Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc

• Dr Peter Clough

This module provides you with an understanding of the principles of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and heat and mass transfer phenomena governing chemical reactions. A particular emphasis will be placed on multiphase catalytic flow reactions with applications in the energy industry that are likely to be faced by Chemical Engineers. The principles covered in the module are key to the design and optimisation of all industrial chemical processes.

Differential calculus refresher

Set workshop problems, integration and differentiation, algebraic manipulation. 


Kinetic theory and thermodynamics

Rate laws, Arrhenius equation, reaction order and stoichiometry, collision integrals, kinetic models - shrinking core model, random pore model.

Computer modelling – FactSage, Thermovader, Eureqa, Fenics (Dolphin), Density Function Theory. 

Mass transfer phenomena

Fick’s law, diffusion/convection, steady and unsteady state, transient conditions through a material in fluid flow, effectiveness factors, diffusion effects in porous catalysts, diffusion effects in heterogeneous reactions, effective diffusivity, adsorption models – Langmuir Hinshelwood model. 

Heat transfer phenomena


Steady and unsteady state via conduction, convection, radiation, transient conditions through a material in fluid flow.

Catalytic reactions

Examples from industry, predominately heterogeneous - steam methane reforming, cat cracking. 

Catalytic processes, and catalyst development. 

Catalyst deactivation.

Numerical modelling 

Finite differences, volumes and elements methods, MATLAB ODE solvers, building transient models in MATLAB.

Reaction kinetics derivation from experimental data


Signal processing and deconvolution, residence time distributions. 

Experimental kinetics data analysis tutorial.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Implement  fundamental chemical principals of reactions to transient systems,
• Evaluate the effect of catalysts, and mass and heat transfer phenomena on reaction kinetics,
• Critique varying kinetic models and resistances to reaction rates for different processes,
• Implement and evaluate combined heat and mass transfer with reaction models using the finite differences method in MATLAB,
• Link reaction kinetics with specific energy applications.

• Dr Ying Jiang

This module focuses on the opportunities and potential for biomass and waste to contribute to the production of renewable heat and electricity. The aim of the module is to provide you with an advanced knowledge of the sources of biomass and waste, and the range of technologies available for their conversion into bioenergy, particularly focused on thermochemical conversion.

Biomass and Waste Resources:

• Definition of chemical and physical properties and characteristics of biomass and waste as a fuel,
• Analytical methods for characterising biomass and wastes,
• Comparison to conventional fuels (coal, oil, natural gas),
• Energy crops for bioenergy production.

Principles of thermochemical conversion processes

• Pyrolysis,
• Gasificaton,
• Combustion.

Combustion Technology

• Description of main combustion technology,
• Co-firing,
• Energy conversion systems and combined heat and power (CHP).

Gasification Technology

• Description of main gasification technology,
• Definition of synthesis gas (producer gas),
• Co-gasification and IGCC.

Pyrolysis Technology

• Description of main pyrolysis technology,
• Slow pyrolysis for char production,
• Fast pyrolysis for bio-oil production.

Fundamentals of hydrogen production and fuel cells

• Thermochemical generation methods,
• Biological methods,
• Fuel cell technology.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Evaluate and select the most appropriate biomass and waste materials for energy conversion application,
• Critically review the principles and technologies for biomass and waste conversion into bioenergy, and compare to fossil fuel technologies,
• Recognize and assess appropriate energy conversion systems for bioenergy production from biomass and waste,
• Develop and apply analytical skills to carry out mass balance and thermodynamics calculations for bioenergy conversion systems.

• Dr Adrian Williams

Several methods exist to assess the environmental sustainability and impacts of products, services, businesses, projects, policies and economic systems. Each was conceived and developed for specific environmental objectives (see indicative content). A sustainability manager or sustainability consultant must be able to assess critically each of these methods and identify their strengths and weaknesses, and hence to choose which method to adopt when faced with the need to address an environmental issue.

• Life cycle assessment including carbon footprint and water footprint,
• Ecological footprint,
• Environment impact assessment.
 

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Evaluate the main methods used in sustainability assessments and reports,
• Identify the appropriate methods to assess the environmental issues for specific products, services, systems or policies,
• Critically interpret sustainability claims of products, services and policies on the basis of the environmental assessment methods used.
  
  

• Dr Dawid Hanak

This module aims to introduce you to the modern techniques and computer aided engineering tools for the design, simulation and optimisation of process systems. Via a large share of process simulation and optimisation case studies, the module will enable you to gather the hands-on experience of using the commercial software.

