Environmental Fluid Mechanics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CIVE4099 | Civil Engineering | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- CIVE4099
- School
- Civil Engineering
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This course (module) introduces buoyancy driven and geophysical fluid flows relevant to civil engineering. We will explore the roles of density and rotation in determining ocean and atmospheric behaviour, and in pollutant dispersion. This content falls within 4 sections :
- Rotating flows
- Plumes and jets
- Gravity currents
- Kelvin Helmholtz instability
Each section is introduced through guided student-led work followed by an experiment visualising and quantifying aspects of the flows.
Target Students
Part III MEng students and MSc students in the Department of Civil Engineering.
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: Group practical with individual assessment
- 20% Coursework 2: Group presentation
- 20% In-Class Exam 1: In-Class Examination - 2 hours - Individual Written
- 20% In-Class Exam 2: In-Class Examination - 2 hours - Individual Written
- 20% In-Class Exam 3: In-Class Examination - 2 hours - Individual Written
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module provides an overview of buoyancy, rotation and instability in environmental and geophysical fluid flows.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course (module), students will be able to:
1. Recognise and characterise fluid flows in the environment.
2. Develop simple models describing the evolution of those flows, with a view to informing engineering decisions and design.
3. Successfully carry out laboratory experiments on environmental and geophysical flows.
4. Validate theoretical models using data from appropriate sources.
This will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes (see Programme (Plan) Specifications for details):
Knowledge and Understanding: M1, M2
Intellectual Skills: M3, M4, M5
Professional/Practical Skills: M7, M12