Fluid Mechanics

Catalog description

This course exposes students to the fundamentals of static and flowing fluids at both large-scale (control volumes) and local differential scales. Student learn how to examine forces on solids due to static and flowing fluids, estimate head losses and pumping requirements in piping systems. The art of engineering approximation is examined through estimates of forces due to flow on solids, as well as limiting cases involving internal pipe flows with friction factors. Exact solutions of local differential equations of fluid mechanics are considered under both steady state and transient conditions, and these analyses are used to determine forces in control volume analysis of bodies. The important interplay between differential and control volume analyses in solving problems is emphasized. Lastly, students are taught to make analogies about the concepts learned in generic fluid mechanics and apply them to the circulatory system, while outlining appropriate limitations.