Fluid mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of liquids and gases It is an interdisciplinary field that has applications in diverse areas such as engineering, geophysics, biology, and meteorology. Fluid mechanics is concerned with the behavior of fluids at rest or in motion, and the forces acting on them. Generally speaking, fluids are molecules that are able to take the shape of their container and flow freely. Examples of fluids are water, air, oil, etc.
The five best fluid mechanics topics are:
1. Pressure in Fluids: Pressure is a key parameter in fluid mechanics. It is defined as the force per unit area applied to a given surface. In fluids, pressure is usually calculated using the Bernoulli equation, which is used to calculate the pressure of a flowing fluid. This equation takes into account the effects of gravity, friction, and surface tension, among other factors. Pressure in fluids can also be calculated by using the Navier-Stokes equations, which are used to solve problems involving the dynamics of fluids.
2. Laminar vs. Turbulent Flow: Laminar flow is characterized by a smooth and regular flow of fluids, while turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic and disordered fluid motion. The transition from laminar to turbulent is known as the Reynolds number and is used to describe the behavior of different fluids. Generally, the larger the Reynolds number, the more chaotic the motion.
3. Viscous Fluid Flow: Viscous fluid flow is the study of fluid motion that is affected by viscosity, which is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. This type of fluid flow is characterized by a significant amount of internal friction and is affected by a number of factors including temperature, pressure, and surface tension. Viscous flow can be studied using the Navier-Stokes equations, which are used to calculate the various forces that act upon the fluid.
4. Boundary Layers: Boundary layers are thin layers of fluid that form near solid surfaces and can affect the flow of a fluid. This type of fluid flow is characterized by a decrease in speed in the vicinity of the solid surface due to the effect of viscosity. It is usually studied using the Navier-Stokes equations.
5. Flow Control: Flow control is a subfield of fluid mechanics that deals with controlling the flow of fluids. Flow control involves the manipulation of the flow of fluids in order to achieve certain objectives. This can be done by changing the shape of the flow channels, using devices to manipulate the flow, or using chemicals to influence the nature of the flow. Flow control is especially important in the engineering of aircraft, ships, and automobiles.