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Course profile

Computational Fluid Dynamics (MECH6480)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Mech & Mine Engineering School

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for engineering applications. Development of computational techniques for analysis of complex engineering processes by bringing together the knowledge gained in one or more of the following disciplines: fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat/mass transfer and numerical methods.

The student is introduced to the modelling and simulation techniques that are part of modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. A CFDᅠ package is used to analyse ᅠcompressible flow situations.

You should plan to spend at least 10 hours per week on this course in order to obtain a passing grade.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course is based on a working knowledge of Fluid Mechanics, an understanding of numerical methods, and a good knowledge of the Python programming language. To successfully complete this course assumes knowledge in the following:


• Advanced Fluid Mechanics

• Numerical Methods: Completion of courses that cover matrix methods, interpolation, numerical integration and methods for solution of ordinary differential equations.

• Python programming:


Experience with other engineering programming language (e.g. matlab, C, C++, C#, D, etc) and then learning python in your own time has proven effective also. Please discuss with Course Coordinator.

Prerequisites

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

MECH3400 and (MECH2410 or MECH3410) and (MECH2700 or MECH3750 or MECH3780)

Companion or co-requisite courses

You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:

If MECH3410 (or equivalent) not previously completed, MECH3410 must be taken as companion.

Incompatible

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

MECH4480, MECH7480

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

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

Aims and outcomes

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the principles of ComputationalᅠFluid Dynamics and associated tools and to show you how to apply these in an engineering context in order to generate high quality simulations.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Explain why CFD is used to solve fluid dynamic problems.

LO2.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Explain the advantages and limitations of CFD.

LO3.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Explain spatial and temporal discretisation in a finite volume context.

LO4.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Explain the operation of different boundary conditions.

LO5.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Explain the principles behind numerical methods for solving incompressible flow problems.

LO6.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Explain the principles behind numerical methods for solving compressible flow problems.

LO7.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Explain turbulence modelling used for Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations.

LO8.

Demonstrate competence in numerical methods for fluid dynamic problems - Demonstrate familiarity with advanced CFD methods, such as LES, DNS, multi-phase VoF, dynamic meshes.

LO9.

Create and alter CFD tools - Implement numerical methods for simulating flows in one- and two-dimensions, inviscid and viscous.

LO10.

Create and alter CFD tools - Write and maintain source code for the simulation of flows.

LO11.

Create and alter CFD tools - Create tools to automate pre- and post-processing of CFD results.

LO12.

Create and alter CFD tools - Apply verification and validation techniques to assure the quality of numerical tools and solutions.

LO13.

Apply CFD software - Construct meshes for CFD simulations.

LO14.

Apply CFD software - Evaluate and improve mesh quality.

LO15.

Apply CFD software - Apply generic principles of CFD when using a specific CFD package.

LO16.

Apply CFD software - Demonstrate ability to select appropriate methods for fluid dynamics simulations.

LO17.

Apply CFD software - Formulate solution approaches for compressible flow using a research CFD package, specifically Eilmer.

LO18.

Evaluate numerical predictions - Appraise the quality of CFD meshes.

LO19.

Evaluate numerical predictions - Apply numerical tools to estimate engineering quantities of interest.

LO20.

Evaluate numerical predictions - Appraise the quality of CFD simulation results.

LO21.

Evaluate numerical predictions - Use simulation results to create improved designs.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Computer Code, Tutorial/ Problem Set Homework exercises 10%

Homework exercises are due at 10:00am on Mondays in Weeks 2-13, excluding Week 5 because of the interruption to teaching due to the Exhibition holiday in Week 4. These Mondays are chosen to follow the previous week's tutorial on the Friday.

Computer Code, Paper/ Report/ Annotation ASSIGNMENT 1: 2-D Flow Solver 15%

17/09/2024 2:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation ASSIGNMENT 2: Simulation of compressible Flow 25%

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Examination Final exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

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

Homework exercises

Mode
Written
Category
Computer Code, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
10%
Due date

Homework exercises are due at 10:00am on Mondays in Weeks 2-13, excluding Week 5 because of the interruption to teaching due to the Exhibition holiday in Week 4. These Mondays are chosen to follow the previous week's tutorial on the Friday.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19, L20

Task description

The homework exercises for submission will be noted on the weekly tutorial worksheets. The submissions will take the form of computer source code, text responses and figures/graphs.

