FLUID MECHANICS & THERMODYNAMICS 1 - 2023/4

Module Overview

First year module in thermo-fluids for MES students.

FLUID MECHANICS: The basic concepts underlying fluid flows and behaviour are described together with simple fluid properties. The calculation of static fluid forces is the starting point before moving to dynamic fluid effects including mass-flow and energy conservation. Internal flows in pipes and through pumps considering effects of fluid friction, momentum and energy losses in fittings. This will include laminar and turbulent flows and pipe system analysis.

THERMODYNAMICS:  Following an introduction on energy consumption, generation and supply from conventional and alternative sources the basic principles of heat and work transfer are described and system thermal efficiency. Thermal properties of working fluids (both liquids and gases) are described. The 1st law of thermodynamics is introduced with applications to processes and cycles for closed and steady-flow systems.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

TIAN Guohong (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Fluid Mechanics

Fluid properties, hydrostatics, buoyancy, fluid kinematics, Fluid dynamics, momentum equation 

Internal pipe flow: laminar flow and turbulent flow

Pumps, turbines, and pipework calculations

                                                             [17hrs]

Thermodynamics

            Introduction to thermodynamics – work & heat transfer

            Energy consumption, generation, alternative sources and system efficiency

            Fluid properties, liquids & gases, Cp and Cv, property tables and ideal gas

            First law  – for closed systems, internal energy. Applications

            Steady flow energy equation, enthalpy, external work. Applications to flow systems.     

                                                                                                          [16hrs]

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of scientific principles, methodologies and mathematics methods as well as the ability to describe particular systems and processes in the final examination. 

Summative assessment

• Fluid mechanics online test         [Learning outcomes 1, 2]


• Thermodynamics online test       [Learning outcomes 1, 2]


• Examination                                [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4]

• Formative verbal feedback is given in tutorials


• Formative Multiple Choice Questions taster tests are available on SurreyLearn to give feedback on understanding of simple principles

Module aims

• An introduction to fluid mechanics and thermodynamics and in particular internal flow behaviour and the principles and methodologies applied to fluid statics, dynamics and 1st law thermodynamics
• An understanding of the principles of energy conservation, conversion and alternative energy sources
• An introduction to the importance of system efficiency and minimization of resource requirement in engineering system design

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Introduce thermo-fluid principles through theory with worked examples. This is delivered principally through lectures and tutorial classes and feedback from the thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in-class tests.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 3 hours lecture in person per week x 11 weeks


• 1 hour tutorial (in groups) x 11 weeks


• 2 hours revision lectures


• Fluids in-class test (1.5 hours) 


• Thermodynamic in-class test (1.5 hours)

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG1062

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.