Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Thermofluids
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MEC08120
Module leader: Dylan Ryan
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Engineering and Mathematics
Prerequisites

Requisites: Pre-requisite: [Module MEC07106] Mechanical Principles
Description of module content:

This module builds on the content from MEC07106 Mechanical principles (or equivalent) to introduce the fundamentals of thermofluids. This module breaks down into two sections, firstly fluid mechanics and then in the 2nd half of the trimester we will study thermodynamics. Fluid mechanics will introduce the fundamentals of fluid flow (Reynold's number, laminar & turbulent flow, Bernoulli's equation, etc.) before moving on to more practical applications such as Flow in pipes, pipe friction and aerodynamics. With thermodynamics we will start off by looking at heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation), as well as dimensionless quantities such as the Nusselt number or Grashof number, or concepts such as the U-value for conduction heat loss. The practical use of this theory. will be demonstrated, e.g. how to calculate the heat loss through a wall or the convection from a hot surface. Next we will introduce the different thermodynamic processes (adiabatic, Isothermal, Isobaric, etc.) and then focus on the practical implementation of these with regard to thermodynamic cycles (Rankine, Brayton, Otto and reciprocating compressors).The content of this module, which includes both fundamental theory and practical skills which will be useful in future modules, This module will be assessed by a logbook, which will consist of weekly problems to be solved by the students in the creation of a learning log. An on campus exam will be held at the end of term in weeks 14/15. Formative feedback will be given in the form of personalised feedback during the tutorials as well as a mock exam and exam type questions released in week 11.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Understand the more advanced principles of fluid mechanics and fluid flow.

LO2: Understand the principles of heat transfer, most notably conduction and convection.

LO3: Understand the thermodynamic cycles, notably the Rankine cycle & Reciprocating cycles

LO4: Use the principles of Thermofluids to solve practical engineering problems.

LO5: Completion of a logbook as part of a continuous assessment as well as adding the development of CPD related skills
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Dylan Ryan
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 22 LECTURE - An oral presentation on thermofluids in a banked lecture theatre. The weekly lectures are intended to introduce the fundamental theory of the module content. This will consist of explanations of the theory, worked examples and practical case studies as well as some videos and visual representations. At the conclusion of each lecture the lecturer will indicate what the students will do in the subsequent tutorials as well as directed study they should cover independently.
Face To Face Tutorial 22 TUTORIAL /Lab - Consists of a mixture of tutorials and laboratory experiments. The labs will demonstrate the core principles of heat and fluid flow, as well as the practical implications (e.g how do we measure flow/head). The tutorials will provide a hands on learning experience, under guidance from a tutor. Students will work individually or in small groups to solve problems. Tutorials emphasize active learning and provide an opportunity to receive personalized feedback from the tutor.
Online Guided independent study 81.5 Guided independent study - logbook completion & submission. The logbook consists of a series of exam type questions to be completed each week. Consisting of A's (easy) B & C's (moderate, most of which we will cover in the lecture, the rest for practice during the tutorials) and the ADD's (difficult). Students will complete these during the tutorials, with them expected to complete them at home. Further help can be sought from the tutor, either during office hours or the weekly drop in sessions.
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 2.5 Centrally Time Tabled Examination - 2.5 hrs, 4 questions, students must attempt 3. The exam evaluates students' understanding of the principles of thermofluids. It tests their ability to accurately solve problems, demonstrate technical proficiency, and apply theoretical knowledge under time constraints.
Independent Learning Guided independent study 72 Guided independent study - Directed study & revision, exam preparation, etc. Students will be given weekly guidance on what they should study independently outside of class (e.g. revise this in the notes, read chapter X, view this video on fluid flow, etc.). They will also be expected to revise what was covered in class, as well as practice some of the problems covered. Towards the end of term this will include a mock exam and exam type questions.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Learning Log 50 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 HOURS= Logbook Learning Log [M18] - weekly questions to be completed on each topic, with regular submissions approximately every 2 weeks throughout term. The questions will be mixture of mathematical questions [M1], theoretical [M4] while others related to the lab experiments [M12] or engineering judgement [M2] and design [M5]. Questions for each topic will include some easy questions (A)'s, a range of practice questions (B & C's) of increasing difficulty, along with 3-5 more difficult questions (ADD's). The logbook will be supported by the tutorials and labs with students encouraged to work through them A to C before moving onto the ADD's.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 50 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 2.5 hrs Centrally Time Tabled Examination - Held on campus, this will consist of 4 questions, students must attempt 3 of these. The questions will directly relate to those covered in the weekly lectures and the logbook problems. So they will be a mixture of maths [M1], knowledge of technical literature [M4], engineering principles [M2], design [M5] as well as relating to the labs [M12]. The questions on each topic are typically structured to cover a range of the above LO's, hence all should be covered, regardless of the choice of questions.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
MEC08120 - Thermofluids
 

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