Fluid Mechanics
Why are we studying fluid mechanics in a Civil and Environmental Engineering course?
Fluid mechanics is involved in nearly all areas of Civil and Environmental Engineering either directly or indirectly. Some examples of direct involvement are those where we are concerned with manipulating the fluid:
o Sea and river (flood) defences;
o Water distribution / sewerage (sanitation) networks;
o Hydraulic design of water/sewage treatment works;
o Dams;
o Irrigation;
o Pumps and Turbines;
o Water retaining structures.
And some examples where the primary object is construction, yet analysis of the fluid mechanics is essential are:
o Flow of air in and around buildings; bio-climatic building design
o Air Pollution dispersion and control
o Bridge piers in rivers;
o Ground-water flow.
Notice that nearly all of these applications involve either water or air. The following course will be introducing generic fluid flow ideas and principles, and will demonstrate many of these principles through relevant examples. Further to the laboratory coursework (CEE272) associated with this class, there will be interactive multi-media demonstrations and illustrations of fluid phenomena in the class.
