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Module details for 2027/28.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of fluid flow and the associated mode of heat transfer, namely convection. The subject is delivered with engineering applications as its primary focus. It provides students with the core techniques required to understand the behaviour of fluids at rest and in motion, as well as their role in the transport of thermal energy.
Many engineering systems interact with fluids (air, water, or other media) to perform their function, from aircraft and ships to wind turbines. Fluid flow also plays a central role in heat transfer, both as a natural consequence and as a deliberate design mechanism in applications such as cooling systems (e.g. gas turbines, electronic devices, and reactors) and heating systems (e.g. HVAC and industrial processes).
Understanding fluid behaviour and flow-driven heat transfer is therefore essential to characterise and optimise engineering performance. A strong foundation in thermofluids underpins the design of effective systems across sectors including transport, energy, medicine, and domestic technologies.
The module guides students in a step-by-step process through the governing theories and equations describing stationary and moving fluid bodies, and their influence on convective heat transfer. Students are introduced to the practical application of these theories through simple, everyday examples involving fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena. Theoretical understanding, developed through classroom-based learning, is reinforced by hands-on laboratory sessions in which students conduct experiments and analyse experimental data. In addition, students apply fundamental theory to numerical problems during taught sessions, thereby developing the analytical skills required to model real-world engineering problems.
Considerations of sustainability are embedded within the learning and assessment processes through discussions of efficiency, effectiveness, losses, and optimal performance of related systems. The knowledge gained in this module is foundational for advanced applied subjects you may follow later in your course, such as Numerical Modelling, Heat Transfer in Materials, and Advanced Thermofluids or thermofluids-based final-year projects.
List of topics
• General introduction and overview of the subject, historical perspectives, fluid properties
• Fluid statics: force on submerged surfaces, buoyancy, pressure measurement
• Potential flow: streamlines and the stream function for various simple flows (and combinations), the Kutta-Joukowski law.
• Fluid flow governing principles: motion of a fluid particle, mass continuity, momentum equation and energy equations for simple 1D or 2D fluid flow.
• Flow-measuring devices: Venturi meter, orifice plate, Pitot static tube.
• Dimensionless groups and flow similarity, laminar and turbulent flow,
• Boundary-layer theory and applications: velocity profile, skin friction and form drag, dimensionless groups, pipe flow networks, frictional resistance of moving bodies, lift and drag on aerofoil sections.
• Principles of Convection - Modes of convection, the convection coefficient and its evaluation. Dimensionless groups, the average Nusselt number, the Reynolds analogy.
• Applications of Convection - Flat plate laminar and turbulent flow, pipe flow, free convection from vertical and horizontal surfaces

Pre-Requisite

Engineering Maths 1 (H1033)
Engineering Maths 2 (H1034)
Engineering Thermodynamics (H3052)

Library

Fluid Mechanics by J. F. Douglass, J. M. Gassiorek, J. A. Swaffield and L. B. Jack
Fluid Mechanics by White
Mechanics of Fluids by B. Massey
Physical Fluid Dynamics by D. J. Tritton
Boundary Layer Theory by H. Schlichting
Introduction to Engineering Heat Transfer by G. F. Nellis, Madison, S. A. Klein
Essential Heat Transfer by Christopher Long
Heat Transfer by C. Long and A. Sayma (a free downloadable e-book)

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate a critical understanding of well-established principles in fluid mechanics and convective heat transfer (Related to AHEP4 LOs C1/M1 & C2/M2).

Apply well established techniques of analysis to engineering problems in fluid mechanics and convective heat transfer (Related to AHEP4 LOs C1/M1 & C2/M2).

Initiate critical analysis about sustainability in the context of fluid flow and heat transfer in an embedded way by understanding parameters such as losses, efficiency and effectiveness (C7).

Acquire practical laboratory skills to investigate engineering problems, collect data, evaluate uncertainty, and draw evidence‑based conclusions (C12).

View timetable

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.