Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to:
Introduce and apply computational analysis methods for the analysis of maritime vessels and offshore structures
Explain underlying hydrodynamics theory and how link this to analysis techniques
Demonstrate the use of experimental hydrodynamics facilities through hands-on project-based learning

Outline Of Syllabus

Ships and other maritime systems are increasingly designed and analysed using digital and computational methods. There is also continuing high demand for experimental testing to validate and extend numerical approaches. The combination of numerical and experimental analysis can capture the complex and uncertain nature of the ocean and how it interacts with systems including drag, propulsion and motion. Experimental facilities continue to be built and enhanced across the world, and naval architects will inevitably access these facilities either as analysts within the facility or project engineers requiring testing services.

The syllabus comprises:
-Navier-Stokes equation
-Theory of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
-Towing tank experiments
-Seakeeping experiments


This module provides you with essential knowledge for dealing with complex hydrodynamic issues encountered in the marine and offshore industries and the application of hydrodynamic modelling and testing, as well as using the unique suite of facilities at Newcastle, including:
-Hydrodynamics software including StarCCM+.
-The cavitation tunnel for propeller, propulsor and turbine testing
-The towing tank for drag and seakeeping testing
-The wind, wave, current tank for specialist testing in combined sea conditions
The wide applicability of our facilities gives you unique hands-on experience of testing from model preparation, experiment design, testing and analysis of results. This provides you with experience and confidence for your future career when commissioning or carrying out physical testing.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

IKO1: Explain Navier-stokes equation, and Computational Fluid Dynamics in the context of real- world marine and offshore challenges (M1, M2).

IKO2: Define the methods for solving high-order differential equations, including the theory of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) (M2, M3).

IKO3: Demonstrate computational and experimental methods to address practical issues encountered by ships and offshore structures (M3, M4, M5, M6, M7).

Intended Skill Outcomes

ISO1 – Apply appropriate computational and experimental facilities to deal with real-life hydrodynamics issues in the marine and offshore industries (M3).

ISO2 – Apply the knowledge of Navier-stokes equation to solve complex marine and offshore issues (M2, M3).

ISO3 – Develop skills of using computational software for the design and analysis of maritime vessels and marine and offshore structures (M3).

ISO4 – Develop skills of using experimental facilities at Newcastle University for testing the hydrodynamics performance of maritime vessels and marine and offshore structures (M12, M13, M16).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture notes, lecture videos and pre-reading materials given out on Canvas together will familiarise students with the concepts of experimental and computational hydrodynamics topics. Lectures will formalise learning related to the fundamental subject of strip theory, Navier-stoke equation, diffraction theory, and computational fluid dynamics.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Written exercise 1 will evaluate the practical skills in utilizing experimental facilities to address real-world marine and offshore challenges (IKO3, ISO4; M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M12, M13, M16).

Written exercise 2 will evaluate the skills in conduct computational fluid dynamics to assess the performance at sea. (IKO1-IKO3, ISO1-3; M1, M2, M3 M4, M5, M6, M7).

General Notes

N/A