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151-0125-00L 4 Credits MSC D-MATH , D-MAVT

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Hydrodynamics and Cavitation

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Outi Supponen

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:20

Abstract

This course builds on the foundations of fluid dynamics to describe hydrodynamic flows, with a focus on interfacial and surface tension effects, lubrication and surface waves, and provides an introduction to cavitation: theory, measurement techniques, and industrial and medical applications.

Objective

The main learning objectives of this course are: 1. Identify and describe dominant effects in liquid fluid flows through physical modelling. 2. Explain tension, nucleation and phase-change in liquids. 3. Describe hydrodynamic cavitation and its consequences in physical terms. 4. Recognise experimental techniques and industrial and medical applications for cavitation.

Content

The course gives an overview on the following topics: hydrostatics, surface tension effects and capillarity, lubrication theory, surface waves, water hammer, tension in liquids, phase change. Cavitation: single bubbles (nucleation, dynamics, collapse), cavitating flows (attached, cloud, vortex cavitation). Industrial and medical applications, and measurement techniques.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Class notes and handouts

Literature

Literature will be provided in the course material.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: One page (A4, two-sided) of own handwritten notes on the subject

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Hydrodynamics and Cavitation	Mon 10:00-13:00 (ON LI NE)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses
  - Energy, Flows and Processes (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
Process Engineering Master
- Core Courses
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Fields of Specialization
  - Fluid Dynamics (One of the course units 151-0103-00L Fluid Dynamics II 151-0109-00L Turbulent Flows is compulsory. Students able to follow courses in German are advised to choose 151-0103-00L Fluid Dynamics II.)