Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The mechanics of fluids in biological and biomedical systems differs from industrial applications as most of the fluids encountered exhibit viscosity that changes in a non-linear manner with shear rate. It is therefore necessary, when designing a second course in the mechanics of fluids for medical engineers, to examine the particular properties of the fluids that might be encountered and to introduce techniques to analyse their behaviour. It is also important to consider how the properties of the fluids relate to their biological function and the relevance of their properties to the design of associated equipment.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the characteristics of real flows and, in particular, to give you an appreciation of biofluids. This requires an understanding of the basic principles of the mechanics of viscous fluids and techniques to analyse their behaviour and how they interact with the surfaces of implants.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Understand the basic concepts and theories used to analyse the flow properties of real fluids.
2. Solve simple numerical problems related to the flow of biofluids.
3. Retrieve, evaluate and use relevant information in order to communicate knowledge of biofluid mechanics to others not familiar with the subject.
4. Analyse and explain the properties of biofluids in relation to their physiological function.
5. Analyse the shear stresses caused by boundary layers that are produced when biofluids flow over surfaces.
6. Work efficiently on your own and as part of a group undertaking assignments and written reports.

Content

Introduction to the question,"What is a Biofluid?" Viscosity; Flow Properties of Blood; Reynold's Number
Assignment on medical devices that interact with biofluids
Laminar Flow between flat plates; Laminar flow through a circular pipe; Measurement of Viscosity
Laminar flow of a non-Newtonian liquid in a circular pipe; Reynold's equation; Application of Reynold's equation to a plane inclined slider bearing
Turbulent flow
Dimensional analysis
Modeling and physical similarity
Friction and wear
Introduction to lubrication; lubrication of biological joints
Biofluid pumps
Boundary layers; effect of pressure gradient on boundary layers
Laboratory activities with biofluids and devices

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode:
Hours per Week: 3-5 hrs/wk
Lectures: 2 hrs/wk
Tutorials: 1hr/wk
Laboratories/Practicals: 2 hrs/wk (weeks 3-7)

Formal lectures will introduce you to the basic building blocks of knowledge required to characterise and model the flow of real fluids. Practical examples will be used to illustrate these principles. Tutorial exercises will give you practice at applying the knowledge and principles outlined in the lectures. Worked solutions will be made available progressively during the semester. You will undertake a group assignment to develop your ability to access information, increase your understanding and communicate your findings. You will submit a report and present a seminar on the assignment. Laboratory classes will illustrate and highlight practical applications of the theory and provide an opportunity for you to operate real devices of the kind that you may use and design in your future career.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on the written review and seminar, laboratory reports and the end-of-semester examination.Formative feedback will be provided in tutorials, laboratories and on draft laboratory reports. Summative assessment will be based on a final laboratory report, the written review and the seminar presentation.

Assessment name: Written Review & Presentation
Description: You will be required to review the history of different kinds of medical devices that interact with biofluids. This is a group exercise to write a written review and to present the review orally to the class.
Relates to objectives: 3. Retrieve, evaluate and use relevant information in order to communicate knowledge of biofluid mechanics to others not familiar with the subject
4. Analyse and explain the properties of biofluids in relation to their physiological function
6. Work efficiently on your own and as part of a group undertaking assignments and written reports.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Wk 9

Assessment name: Laboratory Report
Description: During the semester you will undertake three laboratory classes concerning the flow of real fluids and biomedical devices. You will write as formal report on each and receive written feedback. You will then submit a final good copy of one report that will be marked.
Relates to objectives: 1. Understand the basic concepts and theories used to analyse the flow properties of real fluids
4. Analyse and explain the properties of biofluids in relation to their physiological function
6. Work efficiently on your own and as part of a group undertaking assignments and written reports.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Wks 3 - 9

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: You will be required to solve problems concerning the flow of biofluids and their interaction with devices and surfaces and interpret the function of biofluids in relation to their physiological function.
Relates to objectives: 1. Understand the basic concepts and theories used to analyse the flow properties of real fluids
2. Solve simple numerical problems related to the flow of biofluids
4. Analyse and explain the properties of biofluids in relation to their physiological function
5. Analyse the shear stresses caused by boundary layers that are produced when biofluids flow over surfaces
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Textbook:
Douglas JF, Gasiorek JM & Swaffield JA,
Fluid Mechanics,
Pitman International Press.

References:
Chimiel, H, and Walitza, E,
On the Rheology of Blood and Synovial Fluids, Research Studies Press, A Division of John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 1980.

Fung YC,
Biomechanics - Motion, Flow, Stress and Growth, Springer-Verlag, 1990

Fung YC,
Biomechanics - Mechanical Properties of iving Tissues,
2nd Ed.,Springer-Verlag, 1993

Fung YC,
Biomechanics - Circulation,
2nd Ed.,Springer-Verlag, 1996

Bronzino JD, Ed,
The Biomedical Engineering Handbook,
CRC Press, 1995

Brown BH, Smallwood RH, Barber DC, Lawford & Hose DR,
Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering,
Institute of Physics Publishing, 1999

Interest:
Fung YC, Ed, Introduction to Bioengineering, World Scientific, 2001
(Selection of recent publications - latest thinking in the area)

Online Resource:
Blackboard-ENB322-Biofluids

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

During the laboratory classes you will be exposed to electrical and mechanical machinery under the supervision of technical and academic staff. In any laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes).

You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the practical sessions and will be issued with a safety induction card. If you do not have a safety induction card you will be denied access to laboratories.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Feb-2013