Intro to Mechanics of Fluids

Fall 2015

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Columbia University
Course:

Intro to Mechanics of Fluids (MECE 3100).

Course Objective:

The purpose of this course is to introduce the fundamental concepts of

fluid mechanics, covering traditional techniques/topics. Students are
also expected to be proficient in applying mathematics (e.g.,
integration, differentiation, and differential equations), statics and
dynamics (e.g., free body diagrams), and thermodynamics (e.g., the
first law). The ultimate goal is to interest the students to this
fascinating and challenging subject by implementing the theoretical
techniques to some engineering applications.

Credit Hours:

3.00

Hours:

Mon & Wed: 1:10-2:25 PM

Instructor:

Pejman Akbari, Ph.D.

pa2297@columbia.edu

Office Hours:

Mon & Wed: 12:00-1:00 PM

Mon & Wed: 2:30-3:30 PM

Teaching Assistant: Andreas Gubler

acg2183@columbia.edu

Textbook:

Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications, Y.A. Cengel, J. M.

Cimbala, McGraw-Hill, 3rd edition, 2014.

There are previous editions of this textbook for much lower price and you can consider buying an
older version for your studying. Students are expected to carefully study the relevant course
materials form the textbook, particularly solved examples. Homework assignments will be
posted online to the webpage for this course. Students are expected to check the course website
regularly for homework assignments, homework solutions, announcements, and other
information. I also use the following reference for further discussions:

Frank M. White, Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill.

Course Outline:

Introduction and Basic Concepts

Fluid Statics
1

Intro to Mechanics of Fluids

Fall 2015

Mass, Momentum, and Energy Analysis of Flow Systems

Bernoulli Equation
Internal Flow (Flow in Pipes and Ducts)
External Flow (Flow Over Bodies)

Grading:
Homework
50%
Mid Exam I (mid Oct)
25%
Mid Exam II (last week of classes)
25%

Grade Scale:
A+
B+
C+
D+
F

98-100
85-89.9
70-74.9
55-59.9
< 44.9

A
B
C
D

95-97.9
80-84.9
65-69.5
50-54.9

ABCD-

90-94.9
75-79.9
60-64.9
45-49.9

Homework Assignments:
Homework assignments will usually be given out every week. The problems are given out in
class, and solutions will be posted on the course website later. No late homework will be
accepted. The TA will grade the homework and I will return them in class after the grades are
recorded. Each assignment will be given a mark of A or B or C. If all problems are given serious
thought and attempted, a full mark of A will be awarded (10/10). If only a few problems are
attempted or some solutions are wrong, a mark of B will be awarded (7.5/10). If little effort is
made a mark of C will be given (5/10). If you do not pick up your homework in class, I will put it
in my box in the ME office.

Grade Disputes: If a student feels that an exam or homework set was graded unfairly, or if
there is an error in the grading, it should be brought to the attention of the grader (TA for
homework, Professors for exams) within one week after the graded material is handed back.
Scores will not be reconsidered beyond one week after they are handed back.

Collaboration Policy: You are encouraged to go to the TAs if you get stuck but it is also
acceptable to ask your classmates for guidance. However, your written work should represent
your understanding of the problem. In practice this means copying (in whole or in part) another
student's homework, solution manual, computer program, or paper is not permitted. If you choose
to discuss your work with a colleague, do not copy someone else's solutions or do the homework
as a group effort. As a counter-example, it is not acceptable to give a friend your homework five
minutes before class so that friend can copy your work.

Attendance:
Attendance in class is the responsibility of the student and you are expected to attend all
scheduled lectures and participate in class discussions. If class is missed, you are responsible for
obtaining the notes/handouts from another student. If you are absent the day an assignment is
due, you must scan and email your homework to the TAs on the due date.

Intro to Mechanics of Fluids

Fall 2015

Other Expectations:
The use of phone (texting/browsing etc.) is not allowed in class. If you use your phone during
class you will be asked to leave.
Be on time to class. Walking late into the lecture will disturb the focus of students and the
instructor. Leaving class is not allowed unless it is an emergency. Use the restroom and get water
before class starts. You will be given a break to use restroom and check your phone messages.