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151-0125-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MATH , D-MAVT
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Hydrodynamics and Cavitation

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Outi Supponen
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:21

Abstract

This course builds on the foundations of fluid dynamics to describe hydrodynamic flows and provides an introduction to cavitation.

Objective

The main learning objectives of this course are: 1. Identify and describe dominant effects in liquid fluid flows through physical modelling. 2. Identify and predict the onset of hydrodynamic instabilities. 3. Describe acoustic wave behaviour in liquids. 4. Explain tension, nucleation and phase-change in liquids. 5. Predict the behaviour of a gas bubble subject to changes in surrounding liquid pressure. 6. Describe hydrodynamic cavitation and its consequences in physical terms. 7. Recognise experimental techniques and industrial and medical applications for cavitation. 8. Read and evaluate research papers on recent research on cavitation and bubble dynamics and communicate the content orally to a multidisciplinary audience.

Content

The course gives an overview on the following topics: basics of hydrodynamics, capillarity, hydrodynamic instabilities, liquid fragmentation. Acoustics in liquids, tension in liquids, phase change. Cavitation and bubble dynamics: single bubbles (nucleation, dynamics, collapse), bubble clouds and cavitating flows. Industrial 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
BSC , 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.
The written final exam (taking place during the examination session) covers all contents of this course, including lectures, exercises as well as numerical and experimental assignments. It counts 60% towards the final grade. Additionally, there will be a compulsory continuous performance assessment (counting 40% towards the final grade) divided in three parts: (i) 10% will be based on a numerical assignment, (ii) 20% will rely on a lab report based on an experiment performed in groups of 5 students and (iii) the last 10% will be based on an oral presentation on a research article.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Hydrodynamics and Cavitation
The course starts in the second week.
  • Mon 10:15-13:00 (CHN E 42)
3 h weekly

Offered In