COURSE DESCRIPTION, GOALS AND OUTCOME WORKSHEET
Department and Course Number: ChE 120A
Title: Transport Processes: Fluid Mechanics
Total Units: 4 Course Designation: X Required Elective
Class/Laboratory Schedule:
Four hours of lectures per week
Current General Catalog Description:
Introductory course in conceptual understanding and mathematical analysis of problems in fluid
dynamics of relevance to Chemical Engineering. Emphasis is placed on performing microscopic
and macroscopic mathematical analysis to understand fluid motion in response to forces.
Prerequisites:
Mathematics 5A or Mathematics 4B; Mathematics 5B-C or Mathematics 6A-B.
Textbook(s):
“An Introduction to Fluid dynamics,” 1st Edition, Stanley Middleman. Wiley, John and Sons
(1997).
Course Learning Outcomes (Short-term goals, i.e. skills that students should possess at the end
of the course):
1. Explain the fundamental properties of fluids, including viscosity, Newtonian and non-
Newtonian rheology, and viscoelasticity [SO1].
2. Analyze microscopic continuum fluid mechanics where flow is governed by the
continuity equation and Navier-Stokes equation (differential forms of conservation
equations). Evaluate a problem and arrive at reasonable approximations to put the
equations in a more soluble form [SO1].
3. Analyze systems using macroscopic fluid mechanics, using the integral form of the
conservation equations (Bernoulli’s equation) [SO1,SO3].
4. Identify the relevant parameters that govern a fluid system and use dimensional analysis
to identify the fundamental variables that define flow [SO1].
5. Evaluate pressure distributions in a static fluid, taking account of hydrostatic pressure,
buoyancy force, and interfacial tension (Laplace pressure and capillary action) [SO1].
6. Identify conditions under which flows are turbulent and derive equations that
approximate its properties (time averages and fluctuations). Compare turbulent flow with
those of laminar flow [SO1].
7. Apply macroscopic balances to fluid flow design problems for processes that are
commonly involved in chemical engineering units (pressure drop in pipes, choosing pipe
dimensions, pumping requirements) [SO1,SO3].
Major Topics Covered (lecture and lab/discussion, with no. of hours for each topic):
Each lecture in the following schedule is one-hour long with one recitation class every three
lectures. Recitation time is used to work on example problems to reinforce concepts covered in
lectures.
Lecture # Topics
Topic 1: Introduction
1-2 Thinking about fluid mechanics
o Physics
o Formulation
o Solutions
Macroscopic vs. Microscopic
Fluid Flow and Viscosity
Dimensional Analysis
Topic 2: Rheological Properties of Fluids
3-4 Continuum Hypothesis
Conservation Laws
Newton’s law of viscosity
Rheological classifications
Topic 3: Fluid Statics
5-6 Pressure force on a fluid element
Hydrostatics and buoyancy
Surface Tension and Capillary force
Topic 4: Conservation Equations
7-10 Introduction to momentum balances for fluids
One-dimensional flow
Derivation of differential forms of conservation eqution
o Equation of continuity
o Equation of motion
Pipe-Flow and Haugen-Poiseuille
Deformation and vorticity
Topic 5: Approximations and solutions for Navier-Stokes
11-16 Dimensional analysis of conservation equations
Solutions in Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinates
Similarity transforms
Time dependent flows
Creeping flow (low Reynolds number flow)
o Lubrication flow
Stream functions and stream lines
17-18
Topic 6: Turbulence
19-20 Time averages and fluctuations
Derivation of Reynolds stresses
Turbulent velocity profiles
Transition into chaotic turbulent flow
Topic 7: Boundary layer Theory
21-22 Concept of boundary layer
Topic 8: Macroscopic Balances
23-28 Derivation of Macroscopic Mass, momentum and energy balances
Examples using Bernoulli’s equation
Topic 9: Design Problems
29-30 Pressure drops in piping
Dimensions of pipes
Energy requirements for pumps and turbines
Chemical Engineering Department Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon graduation, students from the ChE program at UCSB will have:
SO1. [Fundamentals] the fundamental knowledge of mathematics, computing, science, and
engineering needed to practice chemical engineering, and the ability to apply this knowledge
to identify, formulate, and solve chemical engineering problems;
SO2. [Laboratory] the ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyze and
interpret data;
SO3. [Design] the ability to design a system, component, or process to meet
desired specifications, while recognizing, assessing and mitigating potential
hazards; the ability to use modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;
SO4. [Advanced Training] knowledge beyond the basic fundamentals in chemical
engineering and/or related technical fields as preparation for a continuing process of lifelong
learning; a recognition of the need for and the ability to engage in lifelong learning;
SO5. [Teamwork/Communication] the ability to function productively
in multidisciplinary teams working towards common goals; the ability to communicate
effectively through written reports and oral presentations;
SO6. [Engineering & Society] the broad education necessary to understand the impact of
engineering solutions in a global/societal context; a knowledge of contemporary issues;
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
Prepared by: Professor Samir Mitragotri Date: 5/15/14
