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 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs (MMA2003, MEC2404, TRC4802, MAE2404, CHE2161 or CIV2263) and (MEC3456, MMA3001 or ECE3093).
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MMA3101
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After MMA3101
No unit lists MMA3101 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
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 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- In-class testQuiz / Test10%
- Computational modelling assignment 1Written15%
- Computational modelling assignment 2Written15%
- Computational modelling assignment 3Written10%
- Final assessmentExamination50%
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
Discuss the main approaches used to discretise the compressible and incompressible fluid flow equations.
- 2
Appraise the capabilities and limitations of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) packages to model engineering problems in fluid flow and heat transfer.
- 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
Execute suitable approximations when modelling turbulent flows.
- 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
- Practical activities24 hours
- Workshops24 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 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Gregory Sheard
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Gregory Sheard
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MMA3101?
You need (MMA2003, MEC2404, TRC4802, MAE2404, CHE2161 or CIV2263) and (MEC3456, MMA3001 or ECE3093) before you enrol.
When is MMA3101 offered?
In 2026, 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