CE 251 Fluid Mechanics
When & where: MWF 11:00-11:50, AEC 315
Instructor
Dr. David Brandes
Office: AEC 320
Office hours: , and by appt.
Phone: 330-5441
E-mail: brandesd@lafayette.edu
(you are encouraged to use e-mail for questions on homework or lab if I am not in my office)
Course Overview
Fluid mechanics combines theoretical, mathematical descriptions of ideal (frictionless) fluids (i.e., hydrodynamics), with the empirical study of real fluids (hydraulics).
In this course, we will explore the basics of both hydrodynamics and hydraulics, including topics in statics, kinematics, and dynamics.
The emphasis will be on application of basic principles of physics to fluids problems, particularly fluid statics, pipe flow, and open-channel flow (e.g., streams, culverts) - this means lots of problem solving!
We will make repeated use of mass, force, and energy balances on control volumes (analogous to free body diagrams in solid mechanics). Demos will be used to illustrate many principles.
Students should be familiar with these principles, and a background in physics, integral calculus, and statics is required.
The course is particularly important for those students interested in careers in hydraulics, hydrology, or environmental engineering, and fluid mechanics is a major component of the FE exam.
Reynolds Experiment for Laminar vs. Turbulent Flow
Learning Objectives
1) develop a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics:
- fluid properties: density, specific weight, specific heat, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure
- control volumes and mass conservation (continuity equation)
- forces and momentum
- work-energy equation
- dimensional analysis and similitude
2) apply the fundamental principles to solve a variety of engineering problems, particularly fluid statics, pipe flow, and open-channel flow applications
Text
Engineering Fluid Mechanics, Eighth Edition
C.T. Crowe, D.F. Elger, and J.A. Roberson
John Wiley, 2004
Grading
Two mid-term exams and final: 100 pts each
Homework: 100 pts
Attendance, participation, and effort will play a role in your final grade. Three or more unexcused absences from class will reduce your final grade.
Exams
Exams will be given in the evening (time and place to be determined). All exams are closed book and notes, but I will allow you to bring one sheet of equations, which is subject to my review at the exam. All necessary fluid properties will be provided. The exam problems will generally be very similar to your homework problems. Each exam covers the material since the last exam; however, topics from earlier parts of the course provide the basis for later material, and in that sense, all the exams are comprehensive.
Homework
Keeping up with the homework is critical to success in this course. Homework assignments will be given each week (see Schedule)
and will be due each Wednesday. Homework will be marked down by 10% for each day late.
Students are encouraged to work together on the problems (this does not mean copying another person's solution!), which must be done in a neat, professional manner, on engineering paper or computer output, with answers clearly designated.
Unacceptable homework will be returned and must be resubmitted by the next class. Make sure that units are included with all numerical answers and are consistent.
It is also a good idea to check the "reasonableness" of your answers before you turn in your homework (it takes time to get a feel for this, but I assure you that water does not often flow at 1000 ft/sec in a pipe!).
Homework will be graded based on completeness and your answers to two or three problems selected at random. Complete solutions will be available in my office after the homework is returned.
Note on Academic Dishonesty
The college has clear written policies on academic dishonesty (see Student Handbook, pages 7-8 and 68-70). It is particularly important to provide citations for all materials used in writing your reports. As faculty members, we are required to report any suspected cases of academic dishonesty.
Course Schedule
Announcements, HW hints, etc.
Selected handouts
1) the 48-inch Alaska pipeline carries crude oil some 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez - we will calculate energy losses in pipe flow due to friction and heat loss
2) dam and broad-crested weir on Bushkill Creek just south of campus - we will determine static forces of water on dams, and derive equations relating depth of water to flow rate over the weir
Fluids Links
Other Useful links: