Course Syllabus

Draft Syllabus

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Semester & Location:	Fall 2025 - DIS Stockholm
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Engineering
Prerequisite(s):	One course in multivariate calculus, one course in differential equations, a physics or engineering course covering statics and dynamics, all at university level. It is recommended to have taken Thermodynamics or to enroll in Thermodynamics the same term.
Faculty Members:	TBD
Program Director:	Natalia Landázuri Sáenz, PhD
Academic Support:	academics@disstockholm.se
Time & Place:	TBD

Course Description

Fluid mechanics studies the behavior of liquids and gases, how they interact with their surroundings, and how they respond to forces, pressure gradients and boundary conditions. Fluid mechanics plays a central role in understanding natural systems, such as blood flow patterns in our circulatory system and its alterations during cardiovascular disease. It is also instrumental in the design of engineering solutions, such as hydroelectric dams that efficiently harness the flow of water, or aircrafts with optimal aerodynamic performance.

This course will cover fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics, including fluid statics, fluid kinematics, fluid dynamics, dimensional analysis and similitude, laminar and turbulent flows, pipe flow, and boundary layers. Students will apply fluid mechanics concepts while working on exercises and solving problems. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in field studies and witness current research and developments in Sweden that rely on fluid mechanics.

The course will cover the following modules:

1. Introduction to properties of fluids
- Characteristics of Fluids
- Fluid Mass and Weight
- Ideal Gas Law
- Viscosity
- Compressibility of Fluids
- Vapor Pressure
- Surface Tension

2. Fluid statics
- Pressure, pressure field and pressure variation
- Manometry
- Pressure on plane and curved surfaces
- Buoyancy, flotation, and stability

3. Fluid dynamics and the Bernoulli equation
- Newton’s second law applied to flows
- Stagnation point and pressure
- Static, dynamic and total pressure
- Applications of the Bernoulli equation

4. Fluid kinematics
- Velocity field and acceleration field
- Control volume
- Reynolds transport theorem

5. Finite control volume analysis
- Conservation of mass and continuity equation
- Newton’s second law and conservation of linear momentum
- First law of thermodynamics and the energy equation

6. Differential analysis of fluid flow
- Conservation of Mass
- Linear momentum equation
- Inviscid flow
- Viscous flow
- Simple solutions for laminar, viscous, incompressible flows

7. Dimensionality analysis
- Buckingham Pi Theorem
- Modeling and similitude

8. Viscous flows in pipes
- Laminar flow vs turbulent flow
- Pipe flow losses via dimensional analysis
- Pipe flowrate measurement

9. Flow over immersed bodies
- Drag
- Lift
- Boundary Layer Characteristics

10. Open-channel flow
- Surface waves
- Energy considerations
- Uniform flow
- Gradually varied flow and rapidly varied flow

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

- Understand principles of fluid mechanics covered in all modules

- Analyze fluid flows through the use of fluid mechanics principles and appropriate modeling

- Identify fluid-flow phenomena in various engineering systems, such as pipes, and apply their knowledge to assess physical implications

- Reflect on the importance of fluid mechanics in natural systems and engineering applications

Faculty

TBA

Readings

Munson, Young and Okiishi's Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics 9th Edition
by Andrew L. Gerhart, John I. Hochstein, Philip M. Gerhart

Field Studies

We will have two course-integrated field studies to learn how fluid dynamics concepts are utilized in industry or research.

Field studies may include:

Visit to laboratories at Kungliga Tekniska Högskola (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm, Sweden

Visit to laboratories at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Guest Lecturers

Guest lecturers (experts in a particular area of fluid mechanics) may be invited to talk about topics of particular interest to students.

Approach to Teaching

We use various teaching methods, including interactive lectures, class exercises, problem solving, discussions, analysis of various applications during field studies.

DIS Accommodations Statement

Your learning experience in this class is important to me. If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support acadsupp@dis.dk.

Expectations of the Students

You should participate actively during lectures, discussions, group work, and exercises.
Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignments in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times, laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class meetings.
Readings must be done prior to the class session.
In addition to completing all assignments and exams, you need to be present, arrive on time, and actively participate in all classes and field studies to receive full credit. Your final grade will be affected, adversely, by unexcused absences and lack of participation. Your participation grade will be reduced by 10 points (over 100) for every unexcused absence. Remember to be in class on time!
Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
You are expected to ask relevant questions in regards to the material covered.
Excuses for any emergency absences must be given beforehand. It is the responsibility of the student to make up any missed coursework.

Evaluation

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class, all of the assigned work must be completed by the set deadline.

Grading

Active participation: Includes attendance, preparation for lectures and other sessions, active participation in learning activities, class discussions, group work and problem solving. It also includes active participation during field studies and presentation of reflections on how they are related and relevant within the context of the course.

Assignments: Homework problems will be posted on Canvas. Students are allowed to work in groups to complete their homework. A pdf scan or clear photo of their work must be submitted on Canvas. Late submissions of homework will be deducted by 10 points for each day the homework is late.

Quizzes: Short quizzes that cover specific modules of the course will be posted on Canvas and be open for 4 hours. You are expected to work on your own. Once you start taking a quiz, you will have 30 min to complete it. You should provide final answers of questions on Canvas, and upload a pdf scan or clear photo of your work.

Exam: At the end of the semester, you will take an exam that covers all topics from the course. The exam will be open for 24 hours. You are expected to work on your own. Once you start taking the exam, you will have 2 hours to complete it. You should provide final answers of problems on Canvas, and upload a pdf scan or clear photo of your work.

Active participation	10%
Assignments	30%
Quizzes (4-6)	40%
Final exam	20%

Academic Regulations

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org