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402-0234-10L 10 Credits BSC D-PHYS
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Mechanics of Continua

Kontinuumsmechanik

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Manfred Sigrist
Only for Physics BSc, Programme Regulations 2016. A repetition week is offered at the end of the semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:49

Abstract

Mechanics of Elastic Media and Hydrodynamics: Strain and stress tensor, field equations, equilibrium, waves and oscillations. Dynamics of fluids, Euler and Navier-Stokes equations, Bernoulli equation, vortices, waves, potential flows; viscous fluids, Reynolds number, Stokes drag, boundary layers, instabilities.

Objective

Knowledge of the essential concepts and methods of theoretical mechanics of elastic media and hydrodynamics. Consolidation through examples and solution of exercise problems.

Content

Introduction to the concepts and methods of theoretical mechanics of elastic media and hyrdodynamics: relation between strain and stress tensor, balance equations, field equations of elastic media, elastostatics, waves and oscillations. Dynamics of fluida, Euler equations of ideal fluida, Navier-Stokes equations of real fluids, Bernoulli equations, vortex theorems of Thomson and Helmholtz, dynamics of vortices, oscillation and waves in fluida, surface waves, two-dimensional potential flow, circulation, Magnus force, theorems of Kutta and Zhukovski, flow around profiles (cylinder, platte, aerofoil), Kutta condition. Incompressible viscos fluida, Reynolds number, Hagen-Poisseuille flow, Stokes law, Prandtl's boundary layer, Couette flow and Taylor instability. Turbulence, instability of laminary flows, Reynolds number.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Vorlesungsskript (Deutsch) verfügbar.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Kontinuumsmechanik
**together with University of Zurich**
  • Wed 12:45-13:30 (HIL E 9)
  • Thu 11:45-13:30 (HIL E 9)
3 h weekly
exercise Kontinuumsmechanik
**together with University of Zurich**
  • Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT K 51)
  • Thu 15:45-17:30 (HIT K 52)
2 h weekly

Offered In