ChE Tulsa University

 
           

ES 3003 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
Required course for ChE program

Catalog Description:  Basic principles of fluid mechanics.  Properties of fluids, fluid statics, concepts of control volume and transport theorem, equations of continuity and motion, Bernoulli’s equation, incompressible flow in pipes and over submerged bodies, fluid measurements.

Prerequisites:  Math 2073, Phys 2053.

Corequisites:  ES 3053

Prerequisites by Topic:  Newtonian Mechanics, Multivariable Calculus, Energy Balance

Recent Textbook:  Fluid Mechanics:  Fundamentals and Applications, Y.A. Çengel and J.M. Cimbala, 2006, McGraw-Hill AND Crane’s Flow of Fluids, Technical Paper No. 410 (English Units)

Other Required Material:  None

Course Objectives: By the end of the course the student should be able to demonstrate that (1) they have an introductory understanding of fluid properties; (2) they are able to perform manometer calculations; (3) they have an understanding of hydrostatic forces, Pascal’s law and Archimedes’ principle; (4) they can apply Bernoulli’s equation (with and without mechanical energy effects) to flow problems; (5) they can apply Reynolds Transport Theorem to conservation of mass, momentum and energy problems; (6) they are familiar with basic dimensionless groups and their use in modeling; (7) they can design piping systems for viscous flow which may include measurement devices and branching; (8) they can apply a basic understanding of boundary layers to calculation of drag and lift forces; (9) they have incorporated writing skills, computer skills and a knowledge of safety and ethical concerns throughout the course; and (10) they can work in multi-disciplinary groups.

Major Topics Covered in the Course:  Fluid Properties, Fluid Statics, Bernoulli Equation, Reynolds Transport Theorem, Equations of Continuity and Motion, Dimensional Analysis, Pipe Flow, Lift and Drag

Class/Laboratory Schedule:  Lecture meets for two 75-minute sessions each week for 14 weeks.

Professional Component Contribution:  This course applies mathematics and basic chemistry and physics to engineering applications of fluid mechanics.  A minimum of one design project is assigned in this course. 

Relationship to Program Outcomes: 

  • Outcome a:  Problems in this course build on a background of chemistry, physics, and thermodynamics.
  • Outcome b:   Occasional homework problems require analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
  • Outcome c:  Students design a fluid system in this course to satisfy a specific set of constraints.  Problems relating to health and safety may be assigned as homework.
  • Outcome d:  The design project and most homework problems are done in teams.  Every effort is made to ensure a mix of two or more majors on each team.
  • Outcome e:  A variety of homework problems are assigned each week so that students will develop the necessary problem solving skills.
  • Outcome f:  FE style questions are included on exams to encourage students to become licensed engineers.  Ethical behavior is required in the course. 
  • Outcome g: In addition to the communication skills required to function on a team and successfully write an exam, students are required to write a paper summarizing their design project.
  • Outcome h: The economic trade-offs in selecting pipe size are discussed.  The design project often has an economic or environmental component.
  • Outcome i:  Students are reminded throughout the course that this is simply an introductory course and that there is more to learn in this field. 
  • Outcome j:   Current events relating to the course are introduced as appropriate. 
  • Outcome k:  Students are required to use computers to solve problems throughout the course.  Excel is required. 

Prepared by:  Laura P. Ford (May 27, 2005)