Process Design
• Overview: Conceptual process design. Process flow-sheeting,
• Process synthesis: Overview of a process system. Recycle structure of the flowsheet. Design of reaction and separation systems,
• Process integration: Basic concepts of process integration for heat exchanger network design,
• Process economic analysis: Equipment capital cost estimation. Process profitability analysis.
Process Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation
• Modelling and simulation: Basic concepts of process modelling. General concepts of simulation. Introduction to steady and dynamic process simulation. Introduction to commercial simulation software packages (i.e, Aspen HYSYS) for process flow-sheeting, design and analysis,
• Process optimisation techniques: Basic principles of optimisation. Presentation of a number of industrial case studies (e.g., heat exchanges network synthesis).
Case Studies (PC Lab and Demonstration Sessions)
• A number of process simulation and optimisation case studies will be carried out using Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Formulate strategies to carry out a process design and critically appraise the techniques and major commercial simulation tools for steady and dynamic process simulation,  
• Competently apply the basic principles of process optimisation,
• Design and analyse the performance of a process plant using simulation or optimisation tools.

• Dr Dawid Hanak

This practical-focused module provides you with a critical understanding of the key differences and challenges in pilot-scale working.  The module uses several pilot-scale energy facilities at Cranfield, aligned to the aims of the courses attending the module; covering thermochemical and biochemical processes. In addition to operating the facilities, you will conduct a laboratory exercise to characterise the input and output materials (e.g. waste feedstock and solid residues) in parallel with a group exercise of monitoring and operating the pilot facility.

Where appropriate there will be a visit to an external site, such as a waste management facility, to collect samples for analysis in the laboratory and within the pilot plant(s). 

Policies and legislation regarding the environmental, health and safety responsibilities of operating at pilot to commercial-scale.

• Moving from the laboratory to pilot-scale,
• The Cranfield facilities- fluidised-bed and downdraft gasification, anaerobic digestion and chemical looping rig,
• Understanding the chemical/physical parameters of feedstock and how these are used to identify suitable process options,
• Explored further as part of a laboratory session covering feedstock characterisation,
• Management of post-energy recovery residues (bottom ash, fly ash, digestate etc),
• Technical/scientific writing and reporting skills.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Explain the key thermo/bio-chemical processes involved in recovering energy from biomass and wastes;
• Critically evaluate the main operational challenges in operating thermal and biochemical processes;
• Discuss and assess the properties of input materials, outline the relevance of the data obtained and critically analyse how feedstock parameters effect the output gases and solid residues.

• Dr Vinod Kumar

The Biofuels and Biorefining module focuses on liquid biofuels as a current opportunity to decrease greenhouse gasses emissions when used to replace fossil fuels in motor engines, and as a route to fulfil the European goals on the use of renewable energy.

The aim of the module is to provide you with advanced knowledge of the sources of biomass available for liquid biofuel production and the range of technologies used for conversion of the biomass into biofuels. The module covers characteristics of biomass and biofuels, conversion processes and existing technologies, and applications of biofuels including their use in alternative engines. In addition, an introduction to the biorefining concept will be provided.

Raw materials for liquid biofuels production, characterisation and assessment:

• Biofuel feedstocks and characteristics: starch- and sugar-derived biomass,oleaginous-based biomass, lignocellulosic biomass, and algae,
• Sugar, Fatty acid, and Syngas platforms technologies.

First generation of biofuels:

Bioethanol and ETBE production

• Enzymes for fermentation,  
• Microbial modelling of bioethanol: microbial growth models, kinetic rare expression, temperature effects,
• Bioreactor operation and design for bioethanol production.

Biodiesel production

• Biodiesel production technologies: biochemical, and catalytic and non-catalytic chemical processes,
• Biodiesel production: biochemical aspects,
• Biodiesel production: chemistry and thermodynamic aspects.

Second generation of biofuels:

• Thermochemical routes: Biomass-to-Liquids,
• Biochemical routes: Hydrolysis processes.

Third generation of biofuels:

• Hydrothermal Liquefaction.

Biofuels and their application in engines

• Standardization of liquid biofuels,
• Use of biofuels in engines.

High-value products from biomass feedstock

• Main products,
• Current and prospective markets.

