MECHANICS OF FLUID

The course introduces the basic principles and applications of fluid mechanics, which is essential for mechanical engineering. It covers the properties of fluids, hydrostatics, fluid kinematics, dynamics, and flow through pipes. Emphasis is placed on understanding the behavior of fluids in engineering systems. Module-Wise Brief Notes Module 1 – Properties of Fluids & Fluid Statics Definition of fluid, continuum concept. Properties: density, viscosity, surface tension, compressibility. Pressure and its measurement (manometers, gauges). Hydrostatic forces on surfaces, buoyancy, stability of floating bodies. Module 2 – Fluid Kinematics Types of fluid flow: steady/unsteady, uniform/non-uniform, laminar/turbulent. Streamline, pathline, streakline. Continuity equation (differential & integral forms). Rotational and irrotational flows, velocity potential, stream function. Module 3 – Fluid Dynamics Euler’s equation of motion. Bernoulli’s theorem and its applications. Momentum equation – force on pipe bends, nozzles, vanes. Flow measurement: venturimeter, orificemeter, pitot tube, notches, weirs. Module 4 – Flow through Pipes Major and minor losses. Darcy–Weisbach equation, Hagen–Poiseuille law. Pipe network analysis (series, parallel). Water hammer and surge. Module 5 – Boundary Layer Theory & Dimensional Analysis Boundary layer concepts, thickness, separation, drag and lift. Dimensional analysis – Buckingham’s π theorem. Model analysis and similitude (Reynolds, Froude, Mach, Weber numbers). Course Outcomes By the end of this course, students will: Understand properties and behavior of fluids in static and dynamic conditions. Apply governing equations to solve real fluid flow problems. Analyze losses in pipe flow and design basic fluid systems. Use dimensional and model analysis in engineering applications.