Fluid Mechanics

Good background in Physics and Mathematics

Theoretical classes exposing the contents of the curricular unit using wherever possible the presentation of examples within a Bioengineering context in all its branches and theoretical practices classes for solving problems of application. In theoretical practices classes, after a general discussion about the problems, students are encouraged to continue with its resolutions and at the end a discussion of the results is made. The problems proposed to solve in the theoretical practices classes are available to the students in advance.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics and apply them to natural or engineered biological systems. The objectives to be achieved by students attending this course are: i) Understand the basic principles of fluid mechanics like viscosity, pressure, continuity equation, principle of conservation of energy, viscous dissipation and boundary layer; ii) Ability to apply fundamental principles to derive governing equations in fluid flow, namely Bernoulli equation; ii) Understand the flow of fluids through pipes and distinction between laminar and turbulent regimes; iv) Calculation of head losses in pipes and accidents for incompressible fluids; v) Selection of pumps.

1. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

What is a fluid? Viscosity. Non-newtonian fluids. Surface tension.

2. Fluid Statics

Pressure at a point and pressure variation in a fluid at rest. Manometry: piezometric pipe, U pipe manometer and inclined pipe manometer. Buoyancy.

3. Fluid Dynamics

Flow patterns. The continuity equation. Bernoulli equation and examples of applications.

4. Flow in Pipes

Laminar and turbulent flow. The hydrodynamic entry length. Laminar flow in pipes. Turbulent flow in pipes. Pressure drop and head loss in pipes and accessories. The Moody chart. Piping systems with pumps and turbines.

5. Turbomachines

Classification and terminology. Pump performance curves. Pump cavitation and net positive suction head. Pump association in series and parallel.

The students in the second week of classes can choose one of the following evaluation methods:

1. distributed evaluation;

2. assessment by final exam.

Students who have chosen distributed evaluation must inform formally the teacher until the end of the second week and will have four tests on dates to be defined jointly with the teacher, students and course director. The date for the last test is the same of the first exam. Each test, made outside lecture schedule, contribute with 25% to the final classification. The students that chosen for periodic assessment, in order to remain integrated in this assessment methodology will have to attend 80% of the classes, regardless of their typology, and, at the same time, must have a rating equal to, or greater than, 7.5 (on 20 values) in the tests that will be carried out. In case the student does not reach the limit imposed in the tests classification and/or the final average of 9.5, or the number of absences is exceeded, the student will only be able to obtain success during the second date for exams. Students who choose this assessment regime can only improve final classification by taking an exam about all topics taught.

Students who have chosen the evaluation with the final exam are subject to the traditional evaluation method, with the possibility to perform two exams at the end of the semester in different dates.

NAO