Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MATH 462 D100

Fluid Dynamics (3)

Class Number: 5345

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of MATH 314, MATH 418, PHYS 384, with a minimum grade of C-. An alternative to the above prerequisite is both of MATH 251 and (MATH 260 or MATH 310), both with grades of at least B+.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Incompressible fluid flow phenomena: kinematics and equations of motion, viscous flow and boundary layer theory, potential flow, water waves. Aerodynamics. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Fluid dynamics, the study of the motion of liquids and gases, is one of the classical branches of applied mathematics. Areas in the geosciences such as meteorology, oceanography, hydrology and glaciology, draw heavily on this mathematics for their quantitative underpinnings. The central theme of this course is the development of the mathematics for understanding the basic variables that describe the motion of fluids: flow velocity, pressure and density.

The modelling of fluids applies ideas from ODEs & PDEs, complex analysis and numerical computing. The priorities for the term are: deriving the differential equations of motion from basic physical principles, developing techniques for finding special solutions, and most importantly, interpreting these results for a quantitative understanding of fluid processes in our Earth’s environmental system. Computer visualization will be an essential accompaniment to the lectures and assigned work. The rudiments of numerical computing and graphics will be introduced through the use and modification of downloaded scripts (Python).

The ultimate goal is to use mathematics to demystify, in a quantitative way, questions about important flow patterns of our planet. As in, how does the Earth’s rotation influence the weather we see in BC? Why are there jetstreams and gulfstreams, and how do they contribute to our understanding of climate?

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.