VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

151-0208-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MATH , D-MAVT

Computational Methods for Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer Problems

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Daniel Werner Meyer-Massetti

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:36

Abstract

Numerical methods for the solution of flow, heat & mass transfer problems are presented and illustrated by analytical & computer exercises. The course is taught using the flipped classroom format.

Objective

Knowledge of and practical experience with discretization and solution methods for computational fluid dynamics and heat and mass transfer problems

Content

- Introduction with application examples, steps to a numerical solution - Classification of PDEs, application examples - Finite differences - Finite volumes - Method of weighted residuals, spectral methods, finite elements - Boundary element or integral method - Stability analysis, consistency, convergence - Numerical solution methods, linear solvers The learning materials are illustrated with practical examples.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides and lecture notes will be handed out.

Literature

References are provided during the lecture.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: A dictionary English-... and a 4 page (2 sheets) A4 summary are the only two permissible aids.

To learn the material, it is helpful to solve the analytical and programming exercises. Successfully solving the exercises will be rewarded, in the context of a voluntary continuous performance assessment, with a quarter-grade bonus. A student who successfully and individually solves (= 50% correct) two out of three arbitrarily picked (from all) exercise sets receives the bonus of 0.25 grades towards the final grade. Solutions will be collected at the beginning of the exercise class.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Computational Methods for Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer Problems	Wed 08:15-12:00 (ML F 39)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
  - Focus Specialization
    - Sustainable Energy and Processes (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Mark Tibbitt In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Sustainable Energy and Processes you need to pass at least 2 core courses (W+) and at least 2 of the elective courses, according to the presentation of the Focus Specialization. If needed, an additional course from the D-MAVT course offerings (151-…) at the 3rd-year Bachelor level can be selected.)
Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Fields of Specialization
  - Fluid Dynamics
Process Engineering Master
- Core Courses
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Fields of Specialization
  - Fluid Dynamics (One of the course units 151-0208-00L Computational Methods for Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer Problems 151-0212-00L Advanced CFD Methods is compulsory.)