ME 411 - Fluid Mechanics

Institution:

Point Park University

Subject:

Description:

The course begins with a study of fluid statics. This includes buoyancy and the criteria for stability of buoyant objects. The relationship for hydrostatic force on a submerged surface along with the determination of center of pressure is used to solve problems involving vertical and inclined sluice gates. Hydrostatic forces on curved surfaces are determined. Moving into fluid dynamics Bernoulli's equation for incompressible flow is generated and is applied to the determination of static, dynamic and stagnation pressures. It is shown that the general energy equation for steady flows reduces to Bernoulli's equation if terms representing work input and mechanical losses are eliminated. Analysis of hydroelectric power generation is a typical application of the general energy equation. The Buckingham Pi theorem is used to show the importance of Reynolds number in the determination of frictional pressure loss for flow within a conduit. The equation for pressure loss in laminar flow is generated. For turbulent flow the friction factor is determined empirically using for example the Colebrook equation. The concept of relative surface roughness is introduced. The Moody chart is presented. Dynamic head losses are covered for entries, exits, elbows and transitions. Simple piping networks are analyzed. The characteristics of various types of pump are presented. The concept of specific speed is introduced and is used for selecting the best type of pump for a particular application. For external flow the relationships for drag and lift are presented. Appropriate application of a fan, a blower or a compressor for a particular air moving situation is the concluding event of the course. Prerequisites: ME 102, MATH 190. Course Objectives Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: (1) Calculate total hydrostatic pressure to which a submerged surface is subjected. (2) Calculate center of pressure for the surface. (3) Design a vertical, inclined or curved sluice gate. (4) Select proper means of measure mass flow rate and fluid velocity. (5) Determine whether a flow is laminar or turbulent. (6) Calculate frictional pressure drop (or head loss) within a conduit from knowledge of Reynolds number and surface roughness with or without the use of the Moody graph. (7) Calculate pressure drop (or head loss) due to entrance effects, elbows and transitions. (8) Determine flow rates in branches of piping networks. (9) Make appropriate selection of pump type for liquid flows using the specific speed concept. (10) Make an appropriate selection between fans, blowers or compressors for gas flows. (11) Calculate lift and drag for airfoils.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.pointpark.edu

Phone Number:

(412) 391-4100

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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