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Course profile

Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics (MECH2410)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Mech & Mine Engineering School

Fluid Mechanics is a course that covers the basic principles and applications of fluid mechanics. In this course, you will learn how to:

  • Analyse fluids at rest using fluid statics principles and calculate the hydrostatic pressure in fluids and hydrostatic force on submerged surfaces.
  • Analyse fluids with rigid body motion using the concept of pressure variation in fluids with constant linear acceleration and constant rotational speed.
  • Apply the integral control volume approach to derive and use the conservation of mass, momentum and energy equations and the Bernoulli equation for fluids in motion.
  • Apply the differential fluid flow analysis to derive and use the continuity and Navier Stokes equations for fluid mechanics problems.
  • Perform dimensional analysis and generate non[1]dimensional groups to simplify and scale fluid mechanics problems.
  • Analyse pipe flow and understand the factors affecting the frictional losses and the minor losses in pipes.
  • Understand the concepts of laminar, transitional and turbulent flows and their effects on boundary layers, drag and lift forces.
  • Understand the properties and behaviour of complex fluids such as non-Newtonian fluids, compressible fluids and multiphase flows. Conservation laws, continuity, momentum & energy balances.

Fluids statics, Bernoulli equation, pipe flow. Experimental techniques, viscosity, applications. This course will help you develop your fluid mechanics problem solving skills and prepare you for more advanced courses in fluid mechanics and related fields.

This course will introduce you to the basic principles of fluid mechanics and focus on practical applications of these concepts. You will learn how fluid mechanics plays a critical role in aerodynamics, affecting the design and performance of land vehicles, airplanes, and space planes. Additionally, you will see how many engineering industries rely on efficient fluid flow and contact between fluids and solids. The skills and knowledge you gain from this course can be applied across a wide range of disciplines, making it a valuable asset for your future engineering studies.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

((Year 12 Maths C or MATH1050) and (Year 12 Physics or PHYS1171)) and (ENGG1500 or (ENGG1700 or ENGG1400))

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Year 12 Physics

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

(CHEE2003 and CIVL3130) or CIVL2131

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

ᅠᅠ


Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and to cultivate an appreciation of the design aspects in fluid systems. This course also seeks to enhance your ability to analyse existing fluid systems and contribute to the development of new designs.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand the role of fluid mechanics in engineering by analysing the nature of fluids, their differences with solids and gases, and their impact on hydrodynamic forces such as drag, lift, and propulsion.

LO2.

Analyse existing fluid systems and design new ones by enhancing analytical skills in hydrostatic properties, applying continuity, momentum, energy, and Bernoulli equations to dynamic fluid systems, and examining internal and external fluid flows and associated hydraulic systems.

LO3.

Apply engineering methods and solve complex problems in fluid mechanics by understanding the differences between various types of flows, using dimensional analysis to analyse complicated fluid simulations, and selecting appropriate fluid mechanics models for specific applications.

LO4.

Apply conduct an experimental simulation in fluid mechanics, demonstrating safety awareness and teamwork, analysing and interpreting results, and identifying sources of error to draw conclusions.

LO5.

Effectively communicate the learning outcomes of fluid mechanics by presenting ideas and solutions clearly in written reports, following a prescribed style and format, and adhering to agreed standards for referencing sources.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz In-Class Quizzes 45%

Quiz 1 - Fluid Statics (15%) 20/03/2025 11:00 am

Quiz 2 - Fluid Dynamics (15%) 1/05/2025 11:00 am

Quiz 3 - External Flows (15%) 15/05/2025 11:00 am

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration Practical Report 5%

6/05/2025 4:00 pm

Examination Final Exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

In-Class Quizzes

Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
45%
Due date

Quiz 1 - Fluid Statics (15%) 20/03/2025 11:00 am

Quiz 2 - Fluid Dynamics (15%) 1/05/2025 11:00 am

Quiz 3 - External Flows (15%) 15/05/2025 11:00 am

Learning outcomes
L01, L02

Task description

This quiz is a closed book quiz.

Reading: 0 minutes

Duration: 40 minutes

Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving

Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

In approved circumstances a deferred quiz will be held in the contact session in the week immediately following the missed quiz. For example, a student who is approved for a deferred quiz in Week 4, will sit the deferred quiz in the contact session in Week 5.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

The nature of the assessment does not allow for late submission. Ongoing progressive assessment is essential for the students' understanding of the course.


Practical Report

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
5%
Due date

6/05/2025 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Compulsory: Students need to take part in the practical activity and complete the practical. Students will need to submit an individual report using the Practical Report Template provided in the Course Blackboard site.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.

Submission guidelines

Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Practical Attendance: Apply for a deferred practical via SI-net for an Alternative Practical.

Reports: If there are exceptional circumstances you may apply for an extension, maximum of 1 week.

To facilitate timely feedback to students.

A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Practical Attendance: 100% penalty for entire assessment item, as practical is required to complete the report component.

Practical Attendance: The nature of the assessment does not allow for late submission.

Practical Report: First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) will be subject to a late penalty of 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For Example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks. More than 7 periods of 24 hours are subject to a late penalty of 100%.

Final Exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The final exam covers the material delivered in the lectures and tutorials.

Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving


Hurdle requirements

Students need to receive at least 40% of their final exam mark.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0.00 - 19.99

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 20.00 - 44.99

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Complying with the criteria listed aboveᅠand achieving at leastᅠthe minimum percentage for this grade.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45.00 - 49.99

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Complying with the criteria listed above and achieving at least the minimum percentage for this grade.ᅠ

4 (Pass) 50.00 - 64.99

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. In addition, aᅠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.

5 (Credit) 65.00 - 74.99

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. In addition, aᅠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.

6 (Distinction) 75.00 - 84.99

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Satisfiesᅠthe basic learning requirements in allᅠelementsᅠof the course. In addition, aᅠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.

7 (High Distinction) 85.00 - 100.00

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite.ᅠDemonstrates the ability to use and apply fundamental concepts in allᅠelements of the course.ᅠIn addition, aᅠminimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.

Additional course grading information

A minimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.ᅠ

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.

A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.



Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Here, you can find lecture notes, tutorials, practical handouts and other information: MECH2410 Blackboard Site: https://learn.uq.edu.au/


Laboratory access

Students must have completed the Student Laboratory Safety Induction, Annual Fire Safety Training and Health Safety and Wellness (HSW) to a specific laboratory induction, all accessed via Blackboard.

If you require access for experimental work, then register for an induction by searching for that laboratory at the following link: https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/urite/

Additional requirements to be inducted into each laboratory will be listed on that link.

Students can also check their HSW training card here: https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/safe

Access to laboratories will be granted after all of the specific laboratory requirements have been met.

If you have any enquiries regarding HSW please contact the School’s Technical Services Team on labsupport@mechmining.uq.edu.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Lecture

Hydrostatic Pressure

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Hydrostatic Force

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Rigid Body Motion

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Integral Control Volume Analysis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Integral Control Volume Analysis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Integral Control Volume Analysis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Differential Control Volume Analysis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Practical

Boundary Layers

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Drag and Lift Analysis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Introduction to Complex Fluids

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Lecture

Pipe Flow Analysis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Lecture

Dimensional Analysis

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.