Fluid Mechanics

Synopsis

Fluid Mechanics is the study of fluids as an important branch of engineering mechanics. Almost everything on this planet either is a fluid or moves within or near a fluid. The essence of the subject of fluid flow is a judicious compromise between theory and experiment. This textbook not only makes a great deal of theoretical treatment available, but also provides experimental results as a natural and easy complement to the theory. The principles considered in the book are fundamental, and have been well established. However, in presenting this important subject, we have drawn on our own ideas and experience. Throughout the revisions, the informal and student-oriented writing style has been retained and further enhanced, and if it succeeds, has the flavor of an interactive lecture by the authors.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction and Basic Concepts

* Summary: Provides an overview of fluid mechanics, its applications, and fundamental concepts such as mass, volume, density, pressure, and temperature.
* Real Example: Understanding how the density of water affects buoyancy and the floating of objects in a swimming pool.

Chapter 2: Fluid Statics

* Summary: Examines fluids at rest, including hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy, and Archimedes' principle.
* Real Example: Calculating the force acting on a submerged object in a water tank to determine its weight.

Chapter 3: Fluid Dynamics

* Summary: Introduces fluid motion, continuity equation, Bernoulli's equation, and applications such as pipe flow and flow over objects.
* Real Example: Designing an airplane wing using Bernoulli's equation to create lift and reduce drag.

Chapter 4: Dimensional Analysis and Similarity

* Summary: Explores the use of dimensionless numbers to analyze fluid flow and scale experimental results.
* Real Example: Using the Reynolds number to predict the type of flow in a pipe.

Chapter 5: Viscous Flow

* Summary: Focuses on the effects of fluid viscosity on flow, including laminar and turbulent flow, shear stress, and boundary layers.
* Real Example: Determining the drag force on an object moving through a fluid, considering both viscosity and shape.

Chapter 6: Compressible Flow

* Summary: Investigates fluids at high speeds, including the effects of compressibility, shock waves, and supersonic flow.
* Real Example: Designing a rocket engine nozzle using supersonic flow principles.

Chapter 7: Flow Measurement

* Summary: Introduces techniques for measuring fluid flow, including velocity, pressure, and flow rate.
* Real Example: Using a pitot tube to measure the airspeed of an aircraft.

Chapter 8: Fluid Machinery

* Summary: Examines different types of fluid machinery, including pumps, turbines, and compressors.
* Real Example: Designing a centrifugal pump to circulate water in a cooling system.

Chapter 9: Open Channel Flow

* Summary: Focuses on the flow of fluids in open channels, including uniform flow, non-uniform flow, and hydraulic structures.
* Real Example: Designing a channel to convey water in an irrigation system, considering flow depth and velocity.

Chapter 10: Environmental Fluid Mechanics

* Summary: Explores the applications of fluid mechanics in environmental engineering, including water pollution, air pollution, and climate change.
* Real Example: Using computational fluid dynamics to simulate the transport of pollutants in an estuary.