PHSI426 Fluids, Instability and Turbulence

Overview

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.

About this paper

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:

1. Know the difference between Lagrangian and Eulerian frames of reference in the description of the movement of fluids
2. Understand the conservation of mass, momentum and energy in fluid flow, leading to the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations
3. Be able to approximate and manipulate the Navier-Stokes equations into forms suitable for particular situations
4. Understand some fundamental theorems of fluids (e.g. Kelvin's circulation theorem)
5. Understand the implications of space and time for the equations governing boundary layer flow
6. Apply the equations governing basic wave motion in fluids
7. Derive equations for the growth/decay of linear perturbations in a simple flow
8. Be able to outline how small perturbations evolve to fully developed turbulence
9. Understand the arguments introduced in a basic quantification of turbulence

Timetable

Overview

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.

About this paper

Limited to

BSc(Hons), PGDipSci, MSc

Eligibility

Non-physics majors should consult the course coordinator before enrolling in this paper.

Contact

Dr Terry Scott

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Terry Scott

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:

1. Know the difference between Lagrangian and Eulerian frames of reference in the description of the movement of fluids
2. Understand the conservation of mass, momentum and energy in fluid flow, leading to the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations
3. Be able to approximate and manipulate the Navier-Stokes equations into forms suitable for particular situations
4. Understand some fundamental theorems of fluids (e.g. Kelvin's circulation theorem)
5. Understand the implications of space and time for the equations governing boundary layer flow
6. Apply the equations governing basic wave motion in fluids
7. Derive equations for the growth/decay of linear perturbations in a simple flow
8. Be able to outline how small perturbations evolve to fully developed turbulence
9. Understand the arguments introduced in a basic quantification of turbulence

Timetable