Hydrodynamics (Physics BSc and MSc)
This course contains an introduction to modern fluid mechanics, based on the first principles of classical mechanics and thermodynamics (conservation of mass, momentum, energy, etc.). There are no special prerequisites except some basic knowledge in calculus, linear algebra, and simple differential equations. "Hydrodynamics" is part of the Physics BSc and MSc programs but is equally suited and understandable for students from mathematics and engineering. This lecture should be particularly intersting for students planning to specialize in the Physics of the Ocean, Atmosphere, and Space in the Physics MSc program, for which this course is obligatory. The focus of the lecture is a carefully and mathematically sound derivation of the equations describing the motion of Newtonian fluids (Navier-Stokes Equations), and the discussion of simplifications leading to the famous Euler and Bernoulli equations. Special solutions of these equations will be discussed. The lecture is accompanied by bi-weekly excercise sessions with hands-on training and practical examples.
Turbulence in Fluids (Physics MSc)
This class provides a basic introduction into the fascinating world of turbulence in fluids, including a discussion of the basic equations of fluid motion, flow instability and chaos, statistical methods, spectral theory of turbulence, and state-of-the-art techniques to observe fluid turbulence. The lectures will be accompanied by a series of bi-weekly exercise sessions, allowing students to work with real data sets, and deepen their understanding of the material treated during the lectures. We will also conduct and analyze a laboratory experiment. This class is part of the Physics MSc program but is equally recommended for students from neighboring discplines like mathematics and engineering. Basic knowledge in fluid mechanics (Navier-Stokes equations) is advantageous but not strictly required. It is especially recommended for Physics students following the study track Physics of Ocean, Atmosphere, and Space.
Fourier Series and Spectral Analysis
Here, you find some supplementary material describing the basic spectral techniques required in turbulence theory and other applications in geophysics.These notes contain a brief introduction on Fourier series and transforms, spectra and co-spectra, filtering, and discrete Fourier transforms (DFT). Some MATLAB routines are provided were these things can be conveniently explored (using the same notation as in the notes).