Course Title: Perform laboratory experiments in fluid mechanics

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2008

Course Code: CIVE5609

Course Title: Perform laboratory experiments in fluid mechanics

School: 130T Infra, Electrotec & Build Serv

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6066 - Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering (Structural Design)

Course Contact : Tony Skinner Program Coordinator

Course Contact Phone: (03) 9925 4444

Course Contact Email:tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Program Coordinator:
Mr Tony Skinner
Tel. 9925 4444
Fax. 99254377
Email: tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 20

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

EAX101 – Perform calculations related to simple fluid systems

Course Description

This unit covers the competency to perform laboratory experiments, relate the findings to standard values or established relationships and to present the findings in a technical report.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	EAC130 Perform laboratory experiments in fluid mechanics
Element:	Perform Experiments related to the basic principles of fluid mechanics
Performance Criteria:	1.1 The apparatus is identified and operating instructions are sourced. 1.2 The method of operation is established and the apparatus is used according to instructions. 1.3 Measurements are taken using devices most appropriate to the level of accuracy desired. 1.4 Data is recorded in the required format. 1.5 Calculations are carried out on the data. 1.6 Data is analysed to establish findings. 1.7 Findings are presented and compared with standard values and/or accepted relationships. 1.8 Possible sources of error are identified. 1.9 If applicable, the likely impact of identified errors on the findings is recognised.
Element:	Produce a technical report on each of the laboratory experiments performed
Performance Criteria:	2.1 The aim of the experiment is clearly defined. 2.2 The apparatus used is described. 2.3 The procedure followed is explained. 2.4 Measurements taken, and the devices used, are described. 2.5 Data recordings are tabulated in an appropriate format. 2.6 Calculations are expressed using the correct symbols. 2.7 The method for analysis of the data is explained and/or illustrated. 2.8 Possible sources of error are listed. 2.9 If applicable, the method of moderation of data, in light of the errors identified, is explained. 2.10 The findings of the experiment are presented. 2.11 Conclusions are drawn. 2.12 If applicable, the need for further experimentation is identified and specified.

Learning Outcomes

Perform Experiments related to the basic principles of fluid mechanics

Produce a technical report on each of the laboratory experiments performed

Details of Learning Activities

Topics
Students will perform experiments related to any five of the following :
1. Hydrostatic pressure
2. Flow over weirs
3. Metacentric height
4. Bernoulli Theorem demonstration
5. Impact of a jet
6. Orifice discharge
7. Energy losses in pipes/bends
8. Flow channel
9. Osborne Reynolds demonstration
10. Series/parallel pumps
11. Centrifugal pump

Teacher-led activities

The teacher will explain :
* operation of the equipment
* observation of OH & S requirements
* use of software
* the aim of the experiment
* the relationship that forms the basis of the experiment

Student activities

Working in groups, students will :
* Familiarise themselves with all aspects of operation of the equipment
* Conduct the experiments consistent with the performance criteria
* Produce a written technical report of findings consistent with the performance criteria

Teaching Schedule

A roster of attendances will be provided in lesson one.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None

References

Online course notes

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

This entails the conducting (as part of a team) and reporting on a minimum of four experiments from the following list :
• Flow over a weir
• Venturi meter
• Pumps (single, series or parallel)
• Pressure on a submerged surface
• Cavitation

Assessment Tasks

Assessment of this unit will involve two stages :
1. Completion of five experiments under supervision. They must be conducted in a competent manner and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, the relevant OH & S regulations and the performance criteria.
2. Submission of a written technical report of findings for each experiment. Reports must be consistent with the stated aim and conclusive in relation to the values or relationships that form the basis of the experiment.

NOTE: Active participation in all experiments is mandatory to be eligible for assessment.

Assessment Matrix

Element Covered	Assessment Task	Proportion of Final Assessment	Submission Time
1	Active participation in all experiments	20%	As per schedule
2	Submission of a written technical report	80%	Two weeks after completion of the final experiment

Other Information

The underpinning knowledge and skills for this course are listed in the accreditation document and are available upon request from your instructor

Course Overview: Access Course Overview