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PHY-30030 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

PHY-30030 - Physics of Fluids
Coordinator: Raphael Hirschi Room: LJ2.09 Tel: +44 1782 7 33324
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of level 2 in Physics or Astrophysics

Barred Combinations

Can not be taken with MAT-30004 (Fluid mechanics)

Description for 2022/23

This module will introduce students to the physics of fluids, which treats objects under study as continuous bodies rather than point particles. Although the physics of fluids is based on very few basic principles (conservation of mass, momentum and energy), the field has immense practical applications in the real world. After introducing the main concepts and laws, these will be applied to selected topics relevant in nature and space (e.g. tsunamis). This module will also introduce the students to computational fluid dynamics, i.e. how to implement fluids dynamics theory into a computer programme in order to solve a problem. Students will then use computer programs to study basic flows. This will provide students with essential skills for their future career in research at post-graduate level or in the industry. This optional core module is open to students in Level 3 of any degree programme in Physics or Astrophysics. Successful completion of level 5 in Physics or Astrophysics is the only entry requirement.

Aims
Provide an introduction to the physics of fluids by teaching the theory of fluid dynamics, reviewing some of its applications (e.g. convection) and teaching the basics of computational fluid dynamics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Understand the basic principles and laws governing the physics of fluids (e.g. momentum/Euler equations): 1,2
Use computer programs to solve basic problems in fluid dynamics: 1
Manipulate the equations of fluid dynamics in an applied context and numerically solve related problems: 1,2
Analyse and interpret complex processes like convection in the framework of fluid dynamics theory, making reasonable approximations: 1,2
Apply the laws of fluid dynamics to specific topics found in nature and space (e.g. tsunamis): 1,2

Study hours

Lectures: 24 hours
Tutorials: 12 hours
Problem Sheets: 24 hours
Private Study and Directed Reading: 90 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Problem Sheets weighted 30%
Assessed problem sheets
Assessed problem sheets (3 or 4 in total) covering the topics taught in this module. Some assessed problem sheets will require the use of computer programs in order to solve the problems.

2: Unseen Exam weighted 70%
2-hour unseen written examination
Unseen examination with a mix of bookwork and problem-solving.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023