Biorefining

• Classification of Biorefineries,
• Economic, social and environmental impacts of biorefining,
• Commercial biorefineries.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Identify the range of biomass resources available for liquid biofuels production,
• Critically evaluate a range of technologies available for liquid biofuels production from biomass and analyse the potential for future reduction in costs through technological development,
• Explain the main theoretical concepts and practical implementation associated with biofuels engineering systems,
• Identify the high-value products that can be obtained from biomass feedstock,
• Construct simple biorefining schemes and critically evaluate the potential of biorefining processes.

The importance of technology leadership in driving the technical aspects of an organisation's products, innovation, programmes, operations and strategy is paramount, especially in today’s turbulent commercial environment with its unprecedented pace of technological development. As demand for ever more complex products and services has become the norm, one of the challenges for today’s manager is to deal with uncertainty, to allow technological innovation and change to flourish, whilst also remaining within planned parameters of performance. This module helps to develop your understanding of management processes within an organisational context, so that when you seek employment you are equipped with both the extensive subject/discipline knowledge and the ability to relate it to a management context.

• Engineers and Technologists in organisations:
  • the role of organisations and the challenges facing engineers and technologies,
• People management:
  • understanding you, understanding other people, working in teams and dealing with conflicts.
• The Business Environment:
  • understanding the business environment; identifying key trends and their implications for the organisation.
• Strategy and Marketing:
  • developing effective strategies, focusing on the customer, building competitive advantage, the role of strategic assets.
• Finance:
  • profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, cash flow forecasting, project appraisal.
• New product development:
  • commercialising technology, market drivers, time to market, focusing technology, concerns.
• Business game:
  • Working in teams (companies), you will set up and run a technology company and make decisions on investment, R&D funding, operations, marketing and sales strategy,
• Negotiation:
  • preparation for negotiations, negotiation process, win-win solutions.
• Presentation skills:
  • understanding your audience, focusing your message, successful presentations, getting your message across.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Recognise the importance of teamwork in the performance and success of organisations with particular reference to commercialising technological innovation,
• Operate as an effective team member, recognising the contribution of individuals within the team, and capable of developing team working skills in yourself and others to improve the overall performance of a team,
• Compare and evaluate the impact of the key functional areas (strategy, marketing and finance) on the commercial performance of an organisation, relevant to the manufacture of a product or provision of a technical service,
• Design and deliver an effective presentation that justifies and supports any decisions or recommendations made,
• Argue and defend your judgements through constructive communication and negotiating skills.

• Dr Patrick Verdin

This module introduces you to the CFD techniques and tools for modelling, simulating and analysing practical engineering problems with hands on experience using commercial software packages used in industry.

• Introduction to CFD & thermo-fluids: introduction to the physics of thermo-fluids, governing equations (continuity, momentum, energy and species conservation) and state of the art computational fluid dynamics including modelling, grid generation, simulation, and high performance computing. Case study of industrial problems related to energy, process systems, offshore engineering, and the physical processes where CFD can be used,
• Computational engineering exercise: specification for a CFD simulation, requirements for accurate analysis and validation for multi scale problems, introduction to turbulence & practical applications of turbulence models, introduction to turbulence and turbulent flows, traditional turbulence modelling,
• Advanced turbulence modelling: introduction to Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations and large-eddy simulation (LES),
• Practical sessions: fluid process problems are solved employing the widely-used industrial flow solver software FLUENT. Lectures are followed by practical sessions on single/multiphase flows, heat transfer, to set up and simulate a problem incrementally.  Practical sessions cover the entire CFD process including geometric modelling, grid generation, flow solver, analysis, validation and visualisation.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• assemble and evaluate the different components of the CFD process,
• explain the governing equations for fluid flows and how to solve them computationally,
• compare and contrast various methods for simulating turbulent flows applicable to mechanical and process engineering,
• set up simulations and evaluate a practical problem using a commercial CFD package,
• design CFD modelling studies for use in industrial design of complex systems.

• Dr Peter Clough

This module provides you with an understanding of the principles of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and heat and mass transfer phenomena governing chemical reactions. A particular emphasis will be placed on multiphase catalytic flow reactions with applications in the energy industry that are likely to be faced by Chemical Engineers. The principles covered in the module are key to the design and optimisation of all industrial chemical processes.

Differential calculus refresher

Set workshop problems, integration and differentiation, algebraic manipulation. 


Kinetic theory and thermodynamics

Rate laws, Arrhenius equation, reaction order and stoichiometry, collision integrals, kinetic models - shrinking core model, random pore model.

