchange process, including defining equations, boundary conditions and deriving solutions in simple cases for flows, including Non-Newtonian and pulsatile flows.

3. Apply simple model equations to describe the transport of aerosols in inhaled and exhaled air and the use of CO2 concentration as a surrogate for room ventilation;

4. Understand the fluid mechanical basis of energy losses in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and describe methods to quantify flow and transport in-vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

5. Understand the morphology and kinematics of animal wings and how they affect aerodynamic performance in gliding and flapping flight; 

6. Examine the various modes of swimming employed by fish and how their fins, tails, and gaits, together with buoyancy contribute to the forces affecting motion;     

7. Describe the effect of fluid-fluid interfaces on locomotion: walking, swimming, and diving; 

8. Apply our understanding of animal locomotion in fluids to the bio-inspired design of UAVs.

Module syllabus

Bio-fluid mechanics. Nature and composition of blood and of respired air; length and time scales; characteristics of basic components and processes. Dimensional analysis (Womersley & other parameters); Brownian motion and diffusion; particle transport; diffusion equation. Modelling of non-Newtonian, pulsatile and wave-like flows; convective transport; exchange processes; equations and appropriate boundary conditions, flow losses.  Applications & illustrations: vFFR, CO2 monitoring, flow measurement techniques, application of computational methods. 

• Animal locomotion in fluids. Soaring and gliding: Wing morphology, geometry, and kinematics; Flight envelope; Steady aerodynamics; Manoeuvring; Formation flight. Flapping flight: Rigid wings; Dynamic stall; Forward flight; Hovering; Flexible wings; Flight control. Swimming: Fins, tails, and gaits; Buoyancy; Swimming modes. Locomotion on the water surface: Walkers; Swimmers; Divers. Bio-inspired design for UAVs: Bio-inspired swimming and flying.

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological.  The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.

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 progress tests and 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 (January) at the end of the module.
 
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark Must pass?
Examination

2-hour closed-book written examination in January

100% 50% N
 
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 instruction 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

Supplementary