Cleveland State University

Department of Mechanical Engineering

MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024
Course Project

Name:
CSU ID:

Please read and follow these instructions carefully.

1. This assignment is required for all students. It fulfills the “Course Project” assessment as
shown in section VIII of the syllabus.
2. Individual Assignment: Each student must work on a different research topic relevant to
the course material.
3. Project Proposal Submission: Students are required to submit a Project Proposal via
Blackboard by October 8, 2024. If you have doubts about your project idea, you can
meet in person or email the instructor for guidance before submitting it. After
submission, if your proposal needs modification, the instructor will contact you.
Otherwise, if you don’t hear back, your project is accepted.
4. Progress Report: Submit a mid-project update that includes your current progress,
challenges faced, and any preliminary results. This report is due by November 1, 2024.
5. Oral Presentation: Oral presentations are scheduled for November 19, November 21,
December 3, and December 5, 2024. Each student will have 10 minutes (8 minutes for
the presentation and 2 minutes for Q&A). Submit your slides via email at least 24 hours
before the presentation day or bring your own laptop. The specific presentation schedule
will be posted on Blackboard.
6. Final Report: Maximum of 10-page report prepared in LaTeX using Overleaf, due on
December 6, 2024, end of the day. The report should be submitted via Blackboard.

Assignment Maximum Mark Actual Mark

Project proposal 10

Project progress report 30

Oral presentation 20

Final report 40

Total 100
 Cleveland State University
MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024

Course Project Description

The course project for MCE 430/530 serves as a major component of the Applied Fluid Mechanics
curriculum. It provides an opportunity for students to apply theoretical concepts to practical or research-
based fluid mechanics problems. The project is designed to enhance problem-solving skills, facilitate
hands-on experience with analytical and computational tools, and promote critical thinking.
Objective: The objective of the project is to apply the principles of fluid mechanics to real-world applied
problems. Through this project, students will demonstrate their capacity to identify a problem, develop a
methodology to tackle it, collect and analyze data, and present their findings in both oral and written
formats.
General Expectations:
• Independence: Each project will be an individual effort, and students should be prepared to
manage their project from conception to completion.
• Commitment: Students should allocate time each week to progress their project, adhering to the
proposed timeline.
• Professionalism: All communication and documentation should reflect a high standard of
academic and professional conduct.
Detailed Project Guidelines
1. Project Proposal
Due Date: October 8, 2024, 11:59 pm (Submit via Blackboard)
Project Scope: The Project Proposal serves as a first step in outlining your project’s direction, including
its scope, methodology, and relevance to the course material. Students can either select a topic from a
library of project ideas provided or design their own project based on the scope of the course.
• Design Projects: These projects may involve the creation or testing of fluid systems,
computational models, or the enhancement of mechanical designs using principles of fluid
mechanics.
• Research Projects: These can include computational or theoretical investigations into fluid
mechanics phenomena, providing new insights or advancements in the field.
Library of Project Ideas: A collection of project ideas will be provided on Blackboard to help guide your
selection. Students can choose from these topics or, using them as inspiration, propose their own project.
Selection Process:
• Submission: You are required to submit a Project Proposal document via Blackboard by October
8, 2024.
• Review: If your project requires revisions, the instructor will contact you for modifications. If you
do not hear back, it means your project is accepted.
• Office Hours and Email Support: If you are unsure about the scope or focus of your project,
consult with the instructor either in person during office hours or by email before submitting.
Proposal Format:
In addition to the library of project ideas, a sample proposal will be provided to help you prepare your
proposal. Your proposal should be a one-page document (submitted as a PDF) that answers the
following questions:
1. Background: What context or prior research does your project build upon?

