Engineering: environmental fluids

The Open University via OpenLearn

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This course introduces the properties of the atmosphere and how wind movements arise. It explores pressures and the Earth’s motion, the development of weather system, and the Earth’s oceans and seas.Understanding how ocean movements are generated and sustained in the form of waves, tides, flows and currents is important in many fields of engineering. In the construction industry, the understanding of how winds are likely to be encountered is vital in the design, construction, and maintenance of high-rise buildings. In the aeronautical and aerospace industries, the behaviour and properties of the atmosphere from ground level to outer space are key aspects in the design and operation of aircraft and space vehicles.The design and operation of boats and ships, knowledge and behaviour of their interaction with water, whether at sea or on canals and rivers, is important. In the field of civil engineering, the simulation and study of tides and tidal flows is necessary in the design of harbours, canals, protective barrier schemes, drainage pipe lines, offshore structures, etc. Explore the course to find out more. This content forms part of the Dangoor Education collection, the educational arm of The Exilarch's Foundation. This free course is an adapted extract from the Open University course, T229 Mechanical engineering: heat and flow.

Syllabus

1 The Earth’s atmosphere and winds
1.1 The properties of the atmosphere
1.2 Upper-atmosphere winds and air movements
1.3 Ground-level winds and air movements
1.4 Spacecraft re-entry considerations
2 The Earth’s oceans and seas
2.1 Wave motions in water
2.2 Wave speed, amplitude and displacement
2.3 Waves and winds
2.4 Tides and tidal currents
2.5 Force on a floating tunnel

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 4 Class Central reviews

5 rating at OpenLearn based on 3 ratings

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Edrees Azizi

This course on Environmental Fluids provided a clear and structured introduction to the dynamics of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. I appreciated how it explained both upper and ground-level winds, as well as the connection between waves, tides, and fluid forces. The inclusion of spacecraft re-entry considerations and practical examples like floating tunnels made the content engaging and relevant. Overall, it strengthened my understanding of environmental engineering and gave me useful insights into real-world applications.
Anonymous

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Mogau Elias Maroga

Having completed the "Engineering: Environmental Fluids"course, I found it to be an engaging and well-structured exploration of how atmospheric and oceanic fluid movements impact engineering applications. The course provided a solid foundation in…

Having completed the "Engineering: Environmental Fluids"course, I found it to be an engaging and well-structured exploration of how atmospheric and oceanic fluid movements impact engineering applications. The course provided a solid foundation in understanding the properties of the atmosphere, wind dynamics, ocean waves, and tidal currents, all of which are crucial in various engineering fields.

One of the most valuable aspects of the course was its emphasis on **real-world applications**. The discussions on **ground-level and upper-atmosphere winds** were particularly insightful, shedding light on how these forces influence weather systems, high-rise building design, and aircraft performance. Additionally, the section on **spacecraft re-entry considerations** was an interesting addition, linking atmospheric properties to aerospace engineering challenges.

The second half of the course, which focused on **wave motions, tides, and their interactions with engineering structures**, was equally compelling. I gained a deeper appreciation for how engineers design harbors, offshore platforms, and floating tunnels to withstand ocean forces. The explanation of **wave speed, amplitude, and displacement** was particularly well-presented, making complex fluid dynamics principles easier to grasp.

Beyond theory, the course highlighted the **interdisciplinary nature of environmental fluids in engineering**, demonstrating its relevance in civil, aeronautical, and maritime engineering. Understanding how fluid movements interact with structures is essential for designing resilient infrastructure, and this course effectively conveyed that importance.

Final Thoughts
Overall, "Engineering: Environmental Fluids"was an excellent learning experience. It was well-structured, informative, and reinforced with practical examples. I would highly recommend it to students and professionals in engineering, especially those interested in environmental dynamics, construction, and fluid mechanics applications.
ADAM

This course provides an excellent introduction to fluid dynamics in environmental engineering. The explanations are clear, with practical applications related to air and water flow, pollution dispersion, and climate-related fluid mechanics. The interactive content and case studies help reinforce key concepts. It's a great course for students in engineering, physics, or environmental sciences looking to understand the behavior of fluids in real-world contexts. The fact that it's free and accessible online makes it even better! Highly recommended for anyone interested in aerospace, civil, or environmental engineering.