Students perform fluids calculations on local water delivery systems.

Who: The card is created for an introductory course in Fluid Mechanics. The students who take the class are junior or senior students majoring in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering and Environmental Engineering.

What: The activity considers calculating head loss and flow rate for turbulent flow in conduits and steady uniform open channel flow using a simplification of a real-world case study based on the Central Arizona Project (CAP). Students are asked to solve turbulent flow problems using Darcy-Weisbach approach and calculate discharge of open channel flow using both Darcy-Weisbach and Manning equation for conduits and channels with various material and cross-sectional shape. They are additionally asked to discuss the effects of the conduits/channel design based on their calculation results. 

When: This activity includes a 75-min class session for introducing the problem set up and knowledge basis, a group assignment for the students to solve the problem, and a half class session for student groups to present their findings. Students will have a week to complete the assignment. 

Where: This activity should be done after energy equation and pipe flow lectures. 

Why: The purpose of this activity is two-folded: (1) integrate a subset of course materials that are closely related, and (2) connect the conduit and open channel flow problems to a real-world case study based on Central Arizona Project. The underlying hypothesis is that through synthesis and comparison, motivated by a real-world case study, students will be able to develop a deeper understanding of the materials.