Fluid Mechanics Fundamentals
Theory and Applications
Description
This course is an introduction to fluid mechanics, and emphasizes both fundamental concepts and problem-solving techniques. Topics currently covered include fluid properties, fluid statics, stability of floating bodies, fluid kinematics, conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, the Bernoulli equation, control volume analysis, dimensional analysis, internal flows (i.e., laminar and turbulent pipe flows), and the Navier-Stokes equations. Topics to be added in the future may include approximations such as creeping flow, potential flow, and boundary layers, and external flows including lift and drag over airfoils. The course is based on much of the material within, and at the level of, a one semester first course in fluid mechanics taught at the junior level in an engineering department. Recommended prerequisites include a basic understanding of statics, thermodynamics, 1st year calculus including integration and differentiation, and ordinary differential equations. Elementary scientific programming skills are also helpful but not absolutely necessary. The approach taken in this course is to first introduce the relevant theory, followed by example problems where appropriate. Every attempt is made to fully explain and carry out all important steps in the derivation of important equations. In addition to undergraduate engineering students, the course would also be of value to practicing engineers wishing to review material, and as a prerequisite to most courses in computational fluid dynamics.
What You Will Learn!
- How to apply basic concepts of fluid statics to problems involving fluids at rest
- An understanding of the concepts of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy to problems in fluid dynamics
- An ability to utilize control volume analysis to solve problems in fluid dynamics
- An ability to compute pressure drops and pumping requirements for fluid flow through piping systems
- Basic understanding of the Navier-Stokes equations
Who Should Attend!
- Students entering an undergraduate course in fluid mechanics. Professionals wishing to review the fundamentals of fluid dynamics.