| Unit name | Computational Continuum Mechanics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SEMT30001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Gambaruto |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
EMAT20200 Engineering Mathematics 2 or equivalent |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
This unit provides students with the theoretical and technical skill set to solve real-world problems in continuum mechanics, with a focus on fluid mechanics. The unit introduces the theoretical foundations of continuum mechanics, that enables the student to describe a specific problem using the canonical governing equations with appropriate boundary and initial conditions. The unit also covers how to solve the governing equations numerically by discretising them, and how to use commercial simulation software so that a reliable and high-resolution solution is obtained. There is a strong focus on post-processing and analysing the computed solution. Students learn how to interpret the solutions in terms of the governing physical principles and to make sense of the engineering aspects of real-world problems, reinforced by the hands-on delivery of the unit.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit is part of the engineering stream of units within the Engineering Mathematics degree, which starts with Engineering Science units in Year 1, and continues with units that emphasise physical modelling and mechanics. This unit continues the theme of practical physical modelling and engineering applications,, introducing fluids within the broader subject of Continuum Mechanics. This will help you to develop technical skills on physical modelling, engineering, and model interpretation that will be valuable for project units.
An overview of content
Topics covered in this unit will include:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Throughout this unit there is a focus on students developing their skills in describing and interpreting the physics behind complex problems in the real world. Students will be better equipped to solve real world problems using numerical software.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, on-campus lecture/Q&A sessions, and formative self-directed exercises. The unit will be supported by regular computer labs; these will provide student-centred learning through practical problem solving and will create a supportive environment where students apply for themselves the theory and methods discussed in the unit. Students will be expected to actively participate in the lectures and labs and to engage with taught content, readings, self-directed exercises, and problem-solving activities.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Problem sheets and tutorials for the computer lab sessions together support the theoretical and practical aspects of the unit. The computer labs provide the required knowledge of software to execute the simulations related to the summative assessment.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Individual Written Report (100%): a single coursework submission assessing all learning outcomes.
When assessment does not go to plan:
Re-assessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SEMT30001).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