Computer modelling – FactSage, Thermovader, Eureqa, Fenics (Dolphin), Density Function Theory. 

Mass transfer phenomena

Fick’s law, diffusion/convection, steady and unsteady state, transient conditions through a material in fluid flow, effectiveness factors, diffusion effects in porous catalysts, diffusion effects in heterogeneous reactions, effective diffusivity, adsorption models – Langmuir Hinshelwood model. 

Heat transfer phenomena


Steady and unsteady state via conduction, convection, radiation, transient conditions through a material in fluid flow.

Catalytic reactions

Examples from industry, predominately heterogeneous - steam methane reforming, cat cracking. 

Catalytic processes, and catalyst development. 

Catalyst deactivation.

Numerical modelling 

Finite differences, volumes and elements methods, MATLAB ODE solvers, building transient models in MATLAB.

Reaction kinetics derivation from experimental data


Signal processing and deconvolution, residence time distributions. 

Experimental kinetics data analysis tutorial.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Implement  fundamental chemical principals of reactions to transient systems,
• Evaluate the effect of catalysts, and mass and heat transfer phenomena on reaction kinetics,
• Critique varying kinetic models and resistances to reaction rates for different processes,
• Implement and evaluate combined heat and mass transfer with reaction models using the finite differences method in MATLAB,
• Link reaction kinetics with specific energy applications.

• Dr Liyun Lao

This modules introduces you to the fundamental concepts, principles, methodologies, and application for the design of advanced control systems for industrial applications.

• System dynamics:
  • modelling of typical physical systems, operating point, linearization, differential equation representation, state space representation of systems, laplace transforms, transfer functions, block diagrams, SISO and MIMO systems, time and frequency domain responses of systems,
• Feedback control:
  • positive and negative feedback, stability, methods for stability analysis, closed loop performance specification, PID controllers, Ziegler-Nichols, self-tuning methods,
• Enhanced controllers:
  • cascade control, feedforward control, control of non-linear systems, control of systems with delay,
• Digital controllers:
  • effects of sampling, implementation of PID controller, stability and tuning,
• Advanced control topics:
  • hierarchical control Kalman filter, system identification, model predictive control, statistical process control, the use of expert systems and neural networks in industrial control,
• Design packages for process control systems:
  • examples including Simulink and MATLAB.
• Case studies:
  • examples will be chosen from a range of industrial systems including mechanical, chemical and fluid systems.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Evaluate and select appropriate modelling techniques for dynamic systems,
• Formulate control methodologies in feedback, feedforward and cascade loops,
• Recognise and critically appraise the key design tools and procedures for continuous and discrete controllers of dynamic systems.

• Dr Vinod Kumar

This module provides you with an overview of the fundamental principles of typical unit operations in process plants.

• Overview of process plant operations:
  • equipment for resource recovery, raw material preparation, downstream processing, effluent control and services.
• Contactors: 
  • stirred vessels (impeller design, flow patterns, flow and turbulence, power input, mixing, gas-liquid and liquid-liquid contact, non-Newtonian fluids), fluidised beds, packed beds, bubbling columns, two-phase flow, pulsed columns, rotating disc and Rushton-Oldshue columns.
• Evaporators:
  • design of heating calandria, climbing film, boiling heat fluxes, multiple effect, scraped film, vapour recompressions.
• Crystallisers:
  • cooling and evaporative, solubilities, primary and secondary nucleation, crystal growth, size distributions, precipitation.
• Dryers:
  • batch drying, constant and falling rates, diffusion in pores, adiabatic saturation, continuous drying, pneumatic dryers, spray dryers, evaporation from single drop, droplet trajectories,  freeze dryers.
• Thickeners:
  • design of sedimentation basins, motion of particles in fluids, Stoke's law, hindered settling, size of basing.
• Filters:
  • review of designs, Darcy's and Ruth's equations, incompressible and compressible cakes constant rate and constant pressure.
• Centrifugal separators:
  • centrifugal principles, basket, disc stack, horizontal bowl, batch and continuous operations.
• Effluent control:
  • gas absorption, packed columns, hydraulics, flooding, mass transfer, solubility, cyclones and hydrocyclones, coalescer designs for liquid-liquid separation, de-misters.
• Services:
  • simultaneous heat and mass transfer in humidification and water cooling, design of water cooling towers.
• Scale-up:
  • general rules and specific procedures.
• Distillation:
  • vapour-liquid equilibrium, types of distillation, distillation with reflux, distillation column design and operation. 
• Case Study: 
  • selection of operating conditions for an ammonia synthesis process.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Critically evaluate detailed design features and operating characteristics of the main components of process plants,
• Critically evaluate the limitations and operating difficulties inherent in process equipment and how to overcome operational problems for industrial processes,
• Carry out design calculations for a wide range of process plant equipment,
• Identify the most appropriate equipment components for a given process plant application.

