535.621.81 - Intermediate Fluid Dynamics

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the left menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. All modules run for a period of seven (7) days. Assignments are required for most modules and are due at the conclusion of each module.  A course project is assigned with the first part due halfway through the course and with the second part due at the end. Four discussion activities are assigned; these are two-week activities with a due date at the end of each two-week period. You should regularly check the Calendar, Course Outline and Announcements for due dates.

Course Topics

• Module   1 -- Introductory Concepts – Part 1
• Module   2 -- Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Module   3 -- Introductory Concepts – Part 2
• Module   4 -- Hydrostatics
• Module   5 -- Control Volume Formulation – Part 1
• Module   6 -- Control Volume Formulation – Part 2
• Module   7 -- Differential Formulation – Part 1
  
• Module   8 -- Differential Formulation – Part 2
• Module   9 -- Differential Formulation – Part 3
• Module 10 -- Dynamic Similarity and Bernoulli's Equation
  
• Module 11 -- Vorticity and Circulation
• Module 12 -- Laminar Flow
• Module 13 -- Turbulent Flow – Part 1
• Module 14 -- Turbulent Flow – Part 2

Course Goals

• This course provides the student with a detailed progression through standard topics in a first graduate level course in Fluid Dynamics.  The student will understand the governing equations and solution approaches so that practical engineering flow problems may be solved.  Analytical solutions to problems will be demonstrated throughout the course; however, many fluid flow problems require computational solutions.  To this end the student is introduced to computational solution approaches by means of a course project.  For many applications computational solutions must be augmented by experimental results; the student is introduced to current experimental measurement practices throughout the course.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Apply concepts in fluid dynamics such as: use of scalars, vectors & tensors, indicial notation, the material derivative, streamlines, pathlines & streaklines, hydrostatics and computational solution techniques.
• Calculate fluid flows using the control volume formulation of Conservation of Mass, Momentum and Energy.
• Solve laminar flow problems using the governing partial differential equations for a flow field.
• Simulate fluid flow problems using dynamic similarity.
• Solve laminar fluid dynamics problems that exhibit vorticity and circulation and demonstrate an understanding of the solution approaches for turbulent flows.

Textbooks

Not required.

Other Materials & Online Resources

The student that plans to pursue Fluid Dynamics further will find the following texts to be helpful.  These are NOT required for this course.

• Batchelor, G.K. (1967). An Introduction to Fluid Dynamics, New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 0-521-09817-3 (Pbk). This is a classical text.  The math can be challenging but the descriptions are easily understood.
• Kundu, P. K. and Cohen, I. M. (2008). Fluid Mechanics (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Academic Press, ISBN: 978-0-12-373735-9. A very good graduate level text that also includes sections on Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Aerodynamics and Biofluid Mechanics.
• Paterson, A. R. (1983). A First Course in Fluid Dynamics, New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 0-521-27424-9 (Pbk). A delightful British textbook that is more intuitive and offers topics from a different viewpoint.
• Schlichting, H. (1979). Boundary-Layer Theory (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Book Co., ISBN: 0-07-055334-3. Although the point of this book is to focus on boundary layer theory, it has numerous chapters explaining standard fluid dynamics concepts and is very good.

Required Software

There is no particular software requirement.  The course project requires that the student solve several computational fluid dynamics problems.  The student may use any computer programming language with which he/she is comfortable.  Most students use MATLAB.  In addition, some assignments require plots.  In some cases this can be accomplished by simply using a spreadsheet program that comes pre-installed on most computers.  The student may use any plotting software with which he/she is comfortable.  MATLAB can also be used to produce the plots.

If you choose to use MATLAB, the MATLAB Total Academic Headcount (TAH) license is now in effect. This license is provided at no cost to you. MATLAB is available for free for instructors and students through the myJHU portal. Please visit the portal, log in, and look for "Technology" on the left-hand side of the page. From there, please click on "mySoftware," and then follow the link to access the Software Catalog. Under the Software Catalog, please click "Order Software" and search for MATLAB. See the link at https://ep.jhu.edu/faculty/getting-started/software-and-hardware-benefits

Student Coursework Requirements

Each module is expected to require approximately 7-10 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the text, the lecture notes and reviewing supplied references (approximately 3 hours per week); viewing video lectures and movies (approximately 1 hour per week); and solving problem assignments (approximately 3-4 hours per week).  In addition, discussion activities are assigned during certain two-week periods and typically require 1-3 hours over the two-week period.  The course project may be expected to require 15-20 hours over the duration of the semester.  The times vary of course with the skill level possessed by the student.

This course will consist of four basic student requirements:

1. Module Assignments (40% of Final Grade Calculation)

Most modules will require graded assignments consisting of problem sets that students will complete individually. The weekly assignments will consist of problems to be solved exercising concepts from the text or the instructor's notes. The problems will either be similar to example problems solved within each module or will be review problems exercising prerequisite concepts.

The problems will vary in difficulty; usually there will be one or two problems in each Assignment that are more challenging than the others. There will be a total of 36 problems throughout the course. A maximum of 3 points per problem can be earned, with partial credit given as defined in the Module Assignments Rubric document.  You may use your text, instructor notes and any other reference material deemed necessary.

