Fluid mechanics is introduced through vector calculus and tensors approaches to the Navier-Stokes equations. These equations are applied to real-world examples (for example from Antarctica), instabilities and turbulence.
| Paper title | Fluids, Instability and Turbulence |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI426 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.0833 |
| Points | 10 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $704.22 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- BSc(Hons), PGDipSci, MSc
- Eligibility
Non-physics majors should consult the course coordinator before enrolling in this paper.
- Contact
- inga.smith@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Course Co-ordinator: Dr Inga Smith
- Textbooks
- Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship,
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- After completing this paper students are expected to:
- Know the difference between Lagrangian and Eulerian frames of reference in the description of the movement of fluids
- Understand the conservation of mass, momentum and energy in fluid flow, leading to the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations
- Be able to approximate and manipulate the Navier-Stokes equations into forms suitable for particular situations
- Understand some fundamental theorems of fluids (e.g. Kelvin's circulation theorem)
- Understand the implications of space and time for the equations governing boundary layer flow
- Apply the equations governing basic wave motion in fluids
- Derive equations for the growth/decay of linear perturbations in a simple flow
- Be able to outline how small perturbations evolve to fully developed turbulence
- Understand the arguments introduced in a basic quantification of turbulence