• Dr Ali Nabavi

Design of optimum thermal and energy storage systems is one of the key prerequisites to enhance the performance and efficiency of conventional and future energy systems.

This module aims to enable you to combine and apply the principles of heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in the design and optimisation of commercial thermal systems. In addition, the module introduces you to a wide range of challenges and opportunities in waste heat recovery and energy storage, and provides practical approaches and solutions to enhance the system efficiency.

Heat exchanger Design and Operation

• Heat exchangers: classification, theoretical principles and design of recuperative systems (effectiveness, NTU and capacity ratio approach for parallel-, counter- and cross-flow configurations), series cross‑flow arrangements, regenerative heat exchangers (intermittent and continuous systems), pressure‑loss assessment, heat‑exchanger optimisation (optimal pressure drop and surface area to maximise economic returns),
• Process integration: heat-exchanger network, utility systems, fundamentals of pinch analysis and energy analysis.

Waste Heat Recovery and Thermal Storage

• Waste‑heat recovery: sources of waste heat, heat recovery for industrial applications, energy density considerations, economics of waste-heat recovery,
• Thermal storage: principles and application to hot and cold systems, storage duration and scale, sensible and latent heat systems, phase-change storage materials, application to source and load matching.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

• Application of refrigeration and air conditioning.
• Vapour-compression refrigeration systems: simple systems, multi-stage compressor systems, multi-evaporator systems,
• Refrigerants: halocarbon refrigerants, CFC alternatives, refrigerant-selection criteria,
• Refrigeration compressors: reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors, scroll compressors, vane compressors, centrifugal compressors,
• Absorption refrigeration: the absorption process, properties of fluid-pair solutions, the basic absorption cycle, double-effect systems, advances in absorption-refrigeration technology,
• Psychrometry and principle Air-conditioning processes: psychrometry, heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification processes.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Analyse and design heat exchangers, competently applying the principles of heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics,
• Construct optimised heat exchanger networks by applying principles of process integration,
• Recognise and debate  the issues related to the efficient use of thermal energy and appraise  techniques and technologies employed,
• Design and analyse the performance of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

• Dr Dawid Hanak

This module aims to introduce you to the modern techniques and computer aided engineering tools for the design, simulation and optimisation of process systems. Via a large share of process simulation and optimisation case studies, the module will enable you to gather the hands-on experience of using the commercial software.

Process Design
• Overview: Conceptual process design. Process flow-sheeting,
• Process synthesis: Overview of a process system. Recycle structure of the flowsheet. Design of reaction and separation systems,
• Process integration: Basic concepts of process integration for heat exchanger network design,
• Process economic analysis: Equipment capital cost estimation. Process profitability analysis.
Process Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation
• Modelling and simulation: Basic concepts of process modelling. General concepts of simulation. Introduction to steady and dynamic process simulation. Introduction to commercial simulation software packages (i.e, Aspen HYSYS) for process flow-sheeting, design and analysis,
• Process optimisation techniques: Basic principles of optimisation. Presentation of a number of industrial case studies (e.g., heat exchanges network synthesis).
Case Studies (PC Lab and Demonstration Sessions)
• A number of process simulation and optimisation case studies will be carried out using Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Formulate strategies to carry out a process design and critically appraise the techniques and major commercial simulation tools for steady and dynamic process simulation,  
• Competently apply the basic principles of process optimisation,
• Design and analyse the performance of a process plant using simulation or optimisation tools.

• Dr Dawid Hanak

This practical-focused module provides you with a critical understanding of the key differences and challenges in pilot-scale working.  The module uses several pilot-scale energy facilities at Cranfield, aligned to the aims of the courses attending the module; covering thermochemical and biochemical processes. In addition to operating the facilities, you will conduct a laboratory exercise to characterise the input and output materials (e.g. waste feedstock and solid residues) in parallel with a group exercise of monitoring and operating the pilot facility.

