Fluid mechanics

Fluid mechanics involves the study of fluid kinematics and fluid dynamics.

Fluid kinematics is the study of fluid motion and fluid dynamics is the study of the effect of forces on fluid motion.

The study of fluid mechanics poses a challenge as fluid will take shape of their container. Hence it’s necessary to understand dynamics of flow of a fluid.

Mechanics in general means study of motion and forces that act a body to set it in motion. In study of fluid mechanics the state of the body / object will be either in liquid / gaseous state.

Note: Even plasma state of matter is considered as a fluid.

Fluid mechanics consists of linear form or turbulent form. Same fluid when exerted with different pressure, velocity and body force will either flow in a linear flow or a turbulent flow. Depending upon the external forces and forces acting within the fluid the flow of fluid can be controlled.

Most important force acting within a fluid is the internal resistance of the fluid. This is called viscosity of a fluid. This resistance obstructs the flow of fluid. Fluid mechanics deals with study of forces required nullify the effect of viscosity of the fluid and to maintain a steady flow if the fluid. Effect of pressure on a fluid has to be considered to control the flow of the fluid. If there is no external force, the velocity of flow decreases and becomes zero. Hence viscosity of a fluid has to be controlled in an effective way to control the flow of the fluid.

Example: in fluid mechanics we study the forces required to direct a certain amount of water through a pipe over a shaft. The kinetic energy of the water (fluid) will set the shaft in motion. The measurement of kinetic energy of the water as compared to resultant rotation of the shaft is then calculated.