Page 1 of 1

Module Code - Title:

ME4417 - BOUNDARY LAYER THEORY

Year Last Offered:

2026/7

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

1

Private

3

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

ME4412

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To advance the knowledge of the students of fluid flow, aerodynamics and convective heat transfer

Syllabus:

The Derivation of the Three-Dimensional Viscous, Steady, Compressible Equations of the Conservation of Mass, Momentum and Energy. The Distinction between Differential and Integral Solutions. Differential Solutions for Simple Pipe Flow with Heat Transfer and Couette Flow. The Von-Karmen Integral Solution of Flat Plate Flow with Heat Transfer. Dimensional Analysis for Free and Forced Convection: the Non-dimensionalised Differential Equations. Shear Stress Drag and the Reynolds Colburn Analogy. Theories of Turbulence: The Prandtl - Mixing Layer Theory, the K-E Model. The Effect of Turbulence on Drag and Heat Transfer: The Elements of a Turbulent Boundary Layer

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

derive the PDEÆs of mass momentum and energy balance in a fluid scale these PDEÆs and use the scaled parameters in analysis derive and apply the equations describing Couette flow derive and apply the equations of Laminar pipe flow derive the small perturbation equations of turbulent flow analyse a set of boundary layer and hot wire data in spread sheet format

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

none applicable

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

conduct a velocity traverse in a boundary layer flow

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Lectures, Tutorials and Laboratory Testing and Demonstrations

Prime Texts:

Schlichting H., (2000) Boundary Layer Theory , Springer

Other Relevant Texts:

Holman J.P. (2002) Heat Transfer , McGraw-Hill

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

patrick.frawley@ul.ie