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MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024

2. Problem Description: Clearly define the fluid mechanics problem you will be addressing.
3. Proposed Methodology: Choose one or a combination of theoretical, computational, machine
learning, and experimental methods
4. Relevance to Course: Explain how your project aligns with the course objectives and applies the
principles of fluid mechanics.
Methodology Overview:
• Theoretical Methods: Best suited for simplified, idealized systems where exact solutions are
possible using mathematical derivations.
• Computational Methods (CFD): Useful for solving complex, real-world fluid dynamics problems
that are computationally intensive, such as turbulent flow around an object.
• Machine Learning/AI: Ideal for handling large datasets or optimizing fluid mechanics problems,
where traditional methods may be too time-consuming.
• Experimental Methods: Appropriate when physical validation is needed, or you wish to observe
fluid dynamics firsthand in a controlled environment.
• Hybrid Approach: You may also combine methods (e.g., using CFD to simulate and experiments
to validate).
• The choice of method should depend on your project’s objectives, available resources, and the
complexity of the problem you are solving. Students are encouraged to select a method that not
only fits the project scope but also allows them to demonstrate a solid understanding of fluid
mechanics principles.
Resources:
• You are encouraged to use the department’s available laboratories, software, and databases.
• Leverage academic journals and other resources for background research and methodology
development.
• Use online platforms, i.e. YouTube, to learn more about the methodologies and tools

2. Progress Report
Due Date: November 1, 2024, 11:59 pm (Submit via Blackboard)
Purpose: The Progress Report is designed to provide a snapshot of your project at the mid-point of the
semester. It should demonstrate your progress, outline any challenges encountered, and present
preliminary results. This report helps ensure you are on the right track and gives you an opportunity to
receive feedback before finalizing your work.
Requirements:
• Length: Maximum of 5 pages, submitted as a PDF.
• Content: The report should include the following sections:
1. Restatement of the Problem:
o Clearly restate the fluid mechanics problem you are solving.
o Mention any updates or refinements you have made to the problem based on your
research or instructor feedback.
2. Methodology:
o Provide detailed information about the methods and tools you are using in your project.

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MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024

o Indicate whether you are using theoretical methods, computational tools (CFD), machine
learning, experimental methods, or a hybrid approach.
o Describe any specific software, hardware, or equipment you are utilizing (e.g., ANSYS,
MATLAB, Python libraries, lab equipment).
3. Current Progress:
o Theoretical Work: If your project involves theoretical methods, discuss any calculations
or analytical solutions you have developed thus far.
o Simulations/Computations: If you are using CFD or other computational methods, report
on the current state of your simulations (e.g., mesh generation, boundary conditions set,
early results).
o Machine Learning Models: If using ML/AI, describe your data collection and
preprocessing, and how your model training is progressing.
o Experimental Work: For experimental projects, provide an update on the setup, tests
conducted, and any data collected.
4. Challenges Faced:
o Identify any technical, methodological, or logistical issues you have encountered so far.
o Discuss how you are addressing or plan to overcome these challenges.
o If applicable, indicate if you need additional resources or guidance to solve these issues.
5. Preliminary Results:
o Present any early results you have obtained (e.g., initial simulation outputs, experimental
data, theoretical insights).
o These results can be in the form of graphs, charts, data tables, or qualitative observations.
o If no significant results are available yet, explain what you expect to achieve in the
coming weeks and the reasons for any delays.
6. Next Steps:
o Outline your plan for completing the project.
o Detail the remaining tasks, including additional simulations, experiments, or analysis.
o Provide a timeline of what you intend to accomplish between now and the project’s final
submission.
Tips for Writing the Progress Report:
• Be concise but thorough: Stay within the page limit, but make sure each section is clearly
explained.
• Use visuals where appropriate: Graphs, charts, and images can help convey your progress more
effectively.
• Focus on challenges: It’s important to highlight the obstacles you are facing so that you can get
feedback and support where needed.
• Ensure clarity: If any part of the project has changed since the proposal stage, clearly explain the
reason for these changes.
Purpose of Feedback: Once submitted, the instructor will review your progress and provide feedback.
This feedback will help guide you toward successfully completing the final stages of your project. If you
are behind schedule or encountering significant challenges, the feedback will help you course-correct
before the final deadline.
3. Oral Presentation
As a communication opportunity for your course project, an oral presentation will be held in weeks 13
and 15, serving as a platform for students to showcase the entirety of their work. This presentation is an
essential component of the project, allowing students to articulate the journey of their research or design
from inception to conclusion.

