• Blended Learning & Flipped Classroom
• Soft Skills

Course 095962 is an integrated course compound of two modules, each of them accounting for 5 CFU: 095960 FLUID LABS [1] as joint course with 096298 - FLUID LABS [1] (5 CFU), and 095961 FLUID LABS [2] as joint course with 096299 - FLUID LABS [2] (5 CFU).

The course aims at training master students in the analysis of fluid dynamic processes from different perspectives. Students learn to handle a variety of techniques in order to capture and model the complexity of full scale fluid dynamics phenomena: theoretical approaches, numerical modelling, experimental laboratory. Students are asked to combine information with different nature (theoretical vs. heuristic), origin (numerical/theoretical vs. experimental) and granularity (continuous vs. sparse) with the aim of understanding the physics of fluid.

Knowledge and ability in understanding:

• recognize and describe basic features of internal and external flows, for both laminar and turbulent ranges
• know a variety of theoretical and heuristic models in fluid dynamics
• understand the role of closure models

Ability in applying knowledge and understanding:

• make use of statistical tools in data analysis
• make use of numerical tools for solving differential models in fluid mechanics
• apply a variety of models for the investigation of simple fluid dynamics processes
• phenomenological analysis of relevant processes in fluid dynamics

Making judgments:

• choose adequate model for fluid dynamic processes
• evaluate uncertainties in experimental results
• evaluate the consistency of the numerical solution
• evaluate uncertainties in numerical modelling

Communication skills:

• managing and restitution of experimental project
• managing and restitution of numerical project

Learning ability:

• managing group work

The whole Fluids Labs course is based on theoretical, numerical and experimental analysis of a variety of prototipal flow fields, in the following indicated as Reference Cases (RC) namely:

RC1 - laminar channel flow

RC2 - turbulent channel flow

RC3 - cylinder in a turbulent channel

RC4 - pipe flow

RC5 - fluid-structure interactions

The theoretical background for the analysis is offered through 9 units:

U1 – kinematics

U2 – fluid properties: reaction of a fluid to stress

U3 – conservation equations: mass

U4 – conservation equations: energy

U5 – conservation equations: momentum

U6 – Turbulence

U7 – Reynolds-averaged balances (mass, momentum, energy)

U8 – Boundary layer

U9 – fluid-structure interaction

In the Experimental Laboratories the fluid dynamic processes are analyzed on the basis of demonstrations and laboratory measurements and / or experimental data provided to the students. Quantities measured or provided (with nods to the techniques of measurement used) are: velocity/ pressure/forces/ displacements. Type of processes:

• Fluid-Structure Interactions, bluff bodies (cylinder, sphere) immersed in a steady flow, fixed or oscillating bodies
• Interaction fluid / wall (velocity profiles on flat walls smooth and rough)

In the Numerical Laboratories numerical simulation (CFD) of benchmark configurations are performed and post-processed. Elements of numerical methods are briefly provided. 

Fundamentals of continuum mechanics. Fundamentals of statistics. Fundamentals of numerical analysis.

1. Oral group presentation of work project of the experimental laboratory (max 10 points)

The presentation of the work projects aims at verifying students' ability in the explanation and discussion of their work. Organization of the presentation and the capacity of explaining the concepts, within the available time, are important for the evaluation, together with the capacity of answering questions on the project. 

2. Individual oral exam (max 16 points)

Oral discussion is based on a number of assigments developed during the course, aimed at quantitatively and qualitatively analysing the reference flow fields. Students demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical contents, competence on fluid mechanics processes as well as critical reasoning skills by discussing the proposed phenomena.

3. Individual oral exam - additional assignments (optional, max 4 points)

Additional optional assigments are proposed for the different reference flow fields. If developed by the students, results are discussed during the individual oral exam.

Final mark results from the sum of the single parts.