Where appropriate there will be a visit to an external site, such as a waste management facility, to collect samples for analysis in the laboratory and within the pilot plant(s). 

Policies and legislation regarding the environmental, health and safety responsibilities of operating at pilot to commercial-scale.

• Moving from the laboratory to pilot-scale,
• The Cranfield facilities- fluidised-bed and downdraft gasification, anaerobic digestion and chemical looping rig,
• Understanding the chemical/physical parameters of feedstock and how these are used to identify suitable process options,
• Explored further as part of a laboratory session covering feedstock characterisation,
• Management of post-energy recovery residues (bottom ash, fly ash, digestate etc),
• Technical/scientific writing and reporting skills.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Explain the key thermo/bio-chemical processes involved in recovering energy from biomass and wastes;
• Critically evaluate the main operational challenges in operating thermal and biochemical processes;
• Discuss and assess the properties of input materials, outline the relevance of the data obtained and critically analyse how feedstock parameters effect the output gases and solid residues.

The importance of technology leadership in driving the technical aspects of an organisation's products, innovation, programmes, operations and strategy is paramount, especially in today’s turbulent commercial environment with its unprecedented pace of technological development. As demand for ever more complex products and services has become the norm, one of the challenges for today’s manager is to deal with uncertainty, to allow technological innovation and change to flourish, whilst also remaining within planned parameters of performance. This module helps to develop your understanding of management processes within an organisational context, so that when you seek employment you are equipped with both the extensive subject/discipline knowledge and the ability to relate it to a management context.

• Engineers and Technologists in organisations:
  • the role of organisations and the challenges facing engineers and technologies,
• People management:
  • understanding you, understanding other people, working in teams and dealing with conflicts.
• The Business Environment:
  • understanding the business environment; identifying key trends and their implications for the organisation.
• Strategy and Marketing:
  • developing effective strategies, focusing on the customer, building competitive advantage, the role of strategic assets.
• Finance:
  • profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, cash flow forecasting, project appraisal.
• New product development:
  • commercialising technology, market drivers, time to market, focusing technology, concerns.
• Business game:
  • Working in teams (companies), you will set up and run a technology company and make decisions on investment, R&D funding, operations, marketing and sales strategy,
• Negotiation:
  • preparation for negotiations, negotiation process, win-win solutions.
• Presentation skills:
  • understanding your audience, focusing your message, successful presentations, getting your message across.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• Recognise the importance of teamwork in the performance and success of organisations with particular reference to commercialising technological innovation,
• Operate as an effective team member, recognising the contribution of individuals within the team, and capable of developing team working skills in yourself and others to improve the overall performance of a team,
• Compare and evaluate the impact of the key functional areas (strategy, marketing and finance) on the commercial performance of an organisation, relevant to the manufacture of a product or provision of a technical service,
• Design and deliver an effective presentation that justifies and supports any decisions or recommendations made,
• Argue and defend your judgements through constructive communication and negotiating skills.

• Dr Patrick Verdin

This module introduces you to the CFD techniques and tools for modelling, simulating and analysing practical engineering problems with hands on experience using commercial software packages used in industry.

• Introduction to CFD & thermo-fluids: introduction to the physics of thermo-fluids, governing equations (continuity, momentum, energy and species conservation) and state of the art computational fluid dynamics including modelling, grid generation, simulation, and high performance computing. Case study of industrial problems related to energy, process systems, offshore engineering, and the physical processes where CFD can be used,
• Computational engineering exercise: specification for a CFD simulation, requirements for accurate analysis and validation for multi scale problems, introduction to turbulence & practical applications of turbulence models, introduction to turbulence and turbulent flows, traditional turbulence modelling,
• Advanced turbulence modelling: introduction to Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations and large-eddy simulation (LES),
• Practical sessions: fluid process problems are solved employing the widely-used industrial flow solver software FLUENT. Lectures are followed by practical sessions on single/multiphase flows, heat transfer, to set up and simulate a problem incrementally.  Practical sessions cover the entire CFD process including geometric modelling, grid generation, flow solver, analysis, validation and visualisation.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

• assemble and evaluate the different components of the CFD process,
• explain the governing equations for fluid flows and how to solve them computationally,
• compare and contrast various methods for simulating turbulent flows applicable to mechanical and process engineering,
• set up simulations and evaluate a practical problem using a commercial CFD package,
• design CFD modelling studies for use in industrial design of complex systems.