Outline

Overview

This unit of study aims to provide an understanding of the conservation of mass and momentum in differential forms for viscous fluid flows. It provides the foundation for advanced study of turbulence, flow around immersed bodies, open channel flow, pipe flow and pump design.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Civil Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CIVL2611
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Intermediate coding skills with PYTHON acquired through ENGG1810 (or INFO1110 or INFO1910)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kapil Chauhan, kapil.chauhan@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Theo Gresley-Daines, theo.gresley-daines@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kapil Chauhan, kapil.chauhan@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Dikshit Babu Nepal, dikshit.nepal@sydney.edu.au
	Zhongxiu Lin, zhongxiu.lin@sydney.edu.au
	Liam Duncan, liam.duncan@sydney.edu.au
	Seeta Gunti, seeta.gunti@sydney.edu.au
	Alexandra Waters, awat6387@uni.sydney.edu.au
	Yanan Zhao, yanan.zhao@sydney.edu.au
	Christine Fink, christine.fink@sydney.edu.au
	Howard Fong, howard.fong@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Exam 2 The exam will test student's descriptive, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The exam is closed-book and closed-notes.	25%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Attendance for Pipe Flow Laboratory Attending the Pipe Flow laboratory is a mandatory component of this unit of study. Students must refer to their university timetable for the allocated date and time they should arrive at the lab.	0.5%	Multiple weeks	120 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Attendance for Open Channel Flow Laboratory Attending the Open Channel Flow laboratory is a mandatory component of this unit of study. Students must refer to their university timetable for the allocated date and time they should arrive at the lab.	0.5%	Multiple weeks	120 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 1 Formative quiz on topics - 1, 2, 3 Open 24-hr to start an attempt. A) Conceptual questions based on in-class discussion and their reading of the reference material. B) Tutorial-like questions requiring calculations and numerical answers.	3%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Mar 2025 at 23:59	120 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 2 Formative quiz on topics - 4 and 5. Open 24-hr to start an attempt. A) Conceptual questions based on in-class discussion and their reading of the reference material. B) Tutorial-like questions requiring calculations and numerical answers.	3%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2025 at 23:59	120 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 - Kinematics Analyse simulation data to visualize the flow field and characteristics.	10%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Multiple weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	Exam 1 In-person written exam to be held at a venue and time allocated in student timetable. The assessment will test student's descriptive, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The test is closed-book and closed-notes.	25%	Week 07 Due date: 09 Apr 2025 at 09:00	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report 1 - Viscous Flow in Pipes Online submission of an excel file (4%) and an online quiz on Canvas (3%)	7%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Multiple weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report 2 - Open Channel Flows Online submission of an excel file (4%) and an online quiz on Canvas (3%)	7%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Multiple weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 3 Formative quiz on topics - 6 and 9. Open 24-hr to start an attempt. A) Conceptual questions based on in-class discussion and their reading of the reference material. B) Tutorial-like questions requiring calculations and numerical answers.	3%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Apr 2025 at 23:59	120 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 4 Formative quiz on topics - 8. Open 24-hr to start an attempt. A) Conceptual questions based on in-class discussion and their reading of the reference material. B) Tutorial-like questions requiring calculations and numerical answers.	3%	Week 11 Due date: 13 May 2025 at 23:59	120 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 - Wind tunnel flow over a building model Analyse experimental data of measurements in a wind tunnel.	10%	Week 12 Due date: 20 May 2025 at 23:59	Multiple weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz 5 Formative quiz on topics - 7. Open 24-hr to start an attempt. A) Conceptual questions based on in-class discussion and their reading of the reference material. B) Tutorial-like questions requiring calculations and numerical answers.	3%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2025 at 23:59	120 mins
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assessment special consideration matrix

	Simple Extension	Special Consideration	Alternate Arrangement if SC is granted
Exams (2 x 25%)	No	Yes	In-person oral exam
In-class, small and continuous assessment (5 x 3%)	No	Yes	Mark adjustment
Submitted work (Assignments 1 and 2, 2 x 10%)	Yes	Yes	Extension of time
Submitted work (Lab Reports 1 and 2, 2 x 7.5%)	No	Yes	Extension of time

Students must apply for special consideration through the university portal for a 'mark adjustment' if they cannot attempt a quiz.

The mark adjustment will be based on the average score in other assessments.

Note on submitted work assessments indicated as "unsecured with no AI".

