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Unit of study_
MATH3974: Fluid Dynamics (Advanced)
2025 unit information
This unit of study provides an introduction to fluid dynamics, starting with a description of the governing equations and the simplifications gained by using stream functions or potentials. It develops elementary theorems and tools, including Bernoulli's equation, the role of vorticity, the vorticity equation, Kelvin's circulation theorem, Helmholtz's theorem, and an introduction to the use of tensors. Topics covered include viscous flows, lubrication theory, boundary layers, potential theory, and complex variable methods for 2-D airfoils. The unit concludes with an introduction to hydrodynamic stability theory and the transition to turbulent flow.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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An average mark of 65 or more in (12 credit points of MATH2XXX) |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MATH4074 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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[MATH2961 and MATH2965] or [MATH2921 and MATH2922] |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. explain and apply the fundamentals of fluid mechanics
- LO2. determine how and in what situations a system which is not necessarily liquid can be described as a fluid.
- LO3. explain and apply the link between Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions of a fluid.
- LO4. apply the general theory of asymptotics to simplify equations by exploiting small parameters, scaling regimes and geometric and physical assumptions.
- LO5. use complex analysis, PDE theory and perturbation theory to describe kinematic and dynamic flows in structured contexts/examples
- LO6. apply Laplace’s equation to irrotational flow with added circulation and use complex variable methods to solve for two dimensional flow. Explain aerofoil theory and the derivation of the formula for lift.
- LO7. explain the distinction between and the features of high and low Reynolds number flows.
- LO8. explain and apply the concepts of hydrodynamic stability
- LO9. explain the transition to turbulence, the turbulence closure problem and Kolmogorov’s theorem.
- LO10. explain and apply the fundamental theory of water waves
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
