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GET 205 Fluid Mechanics Detailed Notes v2

Fluid mechanics

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223 views4 pages

GET 205 Fluid Mechanics Detailed Notes v2

Fluid mechanics

Uploaded by

lawrenceadewale2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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GET 205 - Fluid Mechanics (Fundamentals)

Detailed Course Notes with Examples, Calculations, and Exercises

1. Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

Fluid mechanics is a branch of physics concerned with the mechanics of fluids (liquids, gases, and

plasmas) and the forces on them. It can be divided into two main areas: fluid statics, the study of

fluids at rest, and fluid dynamics, the study of fluids in motion. Fluid mechanics has a wide range of

applications in mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering, such as in the design of hydraulic

systems, aircraft, and marine vessels.

Key Concepts:

- Fluids are substances that cannot withstand a shear force, meaning they deform continuously

under the influence of shear stress.

- A fluid can be either a liquid or a gas, and their behavior is governed by laws of physics such as

Newton's laws and conservation principles.

- Fluids in motion are described by velocity, pressure, density, and temperature fields.

Example:

In hydraulic systems, fluids such as oil or water are used to transmit force. Understanding fluid

mechanics allows engineers to calculate the force transmitted by fluid to ensure safety and

efficiency in these systems.

2. Fluid Properties

Fluid properties define the behavior of fluids under various conditions. The key properties include:

- **Density (rho)**: The mass per unit volume of a fluid, typically in kg/m³. The density of a fluid

affects its buoyancy and pressure.

- **Viscosity (mu)**: The internal resistance of a fluid to flow. It defines how easily a fluid deforms

under shear stress.


- **Surface Tension**: The force acting along the surface of a liquid that makes it behave like a

stretched elastic sheet.

- **Compressibility**: The ability of a fluid to decrease in volume under pressure.

Example Calculation:

For water at 20°C, the dynamic viscosity is 1.002 x 10^-3 Pa·s, and the density is 998 kg/m³. Given

this, you can determine the flow rate and energy required for pumping water in industrial processes.

3. Fluid Hydrostatics

Fluid hydrostatics is the study of fluids at rest. The pressure in a fluid at rest is isotropic, meaning it

acts equally in all directions. The fundamental principles include:

- **Pascal's Law**: Pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished throughout the

fluid.

- **Pressure Variation with Depth**: The pressure in a fluid increases with depth according to the

equation P = rho * g * h, where rho is the fluid density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is

the depth.

Example:

Consider a dam holding water. The pressure at the base of the dam is much higher than at the

surface, and engineers must calculate this pressure to ensure the dam's structural integrity.

4. Fluid Dynamics

Fluid dynamics involves the study of fluids in motion. The key principles include:

- **Conservation of Mass**: The mass flow rate of a fluid must remain constant from one

cross-section of a pipe to another (A1V1 = A2V2).

- **Bernoulli's Principle**: For an ideal fluid, an increase in the speed of the fluid occurs

simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential energy.

- **Navier-Stokes Equations**: These equations describe the motion of viscous fluid substances and
are used to predict weather patterns, ocean currents, and airflow.

Example Calculation:

Using Bernoulli's equation, calculate the velocity of water exiting a pipe with a known pressure drop.

This can help in determining the flow rate for irrigation or water distribution systems.

5. Fluid Measurements in Pipes

Fluid flow measurement is essential in engineering for system design and diagnostics. Common

methods include:

- **Venturi Meter**: A device that measures flow rate by causing a pressure difference.

- **Orifice Plate**: A thin plate with a hole in the middle used to measure flow rate by inducing a

pressure drop.

- **Pitot Tube**: Measures fluid velocity by converting the kinetic energy of the flow into potential

energy.

Example:

To measure the flow rate of air in a duct, a pitot tube can be used to record the velocity at different

points, which can then be integrated to find the overall flow rate.

6. Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a method of reducing physical quantities into their basic dimensions to

simplify complex problems. It helps in deriving relationships between different variables.

- **Reynolds Number (Re)**: The ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in a fluid flow, determining

whether the flow is laminar or turbulent.

- **Mach Number**: The ratio of the flow velocity to the speed of sound in the medium, important in

high-speed aerodynamics.

- **Froude Number**: Used in studying wave and surface flows.


Example:

To determine whether the flow in a pipe is laminar or turbulent, calculate the Reynolds number using

the formula Re = (rho * V * D)/mu.

7. Two-Dimensional (2D) Flow Analysis

In two-dimensional flow, fluid properties such as velocity and pressure are assumed to vary in two

dimensions. This type of analysis is useful in studying flow over flat surfaces, like airfoil wings or

ship hulls.

Example:

Analyze the velocity distribution over a flat plate and determine how the boundary layer develops

along the surface.

8. Hydropower Systems

Hydropower systems convert the energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical energy, which is

then used to generate electricity. The key components of a hydropower system include the dam,

turbine, and generator. The potential energy of the water is converted into mechanical energy in the

turbine and then into electrical energy by the generator.

Example Calculation:

To calculate the power output of a hydropower plant, use the equation P = rho * g * h * Q * eta,

where rho is the density of water, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h is the head (height of water

drop), Q is the flow rate, and eta is the efficiency of the system.

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