MTH4341 Fluid dynamics and turbulence
Faculty of Science
MTH4341 Fluid dynamics and turbulence is a level 4, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
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Requisites
Before MTH4341
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH4341
No unit lists MTH4341 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit is an introduction to hydrodynamic stability theory that concerns the stability and instability of fluid flows. You will be introduced to the theoretical methods required to understand how instabilities develop and how the flow transitions from a laminar to a turbulent state. Instability concepts will be applied to a range of flow systems with applications in biology, geophysics and aerodynamics.
Topics covered include: concepts of linear stability theory; temporal/spatial instabilities; Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities; capillary instabilities; Rayleigh-Benard instabilities; centrifugal instabilities; inviscid and viscous shear flow instabilities in channels, pipes, cylinders and boundary layers; stability of parallel flows including Rayleigh's equation and inflexion point criteria, Fjortoft's theorem, Squire's theorem and the Orr-Sommerfeld equations; weakly nonlinear theory; coherent turbulent structures.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
- -
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Illustrate a deep understanding of hydrodynamic stability theory.
- 2
Describe and identify the types of instability that form in many physical flows.
- 3
Derive and explain the significance of Rayleigh's inflexion point criterion, Fjortoft's theorem and Squire's theorem.
- 4
Summarise the derivation of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation for a given basic state, and undertake a stability analysis.
- 5
Understand and articulate the physical mechanisms leading to instability and the paths for laminar-turbulent transition.
- 6
Communicate complex ideas on mathematical treatment of fluid dynamics.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions12 hours
- Seminars36 hours
- Two 1.5 -hour seminars;
- One 1-hour applied class and
- 8 hours of independent study per week
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Anja Slim
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Anja Slim
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH4341?
MTH4341 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MTH4341 offered?
In 2025, MTH4341 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does MTH4341 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.