Each submission is worth 1%, but your total marks are capped at 10%. Your overall mark for homework exercises will be computed as the best 10 out of 11 submissions over the semester.

 

Submission guidelines

Submit on Gradescope (with link on Blackboard).

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

The best 10 out of 11 submissions over the semester will be counted.

Late submission

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

Results released promptly to permit students to progress with follow up submissions.

ASSIGNMENT 1: 2-D Flow Solver

Mode
Written
Category
Computer Code, Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
15%
Due date

17/09/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L03, L04, L05, L09, L10, L11, L12, L19, L20

Task description

This assignment will assess content in Modules 1 and 2 through implementation and application of a two-dimensional flow solver. The full assignment specification and criteria will be available on the Blackboard course page.

Submission guidelines

Submit via Gradescope (with link provided on Blackboard).

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.

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.

ASSIGNMENT 2: Simulation of compressible Flow

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
25%
Due date

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L04, L06, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19, L20, L21

Task description

This assignment will assess you ability to perform and interpret simulations of compressible flows. You will use the Eilmer compressible flow tool. The submission format is a short report. The full assignment specification will be released on the Blackboard course page.

Submission guidelines

Submit on Gradescope (with link on Blackboard).

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.

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.

Final exam

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

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L16, L18, L20

Task description

The final exam is a paper-based handwritten examination that assesses the concepts presented in all modules (1, 2 & 3) of the course.

The final exam is closed book.

Students are only permitted to use Casio FX82 series or UQ approved (labelled) calculators in this examination.

You will require 40% or higher in the final exam in order to get a grade of 4 or above in the course.

Hurdle requirements

You will require 40% or higher in the final exam in order to get a grade of 4 or above in the course.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

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

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 - 29.99

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Fail: Overall grade

2 (Fail) 30.00 - 44.99

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Fail: Overall grade 30.0 to 44.99%.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45.00 - 49.99

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Fail: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass. Overall grade: 45-49.99% or less that 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.

4 (Pass) 50.00 - 64.99

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Pass: 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. Overall mark 50.00-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.

5 (Credit) 65.00 - 74.99

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Credit: 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. Overall mark 65.00-74.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.

6 (Distinction) 75.00 - 84.99

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Distinction: 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. Overall mark 75.00- 84.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.

7 (High Distinction) 85.00 - 100.00

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: High Distinction: 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. Overall mark 85.00 - 100% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.

Additional course grading information

Grading Criteria

Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.

Identityᅠ verified assessment

Identity verified assessment (IVA)ᅠ will be through obtaining ᅠat least 40% of the available marks ᅠin the final exam.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Further details on assessment descriptions and the relevant criteria will be available on the course Blackboard site.

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

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

BLACKBOARD: all course related information, lecture notes, tutorial questions, and links to other courseᅠrelevant materialᅠwill be made available on the course Blackboard site.

EILMER:ᅠ In addition to the User Guide, direct access to the Eilmer project is available at http://gdtk.uqcloud.net/

TEXTBOOKS: Access to the recommended text books will be assumed. No additional material will need to be purchased.

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
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 4
(22 Jul - 18 Aug)

Workshop

MODULE 1: CFD in a microcosm

Introduction to CFD by building a simple one-d flow solver. This introduces: finite-volume method for Navier-Stokes equations; boundary conditions; discretisation; numerical stability; and measures of convergence.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L10, L11, L12, L19, L20

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 13
(29 Jul - 27 Oct)

Tutorial

Tutorials

Tutorials: These sessions are structured around a worksheet and are self-paced. Staff may lead demonstrations on certain aspects of the worksheet exercises. Some of the worksheet exercises contribute towards the weekly homework assignments. In the weeks prior to major assignments, staff are available to give assignment advice in these sessions.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19, L20

Multiple weeks

From Week 5 To Week 8
(19 Aug - 15 Sep)

Workshop

MODULE 2: D.I.Y Navier-Stokes solver

Learn about numerical algorithms for Euler and Navier-Stokes equations through a Do-It-Yourself approach: by building your own flow solver. Also covered in this module is grid generation, and verification and validation.

Learning outcomes: L06, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L16, L19, L20

Multiple weeks

From Week 9 To Week 13
(16 Sep - 27 Oct)

Workshop

MODULE 3: Compressible Flow

Learn about solving compressible flows (Eilmer); Learn to write source code for compressible solvers

Learning outcomes: L06, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19, L20, L21

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.