MTH4360 Fluid dynamics
Faculty of Science
MTH4360 Fluid dynamics is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
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Requisites
Before MTH4360
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH4360
No unit lists MTH4360 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.
Enrolment rules
You must be enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Mathematics or the Master of Mathematics
Prohibition: MTH3360
Overview
The continuum hypothesis; notion of a fluid particle; pathlines and streamlines. Eulerian and Lagrangian frameworks; the material derivative. Conservation of mass; incompressibility; streamfunctions. Forces acting on a fluid; the stress tensor; conservation of momentum; the constitutive relation; the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Boundary conditions. Exact solutions of Navier-Stokes equations. Non-dimensionalization and dimensional analysis; Reynolds number. Low Reynolds number flows. Vorticity; circulation; Helmholtz' vorticity equation; properties of vorticity; Kelvin's circulation theorem. Lubrication theory. Inviscid flows; potential flows. Boundary layer equations and flows.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
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
Critically evaluate and synthesise the extensive scope and applications of fluid dynamics within the physical sciences, demonstrating an advanced understanding of its interdisciplinary relevance
- 2
Articulate and analyse the mathematical description of fluid motion, showcasing proficiency in formulating and interpreting fluid dynamics equations
- 3
Summarise and critically evaluate the derivation of the equations governing incompressible fluid motion, demonstrating a deep understanding of the underlying principles.
- 4
Apply the process of scaling to simplify the governing equations for both viscous and inertia dominated flows.
- 5
Apply the process of scaling to lubrication and boundary layer flows.
- 6
Solve the governing and reduced equations in simple situations and demonstrate and in-depth understanding of the physical implications of the solutions and their limitations
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions36 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
2 hours of pre-recorded lectures;
One 3-hour applied class and
7 hours of independent study per week.
You will work through problems as a group
Lecture material will be delivered via pre-recorded videos.
In the applied classes, you will do a double-pass quiz (you will first complete the quiz alone and then in a pair/three) to check your understanding of the lecture material. You will then work on a problem sheet in a group of three/four students at a whiteboard.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Anja Slim
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Anja Slim
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH4360?
MTH4360 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MTH4360 offered?
In 2027, MTH4360 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does MTH4360 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.