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 Cleveland State University
MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024

Scheduled Dates: November 19, November 21, December 3, December 5, 2024. Specific presentation
slots will be assigned and posted on Blackboard. MCE430 students will present first, followed by
MCE530 students.
Duration: 10 minutes (8-minute presentation, 2-minute Q&A). You will have 10 minutes to present your
project to the class, followed by a brief Q&A session where the audience (your classmates and instructor)
will ask questions. It’s essential to stay within the time limit, as this is part of your evaluation.
Presentation Content: Your oral presentation should cover the following points, ensuring that the
audience gains a comprehensive understanding of your project:
1. Introduction:
o Provide a brief introduction to the topic.
o Explain the background and significance of the fluid mechanics problem you are
addressing.
2. Problem Statement:
o Clearly define the fluid mechanics problem and its relevance.
o State your project’s objectives and the research question or hypothesis you are working
on.
3. Methodology:
o Describe the approach you used, whether it’s theoretical, computational (CFD), machine
learning (ML/AI), or experimental.
o Highlight the tools, software, or equipment you used to solve the problem (e.g., ANSYS,
MATLAB, Python, wind tunnel, PIV).
o Briefly explain how you implemented your chosen method, especially for complex
methods like CFD simulations or ML model training.
4. Results:
o Present the key findings of your project.
o Use visuals like graphs, charts, images, or simulations to illustrate your results.
o Explain how the results align with your initial expectations or whether they revealed any
unexpected outcomes.
5. Discussion:
o Discuss the implications of your results.
o Address the significance of your findings in the context of fluid mechanics and how they
contribute to understanding the problem.
o Mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
6. Conclusion:
o Summarize your project’s main contributions.
o Provide a brief conclusion that wraps up the key takeaways from your work.
Tips for Success:
1. Timing: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure that you stay within the 8-minute
limit. Focus on the most important points and avoid excessive detail in the presentation.
2. Visuals: Use visuals effectively to enhance your presentation. This can include:
• Graphs, charts, and data visualizations.
• Simulation or experimental results.
• Simple, uncluttered slides that support your explanation.

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MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024

3. Clarity and Engagement: Speak clearly and confidently. Engage your audience by making eye
contact and avoiding reading directly from your slides. Your goal is to explain your project in an
accessible way that your peers can understand.
4. Anticipate Questions: Prepare for the 2-minute Q&A session. Think about potential questions
your classmates or instructor might ask based on your project content.
5. Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure a polished delivery.
Submission of Slides:
• Submit Slides: You must submit your presentation slides via email to the instructor at least 24
hours before your scheduled presentation.
• Laptop Setup: Alternatively, you may bring your own laptop to present. Ensure that it’s ready to
go and can easily connect to the classroom’s projection system.
Evaluation Criteria: Your oral presentation will be graded on the following factors:
Criteria Marks
Depth and understanding 5
Organization and structure 4
Use of visual aids 4
Adherence to the time limit 4
Clarity of communication 3

4. Final Report
Due Date: December 6, 2024, 11:59 pm (Submit via Blackboard)
Purpose: The Final Report is the culmination of your project. It should present a comprehensive overview
of your work, from the problem statement to the final results and conclusions. This report is a critical part
of the course, demonstrating your understanding of applied fluid mechanics concepts, as well as your
ability to apply them through theoretical, computational, experimental, or machine learning methods.
Length: The report should be a maximum of 10 pages, including all figures and tables (excluding
references and appendix).
Format:
• The report must be prepared in LaTeX using the Overleaf platform.
• Submission Requirements: Submit both the LaTeX source file (.tex) and the compiled PDF via
Blackboard.
Report Structure: The report should be organized into the following sections.
1. Abstract (150-200 words):
• Provide a summary of your project, including the objective, methods, key results, and
conclusions.
• The abstract should give readers a quick overview of the project’s main points.
2. Introduction:
• Introduce the topic and the specific fluid mechanics problem you are addressing.
• Include background information on the subject and explain the importance of solving this
problem.
• Clearly state the objectives of the project and the research question or hypothesis you are
addressing.
3. Methodology:

