NFYK10005U Continuum Mechanics
MSc Programme in Physics
MSc Programme in Physics with a minor
subject
In the macroscopic world, most materials that surround us e.g.
solids and liquids can safely be assumed to exist as continua, that
is, the materials completely fill the space they occupy and the
underlying atomic structures can be neglected. The course offers a
modern introduction to the physics of continuous matter with an
emphasis on examples from natural occurring systems (e.g. in the
physics of complex systems and the Earth sciences). Focus is
equally on the underlying formalism of continuum mechanics and
phenomenology. In the course you will become familiar with the
mechanical behavior of materials ranging from viscous fluids to
elastic solids.
A description of the deformation of solids is given, including the
concepts of mechanical equilibrium, the stress and strain tensors,
linear elasticity. A derivation is given of the Navier-Cauchy
equation as well as examples from elastostatics and elastodynamics
including elastic waves. A description of fluids in motion is given
including the Euler equations, potential flow, Stokes' flow and
the Navier-Stokes equation. Examples of numerical modeling of
continous matter will be given.
Skills
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to use the
fundamental physical laws of mass conservation, conservation of
momentum, and conservation of energy to derive partial differential
equations describing the behavior of objects modeled as a
continuum. The students will be able to calculate the stress and
strain during small deformations of linear elastic materials in
simple geometries as well as basic examples of fluid flow.
Knowledge
The student will be able 1) to describe the flow of ideal fluids in
basic idealized systems 2) to describe in detail the Navier-Stokes
equation and 3) be familiar with stress and strain tensors, linear
elasticity and the Navier-Cauchy equation
Competences
This course will provide the students with a competent background
for further studies within this research field, e.g. an M.Sc.
project.
The course will provide the students with tools that have
application in a range of fields within and beyond
physics.
To be announced on Absalon
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 24
- Theory exercises
- 35
- E-Learning
- 0,5
- Exam
- 146,5
- Total
- 206,0
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 30 min
- Type of assessment details
- Without preparation time
- Exam registration requirements
3 projects (group or individual) must be approved in order to take the oral exam
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
Same as regular exam. If a student has not fulfilled the exam registration requirement, they can hand in new projects no later than 3 weeks before the oral re-exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
SeeLearning Outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK10005U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 3
- Schedule
- B
- Course capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Aslak Grinsted (aslak@nbi.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Aslak Grinsted