Fluids 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.

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