MECH ENG 4111 - CFD for Engineering Applications

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

The course will equip the students with the necessary knowledge to use computational techniques to solve problems related to flow mechanics. In particular, students will have hands-on experience in using computational fluid dynamics to solve engineering problems. Governing equations, discretisation schemes, numerical methods, turbulence modelling, mesh quality and independence test, numerical errors, and boundary conditions will be introduced in the course.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MECH ENG 4111
    Course CFD for Engineering Applications
    Coordinating Unit School of Mechanical Engineering
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge MECH ENG 2021, MECH ENG 3102, MECH ENG 3101
    Assessment Online Quizzes, Assignments, CFD Project, Final exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Zhao Tian

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to

    1 Understand and be able to numerically solve the governing equations for fluid flows
    2 Understand and apply finite difference and finite volume methods to fluid flow problems
    3 Understand different mesh types, mesh quality and mesh sizes
    4 Understand how to conduct a grid-convergence assessment
    5 Understand and apply turbulence models to engineering fluid flow problems
    6

    Understand the issues about two-phase flow modelling and be able to numerically solve heat transfer problems

    7 Use CFD software such as ANSYS/CFX to an acceptable standard for a graduate engineer.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-9

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2-9

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    9

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2-9

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources


    Tu, J., Yeo, G.H. and Liu C. (2013), Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Practical Approach, second edition Butterworth-Heinemann (an imprint for Elsevier).

    The first edition is ok but the second and third editions are preferred. 

    Recommended Resources

    Ferziger, J.H and Peric, M. (1997) Computational Methods for Fluid Dynamics, Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Online Learning

    This course will make heavy use of the resources placed on myUni by the Instructors. Please make sure you check the course myUni page at least weekly.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Lectures supported by tutorials and workshops in the CATSuite.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    In addition to the lectures and tutorials, you are expected to spend approximately 8-10 hours a week studying for this course.

    Learning Activities Summary
    Week Session 1 (2hrs) Session 2 (2 hrs)
    1 Introduction to CFD TBA
    2 Formulation of Flow Problems  TBA
    3 Mesh generation and boundary conditions TBA
    4 Navier-Stokes equations and discretisation TBA
    5 Numercial methods and pressure-velocity scheme 1 TBA
    6 Numercial methods and pressure-velocity scheme  2 TBA
    7 CFD assignment questions TBA
    8 CFD solution analysis and validation/verification TBA
    9 Turbulence modelling TBA
    10 Heat transfer and two phase flow modelling TBA
    11 Invited seminar (guest lecture) TBA
    12 Revision TBA
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    In order be successful in this course, the students will participate in these assessment exercises:

    Assessment Task Weighting % Individual/Group Due date Learning objectives

    Assignment 5 Individual Week 8 or 9 1. 2. 6. 9.
    Online Quizzes 10 Individual Weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12 1. 2. 3. 5. 7.
    Project 20 Group Week 11 or 12 4. 5. 9. 
    Exam 65 Individual Exam period 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8.

    Assessment Related Requirements

    Students must achieve a mark greater than 49% to pass.

    Assessment Detail
    There are a total of seven online quizzes in this course, and each quiz consists of about 7-10 multiple-choice questions. Students are required to independently complete these quizzes. The questions in each quiz are based on the week's lecture content, which aims to enhance students' comprehension of the course material. The answers to the questions are provided to students after they have completed the online quizzes. Some questions are discussed in the lectures.

    The written assignment focuses on numerical methods and quality checks for CFD results. It includes short answer questions covering topics such as the derivation of high-order schemes, derivation of governing equations, mesh independence testing, etc. Some questions and their solutions are discussed in the lectures, providing students with further guidance.


    The CFD project aims to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamentals and use of CFD software and introduce them to numerous applications within the software. Students are allowed to freely determine any topic of interest for the project. The CFD project is a group project so that students can also develop their teamwork skills.

    The final exam is an open-book exam that is to assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of the whole CFD course.
    Submission

    Submit assignment solutions, online quizzes answers and CFD report online. 

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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