MEC2404 Mechanics of fluids
Faculty of Engineering
MEC2404 Mechanics of fluids is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering. It isn't offered in 2026. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
The 2027 handbook has no page for MEC2404. This is its 2026 entry, the latest one.
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Requisites
Before MEC2404
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MEC2404
4 units list MEC2404 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prerequisite: 24 credit points
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering: You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit develops your physical understanding of fluid statics and fluid flow and the interaction of fluid forces with solids.
Topics include hydrostatics, Reynolds transport theorem, continuity and momentum equations, control volume analysis, the Bernoulli equation, viscous pipe flow, pumps, dimensional analysis, boundary layers, flow measurement techniques and applications of fluid forces in flow - lift and drag.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for MEC2404.
Assessment
- Moodle quizzesQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle9%
- In-semester test(s)Quiz / TestThreshold hurdle51%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Determine fluid forces acting on bodies exposed to a volume of static fluid, with extension to fluid undergoing rigid body motion.
- 2
Determine solutions to flow problems, with simplifications as appropriate, using a control volume approach to transport of mass and momentum.
- 3
Determine model scaling parameters for experimentation and prototype performance and present results meaningfully using dimensional analysis and modelling.
- 4
Determine lift and drag forces on bodies (including motor vehicles) subjected to fluid motion, describing the effects of boundary layer modification and flow separation.
- 5
Select suitable pumps for flow systems informed by determining flow rates and pressure drops in pipe networks under steady-state conditions for either laminar or turbulent flows.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you will engage in research, integrate theory and practice, and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes through interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
Learning resources
Required resources
A faculty-approved calculator
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MEC2404?
MEC2404 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after MEC2404?
MEC2404 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including MEC3451, MEC4416, MEC4447 and MMA3101.
When is MEC2404 offered?
MEC2404 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
How much work is MEC2404?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MEC2404 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.