Content The course deals with numerical methods for physical simulations of gas and liquid flows. The course uses the finite difference method and the finite element method with a focus on fluid mechanics. The course covers studies of various physical computational problems in fluid theory, e.g. modelling of geophysical flows, turbulent flows, interpretation and selection of boundary conditions and discretisation of relevant fluid equations. In the practical part of the course, the software Comsol Multiphysics is used and the course therefore contains a review of relevant functions in the program. A calculation project in Comsol Multiphysics completes the course. The course comprises a theory part of 3.5 credits, a laboratory part of 0.5 credits and a project part of 3.5 credits.
Expected study results To fulfil the goals of knowledge and understanding, the student should be able to:
define and thoroughly explain basic relationships and laws in fluid and gas dynamics
define and comprehensively describe different simulation methods in fluid and gas dynamics
provide in-depth examples of different research areas and applications where simulation methods in fluid and gas dynamics are used.
In order to fulfil the goals for proficiency and ability, the student should be able to:
plan and execute a scientific project work
critically select the relevant model for turbulent flow problems and solve these numerically
independently plan and perform computer simulation of gas and liquid flows using Comsol Multiphysics software
critically evaluate self-produced numerical results against experimental results or the numerical results of others
present in writing and orally the results of simulations carried out in a scientific discourse.
In order to fulfil the goals for values and critical approach, the student should be able to:
reflect on and value their own efforts in a scientific project work
correctly cite scientific work of others
demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of scientific work such as a correct approach to cheating and plagiarism.
Forms of instruction Teaching is conducted in the form of lectures and supervision of projects. The course project is compulsory.
Examination The exam at the course's theoretical part takes place individually in the form of a written exam at the end of the course. For the written examination one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5), will be set. The examination of the course's laboratory parts is done individually through written reports. For the written laboratory reports, one of the grades Fail or Pass (G), is awarded. Examination of the project part is done individually through written reports and oral presentations. For the report and oral presentation one of the grades Fall (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5), will be given.
For the course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5), will be given. The grade constitutes a summary assessment of the results of the various parts of the examination, and is set only when all parts are approved. Students who have passed an exam can not take another exam in order to get a higher grade.
Literature The course literature consists of lecture notes that are supplemented with selected parts from the reference literature below as well as scientific articles. Instructions for laboratory work are provided by the Department of Physics.
Davidson P. A. Turbulence : an introduction for scientists and engineers Second edition. : Oxford, United Kingdom : Oxford University Press : 2015 : xvi, 630 pages : ISBN: 9780198722588
Pope Stephen B. Turbulent flows Cambridge : Cambridge University Press : 2000 : 771 p. : ISBN: 9780521591256 (hb)
The information below is only for exchange students
Starts
3 November 2025
Ends
18 January 2026
Study location
Umeå
Language
English
Type of studies
Daytime,
50%
Required Knowledge
90 credits including Fluid Mechanics and Scientific Computing I or equivalent. Proficiency in English and Swedish equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.
Selection
Students applying for courses within a double degree exchange agreement, within the departments own agreements will be given first priority. Then will - in turn - candidates within the departments own agreements, faculty agreements, central exchange agreements and other departmental agreements be selected.
Application code
UMU-A5367
Application
This application round is only intended for nominated exchange students. Information about deadlines can be found in the e-mail instruction that nominated students receive.
The application period is closed.
