CHE3167 - Transport phenomena and numerical methods

Overview

Fundamental principles of transport phenomena, Newton's law of viscosity, Fourier's law of heat conduction and Fick's law of diffusion. Transfer coefficients (viscosity, thermal conductivity and diffusivity). Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids, conservation laws (mass, momentum and energy) and steady state shell mass, momentum and energy balances. Numerical solution of partial differential equations, classification of equations (finite differences and finite elements) and incorporation of boundary conditions into numerical solutions. Utilise computer packages to solve complex, realistic chemical engineering problems in fluid flow and transport phenomena.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

S1-01-MALAYSIA-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prerequisite

MTH2010

6 CP

Multivariable calculus

MTH2032

6 CP

Differential equations with modelling

MTH2015

6 CP

Multivariable calculus (advanced)

MTH2032

6 CP

Differential equations with modelling

ENG2005

6 CP

Advanced engineering mathematics

AND

ENG1014

6 CP

Engineering numerical analysis

ENG1060

6 CP

Computing for engineers

AND

CHE2161

6 CP

Mechanics of fluids

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Leonie van 't Hag

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Joseph Ho Yong Kuen

Dr Leonie van 't Hag

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Select and describe mechanisms of transport phenomena present in given processes

Design simple models relating the conservation of energy, species, or momentum to temperature, composition and velocity fields

Demonstrate the ability to solve selected partial differential equations (one-dimensional and two-dimensional transport problems) by applying numerical methods such as finite element and finite difference

Demonstrate the ability to develop approximate models of practical chemical engineering systems and solve problems based on them

Generate complex problems commonly encountered in practice utilising commercial numerical software packages (MATLAB and COMSOL Multiphysics)

Teaching approach

Problem-based learning

The workshops will be complemented by practice classes (two hours per week), focusing on a second problem set that is closely related to the worksheets. This is your opportunity to challenge yourself further and practice through active learning, in a smaller group with more teaching staff available for assistance. The nine problem sets will be assessed by submission of answers through a separate Moodle assignment. Additionally, computer lab sessions (two hours per week) will provide further practical examples through nine computer lab assignments that will also be assessed. The MATLAB and COMSOL simulations will connect theory with practice.

Online learning

Active learning

The weekly workshops will focus on applying the theory from the recorded lectures through problems set out in worksheets and drawn from practical questions. The problems start from pre-defined transport problems to ones that require deeper insight, requiring you to determine the form of the problem and which equations are needed to solve it. This will be illustrated in the workshops and practical sessions by the teaching staff through individual or group guidance with the set problems. This, therefore, also involves peer-assisted learning through collaboration. Active learning and attempting to solve the problems is crucial for this unit.

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 60%

Final assessment: 40%

This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Weekly quiz

2 - Computer lab assignments and problem sets

3 - Class and computer lab tests

4 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Assessments

Laboratories

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Learning resources

Required resources

The prescribed textbook is:

Transport Phenomena by R. Byron Bird, Warren E. Stewart and Edwin N. Lightfoot, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2007.

The numerical methods part of the course is based on selected chapters from the following two books:

“Numerical Methods For Engineers” by Raymond P. Canale, Steven C. Chapra, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2006, and “Applied Numerical Methods with MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists” by Steven C. Chapra, 2nd Edition, McGraw Hill, 2008.

Other unit costs

The following items are mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator
Protective clothing and equipment:
- Laboratory coat (Approximately AUD35 to AUD55)
- Safety glasses (Approximately AUD8)
- Laboratory-appropriate enclosed footwear (Non-porous material, equipped with non-absorbent, slip-resistant soles)

Costs are indicative only.

Availability in areas of study

E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Chemical engineering