Selected topics in Fluid Mechanics 1103-5Geo23
1. Hydrodynamic instabilities.
Boussinesq approximation. Thermal (Rayleigh-Benard) instability. Convection cells. Convection patterns in nature. Wind-generation of waves (Kelvin-Helmholtz instability). Centrifugal (Taylor-Couette) instability. Surface tension and Rayleigh-Plateau instability.
1. Boundary layer theory.
Prandtl's theory. Asymptotic expansions. Why does a plane fly?
3. Microscale flows.
What does dripping honey have in common with glacier flows and swimming bacteria? Why are microscale flows dominated by viscosity? Stokes equations. Microfluidics.
4. Geophysical fluid flows.
Equations of motion in a rotating frame. Rossby number. Geostrophic balance. Vorticity and potential vorticity. Quasi-geostrophic approximation. Internal gravity waves. Planetary (Rossby) waves. Baroclinic instability. Elements of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD).
5. Bits and pieces of interests to the attendees.
Interested in a particular aspect of fluid flows? We will happily discuss it further.
Main fields of studies for MISMaP
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After completing the course the student will be able to formulate problems in fluid mechanics and understand the underlying hypotheses. Familiarity with the methods of linear stability theory and differential equations is assumed.
Assessment criteria
Exercises, colloquia and oral exam.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: