Fluid in Action

Engineers are often confronted with the task of providing solution in the form of a device or a system to accomplish certain tasks. This course introduces the students to the fundamentals of fluid flows and essentials of thermodynamics required in the design of integrated physical systems which interact with the surrounding (air, water etc.) media.

This course covers essential aspects of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics required in the design of physical systems interacting with surrounding fluid media. It begins with the basic principles of thermodynamics and fluid properties, then explores fluid statics, where fluids are at rest. Fluid kinematics is then introduced, focusing on the motion of the fluids. The course proceeds to fluid dynamics, using both differential and integral methods to analyze fluid flow. Students then apply these concepts to solve real-world problems involving both laminar and turbulent flows. Boundary layer theory is presented, examining the layer of fluid close to a solid surface. Finally, the course delves into aerodynamics, studying the flow of fluids over bodies, such as air over an airplane wing, and includes dimensional analysis to understand the importance and application of non-dimensional numbers in real-world situations. This course blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare students for challenges in fluid mechanics.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand fluid properties, continuum mechanics, and hydrostatics principles.
• Differentiate flow descriptions and analyze flow fields using key functions.
• Derive and apply core fluid dynamics equations to solve practical problems.
• Use control volume analysis to evaluate forces and energy in fluid systems.
• Calculate pressure drops, energy losses, and pumping power in pipe flows.
• Analyze flow over bodies to assess drag, lift, and boundary layer effects.

After completing this course, successful students will be able to:

• Evaluate fluid properties and hydrostatic forces to solve engineering problems.
• Visualize and analyze fluid flow patterns in real-world applications.
• Apply Navier-Stokes and Bernoulli equations to design simple fluid systems.
• Use control volume principles to assess forces and energy in fluid machinery.
• Design efficient piping systems by calculating losses and pumping requirements.
• Analyze drag and lift forces to optimize aerodynamic and immersed body designs.

• Fluid mechanics: fundamentals and applications by Yunus Cengel and John M. Cimbala, McGraw Hill.
• Fluid Mechanics by Frank M. White, McGraw Hill.
• Fluid Mechanics by Pijush K. Kundu, Ira M. Cohen and David R. Dowling Academic Press.

• Mid-semester and End-semester exam: 30%
• Attendance: 10%

Matrix:

More than 80% = 10% score (full)

70 to 80 %: 8% score

60 to 70 %: 6 score

Less than 60 %: 0 score

• Assignments (fortnightly): 20%
• Quizzes (fortnightly): 20%
• Mini project and Viva (end of the term): 10%
• Evaluation of lab reports (weekly): 10%

Unit 1: Fluid properties and statics

1.1 Basic Concepts

Systems and control volume, System properties, Continuum, Newton's law of viscosity, Classification of fluids

1.2 Fluid Statics

Pressure and its measurements, Pascal’s law, Hydrostatic force on submerged surfaces, Archimedes principle, Buoyancy.

Unit 2: Fluid kinematics

Lagrangian and Eulerian description of fluid flow, Material derivative, Visualization of flow fields−streamlines, streaklines, pathlines and timelines, Stream function, Potential function, Circulation, Rotationality and Vorticity.

Unit 3: Fluid dynamics

Forces acting on fluid in motion−Navier-Stokes equation, Euler equation, Bernoulli equation and its applications, Reynolds Transport theorem.

Unit 4: Laminar and turbulent flows

4.1 Laminar viscous flow

Laminar flow between parallel plates−Plane Poiseuille & Couette flow, Laminar flow in circular pipe−Hagen-Poiseuille flow.

4.2. Flow through pipes

Head loss in pipes due to friction (Darcy-Weisbach equation), Loss of energy in piping systems (major and minor), Pipes in series and parallel.

Unit 5: Boundary layer theory

Concept of boundary layer formation, Boundary layer equations, Displacement and Momentum thickness, Boundary layer over external surface (flat plate) and internal surface (pipe), Separation of boundary layer.

Unit 6: Flow over immersed bodies and dimensional analysis

6.1 Flow over bodies

Concept of drag and lift, Types of drag, Streamlined and bluff bodies, Drag and

lift on an aerofoil.

6.2 Dimensional analysis of fluid and thermal systems (If time permits)

Units and dimensions, Significance of dimensionless numbers, Buckingham pi theorem, Functional relationship for fluid flow system with/without heat transfer.

1. Experimental verification of Bernoulli equation.
2. Estimation of Metacentric height of a floating body (ship model).
3. Calibration of flow measuring devices-venturimeter.
4. Calibration of flow measuring devices-orificemeter.
5. Measurement of free surface profile in Free and forced vortex flow
6. Flow measurements in open channels (using notches).
7. Estimation of major (head) loss due to wall friction.
8. Estimation of minor losses in the piping system.

All aspects of attendance policy are implicitly defined by the grading formula (above). Please don’t come to class late or leave early, it is disruptive.

Incompletes are allowed as per Plaksha’s policy. This course has no special policy.

As per University policy