UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

MMA3101 Computational fluid dynamics

Faculty of Engineering

MMA3101 Computational fluid dynamics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs (MEC2404, MAE2404, TRC4802, MMA2003, CIV2263 or CHE2161) and (MMA3001, MEC3456 or ECE3093).

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 4 other tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Overview

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a well-established analysis, design and optimisation approach for industrial fluid and heat transfer problems. Examples include turbomachinery, vehicle aerodynamics and aeronautics. It is also a powerful research tool and is being increasingly used to answer fundamental questions in a wide range of fields, from astrophysics to nanomaterials. This unit provides you with an introduction to this mathematically sophisticated discipline. This involves a review of the equations governing motion and energy of fluids, the mathematical properties of these equations and the relevance of such properties to obtaining numerical solutions. The basics of numerical discretisation and solution methods will be discussed. The unit will also introduce you to using commercial CFD packages in analysing complex industrial problems involving fluids.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonFlexible

Assessment

  • In-class testQuiz / Test
    10%
  • Computational modelling assignment 1Written
    15%
  • Computational modelling assignment 2Written
    15%
  • Computational modelling assignment 3Written
    10%
  • Final assessmentExamination
    50%

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. 1

    Discuss the main approaches used to discretise the compressible and incompressible fluid flow equations.

  2. 2

    Appraise the capabilities and limitations of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) packages to model engineering problems in fluid flow and heat transfer.

  3. 3

    Apply a theoretical understanding of the concepts of resolution, stability and order of numerical methods for solving partial differential equations relevant to engineering.

  4. 4

    Execute suitable approximations when modelling turbulent flows.

  5. 5

    Formulate an approximate solution to an engineering problem using a CFD package, with appropriate selection of boundary conditions, grid size and turbulence model.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops24 hours
  • Practical activities24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted 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.

You will actively engage in applying your knowledge, skills, and attributes in interactive, collaborative, and reflective activities.

During group work, you will share ideas and solve problems with your peers.

Where it fits

MMA3101 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2027 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Professor Gregory Sheard
Unit Coordinators
Professor Gregory Sheard

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MMA3101?

You need (MEC2404, MAE2404, TRC4802, MMA2003, CIV2263 or CHE2161) and (MMA3001, MEC3456 or ECE3093) before you enrol.

When is MMA3101 offered?

In 2027, MMA3101 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

How much work is MMA3101?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does MMA3101 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include MMA3101?

MMA3101 is part of Aerospace engineering; Mechanical engineering; and Robotics and mechatronics engineering.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
20262027