The use of AI is permitted but not preferred. If AI is used, students must identify specific parts of their submitted work where AI is used and for what purpose.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

A 20% penalty per day applies to late submission of lab reports and assignments. A 20% penalty applies for missing the in-person laboratory session or being more than 5 minutes late. Late penalties are waived if that allows a student to achieve a pass mark in this course.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	ACCELERATION	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 02	ACCELERATION; CONSERVATION OF MASS AND MOMENTUM	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	CONSERVATION OF MASS AND MOMENTUM; POTENTIAL FLOW	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	POTENTIAL FLOW; NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS; DIMENSIONLESS ANALYSIS	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 06	DIMENSIONLESS ANALYSIS; VISCOUS FLOW IN PIPES	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	VISCOUS FLOW IN PIPES	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 08	VISCOUS FLOW IN PIPES; EXTERNAL FLOWS	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 09	EXTERNAL FLOWS	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 10	EXTERNAL FLOWS; OPEN CHANNEL FLOWS	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 11	OPEN CHANNEL FLOWS	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 12	OPEN CHANNEL FLOWS; PUMPS	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 13	PUMPS; REVIEW	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Pass requirement: To achieve a pass in this unit of study:

must receive a total combined mark of at least 50%,
submit both assignments,
submit both lab reports and
attend both lab sessions in person.

Students who do not meet all the criteria will not receive a pass mark for the unit of study and will not receive a mark more significant than 45%, regardless of their performance in the other components of the unit of study.

Attendance shall be marked in the tutorials.

Attendance in lectures is encouraged but not mandatory.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The textbook adopted for this UoS is:

Munson, Young and Okiishi’s Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, 9th Edition (International Adaptation) – Philip M. Gerhart, John I. Hochstein, Andrew L. Gerhart

Munson, Young and Okiishi's Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, 9th Edition (International Adaptation) | $ | 9781119703266 | Wiley Direct

Other recommended texts:

Fluid Mechanics, 8th Edition by Frank M. White
Engineering Fluid Mechanics, 11th Edition by Donald F. Elger, Barbara A. LeBret, Clayton T. Crowe, John A. Robertson
Fox and McDonald’s Introduction to Fluid Mechanics 10th Australia and New Zealand Edition by Robert W. Fox, Alan T. McDonald, John W. Mitchell

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. TOPIC 01 : ACCELERATION - Apply the concept of acceleration in a Lagrangian frame of reference in different flow configurations - Identify various flow characteristics based on the velocity field - Determine the streamline pattern and acceleration field given a velocity field - Determine various kinematic elements of the flow given the velocity field
LO2. TOPIC 02 : CONSERVATION OF MASS AND MOMENTUM - Select an appropriate differential control volume to solve a fluid mechanics problem - Apply conservation of mass and energy and Newton’s second law of motion to the contents of a finite control volume - Know how velocity changes and energy transfers in fluid flows are related to forces and torques
LO3. TOPIC 03 : POTENTIAL FLOW - Apply the concepts of stream function and velocity potential - Analyse ideal flows using the potential flow theory - Characterize simple flow fields using super-position of potential flow fields
LO4. TOPIC 04 : NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS - Analyse viscous flows using the Navier-Stokes equations - Understand the influence of viscosity and no-slip condition - Know different boundary conditions for the Navier-Stokes equations in different flow configurations.
LO5. TOPIC 05 : DIMENSIONLESS ANALYSIS - Identify non-dimensional parameters relevant to fluid mechanics applications in civil engineering - Perform calculations with non-dimensional groups for data analysis - Apply modelling and similitude to obtain relevant parameters for model/prototype
LO6. TOPIC 06 : VISCOUS FLOW IN PIPES - Identify various characteristics of flow in pipes - Understand the main characteristics of laminar and turbulent flow in pipes - Calculate major losses in pipes - Calculate minor losses in pipe components - Apply appropriate equations and principles to analyse a variety of pipe flow situations
LO7. TOPIC 07 : EXTERNAL FLOWS - Identify and discuss the features of external flow - Explain the fundamental characteristics of a boundary layer, including laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes - Calculate forces due to lift and drag for flow past an object - Provide a description of boundary layer separation - Identify non-dimensional parameters relevant to wind engineering
LO8. TOPIC 08 : OPEN CHANNEL FLOWS - Discuss the general characteristics of open-channel flow - Use a specific energy diagram - Apply appropriate equations to analyze open-channel flow with uniform depth - Apply appropriate equations to analyze open-channel flow with gradually varying depth - Calculate key properties of a hydraulic jump - Determine flowrates based on open-channel flow-measuring devices
LO9. TOPIC 09 : PUMPS - Explain how and why a turbomachine works - Know the basic differences between a turbine and a pump - Recognize the importance of minimizing loss in a turbomachine and pipe system - Select an appropriate class of turbomachines for a particular application - Apply the basic fundamentals of scaling turbomachines that are larger or smaller than a prototype
LO10. LABORATORY - Write a laboratory report in technical English - Understand basic experimental techniques - Analyse experimental data and draw conclusions - Compare experimental results with theory and identify reasons for discrepancies - Perform error analysis

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Extra resources will be provided for coding for assignments in the form of online videos.

Additional information

CIVL3612/9612 will use Ed — Digital Learning Platform (edstem.org) as the discussion forum.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment special consideration matrix

Note on submitted work assessments indicated as "unsecured with no AI".

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CIVL3612: Fluid Mechanics

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment special consideration matrix

Note on submitted work assessments indicated as "unsecured with no AI".

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links