Fluid mechanics principles from "summary" of Introduction to Fluid Mechanics by James A. Fay
Fluid mechanics is a fascinating topic which looks at how fluids behave, from the effects of external forces to the behaviour of fluids when confined in a container. It is a useful tool for understanding the behaviour of liquids and gases, and can help us to better understand the physical world.- Fluid mechanics is the study of how fluids behave and interact with each other or any fixed objects when in motion. It is an essential branch of physics that enables us to make predictions about the behavior of fluid systems.
- Pressure is one of the important topics in fluid mechanics as it describes the force exerted on a surface divided by its area. The atmospheric pressure decreases rapidly as we ascend higher up in the atmosphere.
- Fluid flow rate is another concept used to calculate the speed and direction of the particles and molecules of liquids and gases in motion. Bernoulli's theorem is relevant in this aspect which states that the faster a fluid moves at a lower pressure, the more energy it gains.
- Momentum transport principle helps us understand how a pressure gradient affects the total momentum of a moving fluid. This can be used to determine the forces acting on fluids in motion, such as drag and lift.
- The conservation of mass or mass continuity equation deals with the balance between input and output of mass through a system. The equations of continuity are valid for both incompressible and compressible fluids.
- Surface tension of a liquid is caused due to cohesion between adjacent molecules across the surface of the liquid. Examples include droplet formation from water using surface tension, and capillary action employed by some plants to draw water up their stems.
- Viscosity is the measure of the internal resistance within a fluid to flow when subjected to force. It is affected by temperature, with most fluids becoming less viscous when heated.