All assignments are due on the last day of the week in which the module is assigned unless otherwise specified on the Calendar. Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructor).

At the end of the semester, the points earned from all of the Module Assignment problems (37 problems total) will be summed to yield a single grade that will represent the Module Assignment portion of your total grade for the course. The grade ranges listed below are approximate and should be used for guidance. However, additional consideration is given at the end of the semester to students that routinely attempt and make progress on the more difficult problems, as these problems are intended to separate the ‘A’ students from the others.

• 111 - 100 pts: A
• 99 - 89 pts: B
• 88 - 78 pts: C
• 77 - 67 pts: D
• 66 –  0 pts: F

The Module Assignment portion of the total course grade is the largest single contribution because it permits students to demonstrate their mastery of the concepts. Therefore, the Instructor is looking for consistent and dedicated attention to the problems every week. The Instructor will accept and answer questions (by email or during office hours) on the approach to any of the problems. Problem sets will be graded and returned in a timely manner so that students may monitor their progress throughout the course. Solutions to each Module Assignment will be provided following submission.

2. Course Project (Completed Individually) (25% of Final Grade Calculation)

A semester-long computer project will introduce students to Computational Fluid Dynamics concepts. Students will develop a computer program to solve two typical flow problems using iteration techniques. The students will develop grids, produce converged solutions, assess the error, plot flow fields and compute derived engineering quantities from the results. Students may consult with fellow students, but each will submit their own project report and computer programs.  You may use your text, instructor notes and any other reference material deemed necessary.

The ability to write a program in any of the programming languages or within programming environments such as Matlab is required. Initial guidance for the project is provided in Module 2, and continuing instructor guidance and feedback will occur throughout the course during office hours. Part 1 is due in Module 7 and Part 2 is due in Module 14.

The entire project (both Parts 1 and 2) will be graded on the basis of 100 points.  The details are provided in the Course Project Instructions and Rubric document.  The grade ranges listed below are typical and should be used for guidance. However, additional consideration will be given to those students that produce more accurate computations or more meaningful plots beyond the minimum requirements.

• 90-100 pts: A
• 80-89 pts: B
• 70-79 pts: C
• 60-69 pts: D
• 59-0 pts: F

3. Exam (25% of Final Grade Calculation)

The Exam is a longer version of a module assignment, and it represents 25% of your total grade. You should plan to spend substantial time with this assessment and put forth your best effort. The problems are to be solved individually and should not be discussed with other students. The assessment contains seven problems that total to a maximum of 100 points.  The number of points that may be obtained for each problem varies and is listed after the problem statement on the exam.  Partial credit may be earned on each problem as defined in the Midterm Assessment Rubric document

This exam is designed to test your mastery of the concepts presented over the first nine modules. I will plan office hours on Day 1 of Module 9 (or soon thereafter) with the purpose of discussing the exam with the students.  You will have one week for completion. The exam will be graded and returned along with instructor solutions.  You may use your text, instructor notes and any other reference material deemed necessary.

The points earned from the seven problems on the exam will be summed. The grade ranges listed below are typical and should be used for guidance.

• 90-100 pts: A
• 80-89 pts: B
• 70-79 pts: C
• 60-69 pts: D
• 59-0 pts: F

The exam portion of the total course grade is a large contribution because it permits students to demonstrate their cumulative mastery of concepts presented during the first nine modules. The instructor will accept and answer questions (by email or during the office hours session planned when the exam is distributed) on the description of any of the problems to ensure that students understand what is being asked for. The exam will be graded and returned in a timely manner so that students may monitor their progress throughout the course. Solutions will be provided following submission.

4. Discussion Activities (10% of Final Grade Calculation)

There will be four Discussion Activities in the course. Refer to the specific module for instructions regarding each discussion activity. The class will be divided into three groups: A, B and C. Each discussion activity will last for two weeks, and each group will be responsible for: producing a group response for the activity during an initial period (Days 1-7), participating in the discussion during the middle period (Days 8-11), and then producing an updated final submission during the remaining time (Days 12-14). The total number of points to be earned for all discussion activities will be 100 points. Each individual can score up to 25 points for a given activity.

Details regarding the posting of information and the assignment of partial credit may be found in the Discussion Activity Rubric document.

The grade ranges listed below are typical and should be used for guidance for the assessment of the discussion portion of the total grade.

• 90-100 pts: A
• 80-89 pts: B
• 70-79 pts: C
• 60-69 pts: D
• 59-0 pts: F

The Instructor will provide occasional oversight and feedback on Discussions. The Instructor will provide feedback on the final solution submitted by each group.

Grading Policy

Assignments are due on the dates posted in your Canvas course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or in the Assignments in the corresponding modules. I will typically post grades one to two weeks after assignment due dates.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.  A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.  A grade of C or lower should be considered unacceptable for graduate level work.

The Engineering for Professionals program uses the following +/- grading system.

100–98 = A+
97–94 = A
93–90 = A−
89–87 = B+
86–83 = B
82–80 = B−
79–77 = C+
76–73 = C
72–70 = C−
69–67 = D+
66–63 = D
<63    = F

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.