PC3172 Physics of Weapons Systems: Fluid Dynamics of Weapons, Shock Waves, Explosions

This course provides the basic physical principles applicable to air-borne and water-borne missiles, as well as the fluid dynamics of shocks and explosions. Topics include: Elements of thermodynamics, ideal fluid flow, elementary viscous flows, similitude and scaling laws, laminar and turbulent boundary layers, underwater vehicles, classical airfoil theory, supersonic flow, drag and lift of supersonic airfoils with applications to missiles, fluid dynamics of combustion, underwater explosions.

Prerequisite

PH2151, PH3991

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

2

Course Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the fundamentals of fluid dynamics and their application to physical systems, particularly in the context of naval weapons systems.
• Analyze the properties of inviscid fluids, using mathematical models to describe their behavior.
• Solve problems involving viscous fluid flow analysis and the associated equations governing viscous effects.
• Apply dimensional analysis and similarity principles to fluid dynamics problems, enhancing problem-solving skills in scaling and model testing.
• Mathematically describe the behavior and significance of boundary layers in fluid flow, especially near solid surfaces.
• Mathematically describe the characteristics of viscous flow over immersed bodies, such as torpedoes and submarines, and how this affects drag and performance.
• Mathematically describe the fluid dynamics involved in the flow around torpedoes, including drag estimates and hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Mathematically describe the concepts of compressible flow and shocks, especially their importance in high-speed flows.
• Explain the physics behind underwater explosions and their impact on fluid motion.