Fluid mechanics is one of the most important chemical, mechanical, civil, and related engineering subjects. The term "Fluid Mechanics" is often used in mechanical and civil engineering-related studies. The term "Fluid Flow Phenomenon" is more widely used for chemical engineering-related studies.
What is Fluid Mechanics (Fluid Flow Phenomenon)?
Fluid Mechanics (Fluid Flow Phenomenon) is a study of fluids that are at rest or moving. Fluid Mechanics deals with how fluid or fluid flow will get affected by various parameters such as velocity change, pressure change, or elevation change. Also, Fluid Mechanics helps us understand different types of fluids and their important characteristics. Major equipment studies in fluid mechanics are used to measure pressure, velocity, or flow to control the fluid flow.
Classification of Fluid Mechanics
The fluid mechanics subject can be divided into three parts.
- Fluid Statics: Study of fluid at rest. How the pressure change takes place at various elevations due to the effect of gravity is the main aim of fluid statics. Hydrostatic equilibrium, manometers, and pressure measurement of static fluid are essential topics of fluid statics.
- Fluid Kinematics: Study of flow (velocity) of fluid. How velocity change takes place is the main aim of fluid kinematics. Types of the flow of fluid, path lines, streamlines, stream tubes, and several laws such as mass, momentum, and energy conservation are part of fluid kinematics.
- Fluid Dynamics: Study of the effect of forces of flowing fluid or fluid at rest. Types of fluids, the relation between shear stress and the shear rate of different fluids, and kinematic and dynamic viscosities ome important topics of fluid dynamics.