Mechanical Engineering Systems

3

Fluid mechanics

Summary

Fluid mechanics is the study of the behaviour of liquids and gases, and particularly the forces that they produce. Many scientific disciplines have an interest in fluid mechanics. For example, meteorologists try to predict the motion of the fluid atmosphere swirling around the planet so that they can forecast the weather. Physicists study the flow of extremely high temperature gases through magnetic fields in a search for an acceptable method of harnessing the energy of nuclear fusion reactions. Engineers are interested in fluid mechanics because of the forces that are produced by fluids and which can be used for practical purposes. Some of the well-known examples are jet propulsion, aerofoil design, wind turbines ...