EGB323 Fluid Mechanics

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Professional engineers have a "comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline" (Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer). This 2nd-year unit introduces the fundamentals of fluid mechanics applied by engineers to understand and characterize fluid flows. The concepts, principles and equations of fluid mechanics are presented in the context of real engineering systems. The unit will provide you with the ability to apply and solve problems related to hydrostatics, explain and report how basic fluid mechanics is used in hydraulic structures and fluid systems, and apply the energy and momentum equations. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Apply the fundamental laws of fluid mechanics, to internal and external fluid flows, at a developed level.
2. Solve flow behaviour problems in fluid mechanics, of internal and external fluid flows, at a developed level.
3. Model flow behaviour, in fluid mechanics of internal and external fluid flows, at a developed level.
4. Communicate engineering analysis and modelling in fluid mechanics, of internal and external fluid flows, at a developed level.

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities: 

To realise the learning outcomes of the unit, EGB323 will use a combination of lectures, tutorials, and workshops illustrated by real-world examples, as well as practical classes with laboratory experiments.
 
Formal lectures from experienced fluid mechanicists and professional engineers will support your understanding of theory and principles, and model approaches to solving problems. You will have the opportunity to ask questions during these lectures.

A 1.5-hour engineering lecture every week will present the fundamental theoretical principles that govern the behaviour of fluids and fluid systems. Each theoretical concept will be introduced to the class using appropriate real-world examples in the lecture. You will attend a 1.5-hour engineering tutorial every week. Tutors will guide you in formulating appropriate solution methodologies and solve problems.

You will also have four 2-hour workshops dedicated to design a fluid mechanics system based on a real-life application. The workshops will be facilitated by instructors to provide guidance and feedback on your project. 
 
Tutorial and workshop classes will give you the opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers to solve problems. These will be facilitated by instructors and will provide an opportunity to test your understanding and gain feedback on your work.
 
Practical classes, in which you will collaboratively plan for and conduct experiments to give you hands on experience with the physical phenomena that you are learning about. You will be divided in small teams which will perform a laboratory experiment relevant to a real-world context. Each team will produce a report summarising and discussing their results.

At the beginning of the unit, you will be made aware of the ways in which you can ask questions or seek clarification from the Unit Coordinator and Tutors. 

You are expected to: 

• Engage with timetabled activities and ask questions. 
• Manage your time to engage with online resources outside of timetabled activities. These will be available on the unit website.
• Engage with your peers in a learning community to practice problem solving and then work independently to complete your assessment tasks. 
• Prepare for timetabled classes and activities and follow up on any work not completed. 
• Complete assessment tasks by working consistently across the semester and meeting the due dates that are published via the unit website. 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback on problem solving and project related laboratory assessment tasks throughout the semester. Formative feedback will also be provided during tutorials and workshops, and through discussions with instructors throughout the semester.

Assessment

Overview

As you work through this unit you will move between learning underpinning scientific theory and using the theory in practical applications. The assessment in this unit is designed to assess your learning against the unit learning outcomes and includes problem solving tasks, one report summarising laboratory work and a written final exam, which will test your capability to diagnose and solve problems in engineering science. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem solving task

This problem solving task will allow you to apply your fluid mechanics knowledge to design a fluid system based on a realistic application. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Laboratory/Practical

Group report including results of laboratory practicals and discussion of concepts.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Examination (invigilated)

You will be required to solve problems involving the principles of fluid mechanics and their applications  to engineering problems.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Type: Required
Author: Cengel, Yunus A., and Cimbala, John M.
Title: Fluid Mechanics (Fundamentals and Applications)
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Year: 2019
Edition: 3rd Edition in SI Units

Risk Assessment Statement

You will be informed of any requirements pertaining to a safe workplace. In lectures, tutorials and such, the information will include location of fire exits and meeting points in case of fire. If you do not follow legitimate instructions or endanger the safety of others or do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, you will be required to leave the session.

You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of members in the teaching team and technical staff. Prior to entry to a laboratory space you must complete the Undergraduate Health, Safety and Environment Induction (annual completion requirement). You will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes or steel capped shoes, lab coat, and safety glasses). The unit’s Canvas site will provide you with a copy of the risk assessment and will provide you with details on how to perform the laboratory tasks safely.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer

1: Knowledge and Skill Base

1. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
2. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
3. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)

2: Engineering Application Ability

1. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
2. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
3. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical
4. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical

3: Professional and Personal Attributes

1. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical
2. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
3. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
4. 
   Relates to: Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical

Course Learning Outcomes

EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
   Relates to: ULO4, Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical
2. Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
3. Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem solving task, Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)

EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical
2. Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
3. Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Examination (invigilated)