MECH203P – Intermediate Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
UCL Credits/ECTS: 0.5/7.5
Prerequisites: MECH103P Introduction to Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Summary of course contents:
The course consists of two thematic and overlapping areas – thermodynamics and fluid
mechanics.
The topics that will be taught include:
Thermo
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mixtures of ideal gases
Basic psychrometric processes
Elementary combustion
Steam turbine cycles
Gas turbine cycles
Thermodynamics in Renewables
Fluids
7. Differential form of the momentum and mass conservation equation
8. Lubrication analysis
9. Boundary layer analysis
10. Lift and drag forces
11. Pumps
Method of delivery:
Each lecture will consist of describing the conceptual framework and where appropriate
model calculations to support the concept being demonstrated in either thermodynamics or
mechanics of fluids. Each lecture will be supported by a tutorial so that these concepts can
be discussed and applied.
We are emphasizing the use of novel methods to cement concepts and consolidate learning.
These can be in many different forms, including lecture room based demonstrations for the
physical principles (either in the lecture) or other ways (for example, podcasts), for example.
Online quizzes and tutorials may be used as required to help the students to self-evaluate
and judge their own progress. Additionally, labs will be used to assist on the delivery of
chosen topics. Module tutors will monitor student engagement through Moodle and class
participation. Student support will be achieved via some or all of the following: automatic
feedback of online quizzes, sufficient number of office hours; including TAs time, Moodle
monitoring of student progress via ‘discovery’ of new topics only after a set of online
activities have been performed by the student, or any other method as appropriate.
Module aims:
To develop in students a basic understanding of some advanced topics of fluid mechanics
and thermal energy and the ability to apply these topics to the analysis of common
engineering systems.
To provide the link between the broad concepts of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics with
the practical context that they will experience in industry.
To provide the students with a solid basis of fundamental and applied concepts in fluid
mechanics and thermodynamics in order to develop a comprehensive view of fluid systems
and energy generation and utilisation that will tackle both, traditional problems and novel
applications, keeping up with the state of the art and informed by research within the
Department.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module students should be able to:

Understand and be able to work with common applications in thermodynamics and
fluid mechanics

Identify and define the requirements, constraints and design parameters of a project
that involve a thermodynamics/fluid component;

Generate concepts, exercise critical thinking, implement a methodology to compare
ideas and use engineering judgment to choose a viable solution in this context;

Gain knowledge and apply the design process, mathematics and engineering
analysis to the development and creation of integrated engineering solutions within
the remit of the course and through the use of combined disciplines or sub-disciplines
as required;

Understand the wide use and important of mechanics of fluids and thermodynamics
in their future professional lives
Assessment
The course will have the following assessment components:
Examination (3 hours, 75%)
Coursework / labs (15%)
E-Learning (10%)
To pass this course students must:
Obtain an overall pass mark of 40% for all sections combined.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is given in good faith but accuracy cannot be guaranteed.