IRR 215 - Basic Fluid Dynamics of Piping Systems

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Basic Fluid Dynamics of Piping Systems is an introduction to the fundamental principles and characteristics of liquid fluids, including water, fuels, and chemicals. Emphasis is placed on the properties and definitions of fluid mechanics, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, fluid flow, and the basic measurement of fluids through orifices and pipes. The coursework covers the math and related knowledge needed to design and troubleshoot basic systems. Interactive hands-on demonstrations of concepts are included throughout the course. Formerly: WTM 215.
Course Outcomes:

Calculate and analyze relationships between pressure, height, friction, velocity, and area;
Apply basic fluid dynamics principles to piping systems;
Apply Bernoulli’s Principle to piping systems; and
Analyze and evaluate the four factors that contribute to Total Dynamic Head (TDH).
Apply a prescribed problem solving structure when solving contextualized applications problems, including interpreting given information, translating given information into mathematical language, estimating a quantitative outcome, performing calculations using a prescribed methodology, and judging the results.
Analyze trends in data by interpreting information from a wide variety of charts and graphs.
Communicate mathematical ideas and problem solutions in writing.
Use a scientific calculator.
Solve application word problems using several methodologies, including unit conversions, basic algebra, intermediate algebra, and trigonometry.

Course Topics:

Industry standard safety practices.
Specific weight, specific gravity of fluids.
Pressure and height relationships.
Water supply systems.
Flow velocity and area relationships.
Conservation of energy (Bernoulli’s principle).
Velocity, elevation, pressure, and friction head considerations.
Piping materials and fittings.
Total dynamic head calculations for piping systems.
Mathematics for basics fluid dynamics: unit conversion within and between English and metric unit systems, compound units common mathematical formulas, algebraic equations with one variable, system of linear equations, square root property, Pythagorean Theorem, right triangle trigonometry, and graphs and charts.