Unit Outline

Thermal and Fluid Engineering builds upon foundational principles introduced in Mechanical Engineering Foundations, deepening students’ understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics through both theoretical analysis and practical applications. This unit focuses on the behaviour of fluids in motion, energy transfer, and thermal power systems, equipping students with the knowledge to model, analyse, and solve complex engineering problems related to power generation systems, hydraulic systems, and industrial energy systems.

Students will explore key topics, including the Bernoulli equation, pipe flow, conservation of mass and momentum, thermal properties of substances, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy, and power cycles. Through dimensional analysis and experimental techniques, students will learn to measure and evaluate key variables in fluid and thermal systems. The unit also introduces climate-safe engineering practices, encouraging students to assess energy efficiency, optimize power cycles, and develop low-carbon solutions in mechanical and energy systems.

This unit prepares students for advanced studies in Heat Transfer, Advanced Fluid Dynamics, and Energy Systems Engineering, ensuring they develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to both industry and research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Explain thermodynamic laws and fundamental principles in fluid mechanics.
2	Solve fluid dynamics problems by applying conservation of mass, momentum and energy using a control-volume approach.
3	Analyse the performance of thermal systems using the first and second laws of thermodynamics as well as entropy principles.
4	Assess thermal and fluid systems to consider their performance and environmental impact.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	ENG107 Mechanical Engineering Foundations KMA154

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This is a new unit developed in the new course curriculum.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	In Class Test	Week 7	30 %	LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Thermal and Fluids Labs	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Final examination	Exam Period	30 %	LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: In Class Test

Task Description:

Students are required to complete the mid-semester test for Fluid in class to demonstrate the students' understanding of the fundamental concepts in fluids. The mid-semester test is in week 7 worth 30%. This in-class test will enhance their understanding of the fluid knowledge from class and lab practices and evaluate students' understanding of the fundamental knowledge and encourage students to be familiar with the knowledge learned and get it ready for applying them in solve complex fluid problems.

If students fail to achieve ILO2 during this assessment, a second test will be permitted to demonstrate attainment of the ILO, with a cap of 50% on the maximum mark attainable from the assessment.

(Generative AI use is not permitted)

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply the principles of conservation of mass and energy to analyse dynamic fluid systems.	LO2
2	Apply the principles of conservation of linear momentum to calculate the forces exerted by a fluid on surfaces and objects.	LO2
3	Calculate the velocity of fluids using pressure information from pitot tubes.	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Thermal and Fluids Labs

Task Description:

The students will conduct two thermal labs to understand thermal properties and their changes in the phase change process as well as measurement accuracy in thermal systems, and one fluid lab to understand the fluid behaviour in the flow in pipes. The three practical assignments demonstrate the application of fundamental knowledge in thermal and fluid engineering problems. These lab activities will help students better understand the concept and prepare them for solving the thermal and fluid problems in mid-semester test and final exam. (Generative AI use is permitted but must be acknowledged)

Week of distribution: 5, and 9 and 10
Week due: Two weeks after each lab session.

Task Length:

2 hrs for each lab. Reports are roughly 10 to 15 pages.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the theory behind an experiment and the methodology used.	LO1
2	Analyse, interpret, and present experimental data using relevant principles and incorporating climate safe engineering principles.	LO4
3	Apply the basic concepts to solve problems related to thermal systems.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Final examination

Task Description:

A single, three-hour invigilated exam requires students to demonstrate learning from all teaching activities in thermal engineering including lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions. This assessment will finally assess students' comprehensive understanding of the knowledge learned in thermal engineering built up from lab practices and class. (Generative AI use is not permitted)

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply thermal properties to the analysis of thermodynamic laws.	LO3
2	Apply the laws of thermodynamics to solve thermal system problems.	LO3
3	Assess thermal power cycle problems by applying the laws of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy.	LO3, LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

ILO 1, ILO3, and ILO 4 - Achieve an average mark of 50% across the assessment items in both thermal and fluid components.

ILO 2 - Achieve a minimal mark of 45% in the fluid test.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.