Spring 2013,
Fall 2011,
Fall 2009,
Spring 2008

Numerical Fluid Mechanics

Introduction to numerical methods and MATLAB: number representation and errors, error propagation, condition numbers and roots of nonlinear equations. Fluid flow modeling, the Navier-Stokes equations and its approximations. Direct and iterative methods for systems of linear equations. Classification of partial differential equations. Finite difference schemes for elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic equations. Fourier decomposition, error analysis and stability. High-order and compact finite-difference schemes. Finite volume methods and their applications to fluid equations. Time marching methods. Navier-Stokes solvers: pressure-correction, fractional step and other methods for incompressible and compressible flows. Grid generation and finite volumes on complex geometries. Finite element methods: continuous and discontinuous. Spectral methods. Boundary element and panel methods. Turbulent flows: models and numerical simulations. Boundary layers. Lagrangian Coherent Structures. Subject includes a final research project.

Fall 2012,
Fall 2010,
Spring 2010,
Spring 2009,
Fall 2008,
Fall 2007

Thermal-Fluids Engineering I

Integrated development of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer with applications. Focuses on the development of the first and second laws of thermodynamics with special consideration of the rate processes associated with heat transfer and work transfer. Entropy generation and its influence on the performance of engineering systems. Conduction heat transfer in solids including steady-state and transient situations. Finned surfaces. Coupled and uncoupled fluid models. Hydrostatics. Inviscid flow analysis and Bernoulli equation. Internal and external laminar viscous flows. Turbulence. Boundary layers. Head loss in pipes.

Spring 2012,
Spring 2007

Thermal-Fluids Engineering II

Focuses on the application of the principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to the design and analysis of engineering systems. Laminar and turbulent flow. Heat transfer associated with laminar and turbulent flow of fluids in free and forced convection in channels and over surfaces. Pure substance model. Heat transfer in boiling and condensation. Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics of steady flow components of thermodynamic plants. Heat exchanger design. Power cycles and refrigeration plants. Design of thermodynamic plants. Radiation heat transfer. Multi-mode heat transfer and fluid flow in thermodynamic plants.