Course content

The subject is taught every second year, autumn term, next time autumn 2025 and so on. It covers an array of subjects in fluid mechanics: Fundamental laws of conservation for Newtonian fluid flow. Complex potential theory, classical analysis for ideal flow around bodies, the Kutta-Joukowski transformation and the potential theory of airfoils, conformal mapping. Vortex dynamics and conserved quantities of vortices. Fundamentals of stability analysis, classical analysis of important instabilities in fluid flow. Linear theory of surface waves, dispersion, group and phase velocities, wave motion on droplet surfaces and in forced systems, initial value problems, viscous damping and ship waves. Some useful mathematical techniques will be taught. There is some flexibility in the relative weighting of the different topics, depending on the needs and wishes of the students.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate will acquire knowledge of an array of topics and techniques in flow mechanics. Advanced knowledge of potential theory, as well as a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of incompressible flow. Understanding of the fundamental conservation laws of fluid mechanics and how the theory of more specialised branches derives from these. Knowledge of several practical applications of the theory covered. Skills: The candidate knows and is able to utilise solution strategies for a variety of problems in advanced fluid mechanics such as potential solutions, Fourier methods, asymptotic approximations and strategies of linearisation. General competence: The candidate has achieved a broad understanding of fluid mechanics applicable to practical problems in technological and physical research and development, and command of several new analysis tools.

Learning methods and activities

Weekly meetings for lectures and/or work on exercises. Voluntary exercises for each chapter with extensive use of MATLAB and analytical mathemtatics software. The course is to some extent self-study with selected topics lectured, to be arranged together with the students.

Further on evaluation

The assessment form is oral exam, with preparation time to work on given exercises, in combination with wri. Re-taking of the exam after a failed attempt may be arranged at a time no less than 1 month later, assigned by the lecturer. Resit exams will also be oral.

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowing some fluid mechanics theory beyond introductory level is recommended. Some experience with complex analysis will be helpful.

Required previous knowledge

Mathematical background equivalent to Calculus 1-4 covering in particular Fourier analysis, basic complex analysis and linear ordinary and differential equations. Basic fluid mechanics corresponding to TEP4100 Fluid Mechanics or similar.

Course materials

Compendia and excerpts from several books. All course material will be available through Blackboard.

Credit reductions