Fluid Mechanics

Knowledge transmitted in the 1st curricular year of the course, particularly in thermodynamics

Lectures: Class lectures with audiovisual aid. Lecture-Discussions: A total of 2 practice problems in each chapter are solved. A wide series of practice problems with solutions will be assigned for individual study for students to do during unaccompanied study (self-study) time allocated for subjects. Practical Lessons: Students will face direct contact with experiences that will help the understanding of concepts conveyed during the lectures.

The main aims of this course unit are: To provide a basic understanding of the fundamental laws of fluid mechanics and the ability to use them in solving a range of simple engineering problems. Laboratory work is intended to reinforce lecture material and to provide experience of relevant measuring techniques.
At the end of this course unit is the learner is expected to be able: Define the principal properties of fluids, the pressure, flow, stress and strain rate parameters of fluid mechanics, and the principles of equilibrium and mass conservation which relate them. Apply the basic concepts and principles of fluid mechanics to the solution of simple problems involving fluids.

Introduction. Fluid Statics. Elementary Fluid Dynamics. Flow Measurements. Flow in pipes: laminar flow in pipes, turbulent flow in pipes, pipe systems, turbulent flow in non-circular ducts.

Assessment by Exam:

 Each formal exam is divided into three components: theoretical, theoretical-practical and laboratory, with a mark of six (6/20), ten (10/20) and four (4/20) respectively. Approval in the curricular unit is subject to obtaining a final grade equal to or higher than 9.5/20, and a minimum of 25% of the mark is required in each of the components (theoretical, theoretical-practical and laboratory).

 Exams taken outside the formal assessment periods may be in the form of an oral test.

Regulation for Periodic Assessment by Mini-Tests:

The periodic assessment system involves four mini-tests, one in the theoretical part, two in the theoretical-practical part and one in the laboratory part, with a date defined and validated by the Course Committee. In this assessment system, it is mandatory to obtain 50% of the score in all mini-tests (T, TP1, TP2 and L). If, in any of the 4 mini-tests, the student does not obtain 50% of the mark, he/she will be automatically excluded from this assessment regime. In addition, the laboratory component is only considered if at least 80% of the laboratory reports are delivered to the teacher in the class. 

 Theoretical component: 1 mini-test (T) will be carried out, with a score of 6/20 points, on the official exam date of the regular period.

Theoretical-practical component: 2 mini-tests (TP1 + TP2) will be carried out, each with a score of 5/20 points. The TP1 test will be carried out in the 8th or 9th week of classes. The TP2 test will be carried out in the last week of classes.

Laboratory component: 1 mini-test (L) will be carried out, with a score of 4/20 points, in the last week of classes.

Notes:

- Even if the student has obtained the minimum grade required in all 4 mini-tests, if the student chooses to take the exam, the grade obtained in the exam will prevail.

- All mini-tests will be taken in person.

Regulations for reference materials:

No materials are permitted in the theoretical and laboratory parts of the exam. In the theoretical-practical part, tables, diagrams and the form placed in the respective U.C. folder on the InforEstudante platform are permitted (all these materials cannot contain any handwritten elements); a scientific calculator may also be used. In the laboratory part, a scientific calculator is permitted. The use of “smartwatches” and “smartphones” is not permitted, and they must remain switched off during the exam (the test will be cancelled if any of these devices are used).

NAO