Applications of fluid dynamics

Module aims

This module explores a number of applications of fluid dynamics to areas within and beyond aeronautics, in fields such as the fluid dynamics and heat transfer of physiological flows in the human body and the study of animal locomotion in fluids and its application to the bio-inspired design of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). At the same time the course will deepen the understanding of the physics and governing equations of fluid dynamics. 

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

  1. Describe the essential characteristics and components of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and apply dimensional analysis to derive key parameters describing physiological flows; 
  2. Construct appropriate models to describe transport and exchange process, including defining equations, boundary conditions and deriving solutions in simple cases for flows, including Non-Newtonian and pulsatile flows.
  3. Apply simple model equations to describe the transport of aerosols in inhaled and exhaled air and the use of CO2 concentration as a surrogate for room ventilation;
  4. Understand the fluid mechanical basis of energy losses in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and describe methods to quantify flow and transport in-vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  5. Understand the morphology and kinematics of animal wings and how they affect aerodynamic performance in gliding and flapping flight;
  6. Examine the various modes of swimming employed by fish and how their fins, tails, and gaits, together with buoyancy contribute to the forces affecting motion;    
  7. Describe the effect of fluid-fluid interfaces on locomotion: walking, swimming, and diving;
  8. Apply our understanding of animal locomotion in fluids to the bio-inspired design of UAVs.

Module content

  • Bio-fluid mechanics. Nature and composition of blood and of respired air; length and time scales; characteristics of basic components and processes.
  • Dimensional analysis (Womersley & other parameters); Brownian motion and diffusion; particle transport; diffusion equation.
  • Modelling of non-Newtonian, pulsatile and wave-like flows; convective transport; exchange processes; equations and appropriate boundary conditions, flow losses.  
  • Applications & illustrations: vFFR, CO2 monitoring, flow measurement techniques, application of computational methods.
  • Animal locomotion in fluids.
  • Soaring and gliding: Wing morphology, geometry, and kinematics; Flight envelope; Steady aerodynamics; Manoeuvring; Formation flight.
  • Flapping flight: Rigid wings; Dynamic stall; Forward flight; Hovering; Flexible wings; Flight control.
  • Swimming: Fins, tails, and gaits; Buoyancy; Swimming modes.
  • Locomotion on the water surface: Walkers; Swimmers; Divers.
  • Bio-inspired design for UAVs: Bio-inspired swimming and flying.

Module lead

Joaquim Peiro

ECTS/FHEQ

5/7

Module code

AERO70006

Host department

Department of Aeronautics

Term

Autumn

Time slot

AM

Teaching weeks

2-7, 10-11

August resit opportunity?

Yes

How to apply

Via DSS

Application deadline

24 June 2024 09.00

Places available (approximate)

10

Number of applicants (historic)

10

Criteria used for student selection

First come, first assigned a place

Further information

ae.office@imperial.ac.uk