Unit 1957: Fluid Mechanics

1. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

1.1 Overview of Fluid Mechanics

• Definition and scope of fluid mechanics
• Historical development and applications

1.2 Definition of Fluids

• Distinction between solids, liquids, and gases
• Fluid as a substance that deforms continuously under shear stress

1.3 Properties of Fluids

• Density and specific weight
• Viscosity (dynamic and kinematic)
• Pressure and its units
• Surface tension and compressibility (brief overview)

1.4 Fundamental Concepts

• Viscosity and its role in fluid flow
• Density and its influence on buoyancy and pressure
• Pressure in fluids: absolute, gauge, and atmospheric pressure

2. Fluid Statics

2.1 Hydrostatic Pressure

• Pressure variation with depth
• Pressure measurement techniques

2.2 Pascal's Law

• Transmission of pressure in a confined fluid
• Applications in hydraulic systems

2.3 Manometry

• Types of manometers
• Measuring pressure differences

2.4 Forces on Submerged Surfaces

• Calculation of resultant force and center of pressure on plane and curved surfaces

2.5 Buoyancy

• Archimedes’ principle
• Stability of floating and submerged bodies

3. Fluid Dynamics

3.1 Fluid Motion

• Types of fluid flow: steady vs unsteady, laminar vs turbulent
• Flow visualization and streamlines

3.2 Continuity Equation

• Conservation of mass principle
• Derivation and applications in varying cross-sectional areas

3.3 Bernoulli's Equation

• Energy conservation in fluid flow
• Assumptions and limitations
• Practical applications

3.4 Euler's Equation

• Momentum balance in fluid flow
• Relation to Bernoulli’s equation

3.5 Streamline Flow

• Definition and characteristics
• Stream function and potential flow (introduction)

4. Fluid Flow in Pipes

4.1 Laminar and Turbulent Flow

• Reynolds number and flow regime classification

4.2 Major Losses

• Frictional losses in pipes
• Darcy-Weisbach equation

4.3 Minor Losses

• Losses due to fittings, bends, valves
• Equivalent length method

4.4 Pipe Networks

• Series and parallel pipe systems
• Analysis of flow distribution

4.5 Impact of Pipe Diameter and Roughness

• Effect on velocity, pressure drop, and flow regime
• Moody chart usage

5. Drag and Lift

5.1 Drag Force

• Definition and components: pressure drag and friction drag

5.2 Types of Drag

• Form drag, skin friction drag, induced drag

5.3 Drag Coefficient

• Factors influencing drag coefficient
• Experimental determination

5.4 Lift Force

• Explanation of aerodynamic lift
• Bernoulli’s principle and circulation theory (introductory)

5.5 Factors Influencing Drag and Lift

• Shape, surface roughness, angle of attack
• Reynolds number effects

6. Flow Measurement

6.1 Venturi Meters

• Principle and construction
• Flow rate calculation

6.2 Orifice Plates

• Working and discharge coefficient

6.3 Flow Nozzles

• Design and applications

6.4 Pitot Tubes

• Measuring velocity pressure

6.5 Electromagnetic Flow Meters

• Operating principle
• Advantages and limitations

7. Pumps and Turbines

7.1 Pumps

• Types: centrifugal, reciprocating, axial flow
• Working principles
• Pump performance curves and efficiency

7.2 Turbines

• Types: impulse, reaction
• Energy conversion and efficiency

7.3 Applications in Industry

• Water supply, irrigation, power generation

8. Viscous Flow

8.1 Laminar and Turbulent Boundary Layers

• Boundary layer concept
• Thickness and characteristics

8.2 Shear Stress in Fluids

• Newtonian vs non-Newtonian fluids
• Shear stress distribution

8.3 Reynolds Number

• Definition and significance
• Critical Reynolds number

8.4 Impact of Viscosity on Flow Behavior

• Flow resistance
• Transition between laminar and turbulent flow

9. Compressible Flow

9.1 Compressible Fluids

• Differences from incompressible flow
• Density variation and flow regimes

9.2 Speed of Sound in Fluids

• Definition and calculation

9.3 Mach Number

• Definition and flow classifications

9.4 Isentropic Flow

• Assumptions and relations

9.5 Normal Shocks

• Shock wave properties
• Effects on flow parameters

9.6 Applications

• Aerodynamics, gas dynamics in nozzles and diffusers

10. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

10.1 Introduction to CFD

• Purpose and scope

10.2 Numerical Methods for Fluid Flow Problems

• Finite difference, finite volume, finite element methods

10.3 Grid Generation

• Structured vs unstructured grids

10.4 Turbulence Modeling

• RANS, LES, and DNS overview

10.5 Applications of CFD

• Engineering simulations in aerospace, automotive, civil engineering