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MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024

• Describe the methods and tools you used in detail. Specify whether you used theoretical,
computational (CFD), machine learning (ML/AI), or experimental methods.
• Theoretical Method: Discuss any analytical work or equations solved.
• CFD: Include details about the grid generation, boundary conditions, and turbulence models
(if applicable).
• ML/AI: Describe your dataset, the algorithms used, and model training.
• Experimental Method: Explain the experimental setup, tools used (e.g., wind tunnels, flow
meters), and procedures followed.
• Clearly explain how you implemented the chosen methodology to solve the problem.
4. Results:
• Present the key findings of your project.
• Include relevant figures, tables, and graphs to illustrate your results.
• For computational or experimental results, provide visualizations such as flow fields, pressure
distributions, or drag force measurements.
• Compare your results to expected values (if applicable) or previous studies and discuss any
deviations.
5. Discussion:
• Interpret your results and discuss their implications in the context of the project.
• Address any unexpected findings or challenges you encountered during the project.
• Discuss the accuracy and reliability of your results, especially if using computational or
experimental methods. Consider factors such as mesh independence for CFD or experimental
error margins.
• Relate the findings back to the initial problem statement and discuss how they contribute to a
deeper understanding of the fluid mechanics problem.
6. Conclusion:
• Summarize the overall findings and conclusions of your project.
• Restate how your work addressed the project objectives and whether the problem was
successfully solved.
• Suggest potential future work or applications of your results in the field of fluid mechanics.
7. References:
• Include a comprehensive list of all sources cited in the report, including books, journal
articles, and websites.
• Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, IEEE) and LaTeX bibliography management (e.g.,
BibTeX).
8. Appendix (Optional):
• Include any additional material that supports your report but is too detailed to include in the main
text (e.g., extended mathematical derivations, code snippets, additional figures).

Tips for Writing the Final Report:

• Be concise and focused: Stick to the required length and ensure that each section flows logically
into the next.
• Use visuals effectively: Incorporate diagrams, flow charts, graphs, and tables to support your
explanation, especially in the results section.
• Ensure clarity: Write clearly and avoid jargon, ensuring that the reader can follow your work even
if they are not an expert in your specific problem.
• Proofread: Double-check for spelling, grammar, and formatting issues. It’s recommended to have
someone else review your report for clarity and errors before submission.

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MCE 430/530 – Applied Fluid Mechanics – Fall 2024

LaTeX and Overleaf resources:

If you are not familiar with Overleaf or LaTeX, you will find several resources to get started. Overleaf is
a user-friendly platform that offers many templates and resources to help you write your report.
• Start by creating a free account at Overleaf.
• Utilize the Overleaf Documentation for tutorials and tips.
• Use the LaTeX Wikibook for a more comprehensive understanding of LaTeX.
• Explore Overleaf Templates to find the one that best fits the report structure outlined above.
The following LaTeX template is provided as a sample to guide the structure and formatting of your final
report. While this template serves as a starting point, please feel free to modify it or use a similar structure
that best fits the content and requirements of your project when working on Overleaf.

\documentclass[12pt,a4paper]{article}

\usepackage[english]{babel}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage[colorinlistoftodos]{todonotes}
\usepackage{hyperref}

\title{Your Project Title Here}

\author{Student Name\\
MCE 430 or 530 Applied Fluid Mechanics\\
Cleveland State University}

\date{\today}

\begin{document}
\maketitle

\begin{abstract}
Your abstract here.
\end{abstract}

\section{Introduction}
Introduce the topic and provide background information.

\section{Methodology}
Detail the approach, computational tools, and methods used in the project.

\section{Results}
Present and describe the findings of the project.

\section{Discussion}
Discuss the results and any implications or potential applications.

\section{Conclusion}
Summarize the project and its impact on the field of fluid mechanics.

\section*{References}

\bibliographystyle{plain}
\bibliography{references}

\section*{Appendix}
Add detailed derivations if necessary.

\end{document}