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ENGI3291: Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 3

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

  • ENGI2231

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • As specified in the Programme Regulations

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To introduce the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics of turbomachines and to apply these to the simple analysis and design of hydraulic machines, axial flow steam and gas turbines
  • To gain an understanding of the engineering of nuclear power stations including reactor choice and thermodynamic plant
  • To gain an understanding of behaviour of subsonic and supersonic compressible flows in nozzles, pipes and around simple aerofoils.
  • To equip students with skills in running a numerical simulation of fluid flow, as well as the skills to verify and validate the results

Content

  • Turbomachinery, Thermodynamics, Compressible flow
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, principles, theories and mathematics relevant to turbomachinery, thermodynamics and compressible flow;
  • Understand the capabilities and limitations of CFD.
  • AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).
  • M3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (exam assessed).
  • M12. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (coursework assessed).

Subject-specific Skills:

  • To critically analyse, evaluate and interpret engineering data;
  • To apply engineering principles to the solution of a specific, complex problem;
  • To verify and validate CFD solutions.

Key Skills:

  • Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer;
  • General problem solving skills that can be applied in a novel context;
  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations;
  • Use of advanced engineering software to model engineering artifacts. .

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The courses in turbomachinery, thermodynamics and compressible flow covered in lectures, and are reinforced by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability.
  • Assessment is through written examination which enables each student to demonstrate an ability to analyse and solve new problems.
  • Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office Hours") to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
  • The self-study coursework element containing practical exercises in CFD are appropriate for the subject matter and for preparation of professional engineering practice.
  • The following Laboratory Classes relate to content taught in this module: TF31 Flow Around Cylinder; TF33 Hydraulic Pump; TF34 Transonic Flow; TF35 Heat Transfer.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures40Twice weekly1 hour40 
Surgeries20As required, weekly sign-ups available throughout the yearOptional attendance as required10 
Laboratories4Throughout the year3 hours12Yes
Revision Classes21 hour2 
Preparation and Reading136 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Written ExaminationComponent Weighting: 80%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
On Campus Written Examination2 hours100No
Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignment100No

Formative Assessment

Laboratories.

More information

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