What is Fluid Mechanics?

Fluid mechanics is the branch of science which deals with the behavior of the fluids i.e., liquids or gases that are in motion or in rest. It mainly involves the study of statics, kinematics and dynamic aspects of fluids.

The study involving fluids at rest is termed as fluid statics, the study of fluids in motion when pressure forces are not considered is called fluid kinematics and the study of fluids in motion when pressure forces are considered is called fluid dynamics.

It helps us understand the mechanics of fluids and the forces acting on them so that we can select the appropriate fluid for any selective application.

Fluid mechanics enables us to understand the fluid pressure’s, hydrostatic forces, calculate pressure drops in pipes, properties of fluids, pipe bends, nozzles, flow rate, velocity, effects of the presence of orifices, buoyancy, floatation techniques, differentiation of Newtonian fluids from non-Newtonian fluids, effects of surface tension and capillarities, effects of vapor pressure and cavitation.

It also includes the study of pressure measuring devices like manometers, Pascal’s law applications and calculation of forces on submerged bodies.

The study of Bernoulli’s principle applications, boundary layers and equations of motions are also explained. Some of the applications of fluid mechanics involve the design and working of mechanisms like pumps, turbines, all hydraulic machinery, and selection of airfoil for aircraft, heat transfer flows in machines and many more.