Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

Fluid mechanics is the branch of physics that studies the behavior of fluids (liquids, gases, and plasmas) and the
forces acting on them.

Definition and Scope:

Fluid mechanics is concerned with the study of fluids in motion (fluid dynamics) and at rest (fluid statics). It has
wide applications in engineering, meteorology, oceanography, and many other fields.

Fundamental Concepts:

1. Fluid Properties:

• Density: Mass per unit volume of a fluid.

• Viscosity: A measure of a fluid's resistance to deformation and flow.

• Compressibility: A measure of how much volume of fluid decreases under pressure.

• Temperature: A measure of the thermal energy of a fluid.

2. Fluid Statics:

• Hydrostatics: Study of fluids at rest. Key principles include Pascal's Law (pressure applied to an
enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished) and Archimedes' Principle (buoyant force on a
submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced).

3. Fluid Dynamics:

• Continuity Equation: States that the mass flow rate of a fluid is constant along a streamline.
For incompressible fluids, this translates to A1V1=A2V2, where A is the cross-sectional area and
V is the velocity.

• Bernoulli's Equation: Relates the pressure, velocity, and elevation in a moving fluid, indicating
that an increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or
potential energy.

• Navier-Stokes Equations: Fundamental equations describing the motion of fluid substances,

Branches of Fluid Mechanics:

1. Hydrodynamics: Study of liquids in motion.

2. Aerodynamics: Study of gases in motion, particularly air.

3. Hydraulics: Applied science of fluid mechanics dealing with the practical applications of fluids in
engineering systems.
Applications:

• Engineering: Design of pipelines, water supply systems, hydraulic machines, and aircraft.

• Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics.

• Oceanography: Study of ocean currents and marine ecosystems.

• Medicine: Blood flow analysis and respiratory dynamics.

Historical Background:

• Archimedes (287-212 BC): Laid foundational principles of buoyancy.

• Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519): Conducted early studies on fluid flow.

• Isaac Newton (1643-1727): Formulated the laws of motion and viscosity.

• Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782): Developed Bernoulli's principle, linking fluid speed and pressure.

• Claude-Louis Navier (1785-1836) and George Gabriel Stokes (1819-1903): Developed the Navier-
Stokes equations, which describe the motion of viscous fluids.

Fluid mechanics is essential for understanding and designing systems where fluids play a critical role, making it
a cornerstone of many scientific and engineering disciplines.

Fluids Classifications

Fluids can be classified based on various criteria, such as their physical properties, behavior under different
conditions, and response to external forces. Here are some common classifications of fluids:

1. Based on Viscosity:

• Newtonian Fluids: Fluids whose viscosity remains constant regardless of the applied shear rate.
Examples include water, air, and most gases.

• Non-Newtonian Fluids: Fluids whose viscosity changes with the applied shear rate. These can be
further classified into:

• Shear-Thinning (Pseudoplastic): Viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate (e.g., ketchup,
paint).

• Shear-Thickening (Dilatant): Viscosity increases with increasing shear rate (e.g., cornstarch in
water).

• Bingham Plastics: Behave as solids at low shear stress but flow as viscous fluids at high shear
stress (e.g., toothpaste, mayonnaise).

• Thixotropic: Viscosity decreases over time under constant shear (e.g., certain gels and clays).

• Rheopectic: Viscosity increases over time under constant shear.

• Incompressible Fluids: Fluids whose density does not change significantly with pressure variations.
Most liquids are considered incompressible for practical purposes.

• Compressible Fluids: Fluids whose density changes significantly with pressure variations. Gases are
generally compressible.

3. Based on Flow Behavior:

• Ideal Fluids: Hypothetical fluids with no viscosity and incompressibility. They do not exist in reality but
are useful for theoretical analysis.

• Real Fluids: Actual fluids with viscosity and compressibility.

• Ideal Plastic Fluids: Fluids that do not flow until a certain shear stress (yield stress) is exceeded.

4. Based on Thermal Properties:

• Isothermal Fluids: Fluids that maintain a constant temperature during flow.

• Non-Isothermal Fluids: Fluids that experience temperature changes during flow.

5. Based on Homogeneity:

• Homogeneous Fluids: Fluids with uniform composition and properties throughout (e.g., pure water).

• Heterogeneous Fluids: Fluids with non-uniform composition and properties (e.g., suspensions,
emulsions).

6. Based on Phase:

• Liquids: Fluids with a definite volume but no fixed shape, conforming to the shape of their container.

• Gases: Fluids with no fixed volume or shape, expanding to fill their container.

• Plasmas: Ionized gases with free electrons and ions, found in stars and certain industrial processes.

7. Based on Electrical Conductivity:

• Conductive Fluids: Fluids that can conduct electricity (e.g., saltwater, plasma).

• Non-Conductive Fluids: Fluids that do not conduct electricity (e.g., pure distilled water, oils).

8. Based on Rheological Properties:

• Elastic Fluids: Fluids that exhibit elastic behavior, returning to their original shape after deformation
(e.g., certain polymer solutions).

• Viscoelastic Fluids: Fluids that exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics (e.g., blood, polymer
melts).

These classifications help in understanding and analyzing the behavior of fluids in various scientific and
engineering contexts.