MCG5111, Course Outline, Matei I.

Radulescu, Fall 2023, University of Ottawa

Gas Dynamics - MCG 5111

The course deals with fundamental elements of the dynamics of compressible fluids. Wave phenomena in acoustics, unsteady
gasdynamics and steady supersonic flows are emphasized, with application to unsteady problems of shock dynamics and explosions
and to steady problems of aeronautics and propulsion.

Instructor
Matei I Radulescu
matei@uottawa.ca
(613)562-5800(6720)
Office CBY A712

Office hours
Thursdays, 9:00 – 11:00

Course outline
Chapter 1: Euler equations for inviscid flow
Chapter 2: Acoustics
Chapter 3: Characteristics in 1D gasdynamics
Chapter 4: Shock waves
Chapter 5: Steady supersonic flow
Chapter 6: Quasi-1D approximations
Chapter 7: Shock-change equations
Chapter 8: Geometrical shock dynamics
Chapter 9: Similarity solutions for shock dynamics

Grading
- 50% Project work
MCG5111, Course Outline, Matei I. Radulescu, Fall 2023, University of Ottawa

Homework will be assigned for each chapter covered – emphasis will be on derivation of key mathematical results.

- 50% Final examination

The final examination will be a take-home examination. You should be able to do all derivations discussed in class, course notes and
homework assignments and have a sufficient proficiency of the methods highlighted to solve different physical problems.

Course notes and handouts:

Course notes will be made available on Brightspace.

Reference textbooks:
Anderson, J. D. Modern Compressible Flow with Historical Perspective 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill Publishers, 2003.
Comprehensive introduction to compressible flow focusing on propulsion applications.

Courant R. & Friedrichs K.O. 1948 Supersonic Flow and Shock Waves. Springer. Classic state of the art published post-
WWII.

Lee, J.H.S. The gasdynamics of explosions Cambridge, 2016. Clear exposition of more advanced material treated in the course.

Shapiro, A.H. 1953 The dynamics and thermodynamics of compressible fluid flow. Extensive material in two volumes.

Whitham G. B. Linear and nonlinear waves. Wiley 1999. Focuses on the wave interaction aspect of gasdynamics. Very lucid
writing.

Zel’dovich Ya. B. & Raizer, Yu. P. Physics of shock waves and high-temperature hydrodynamic phenomena. Dover 2002.
First part is an excellent introduction to compressible flows. Extension of compressible flow theory to real gases, solids and
liquids. Inexpensive Dover edition.