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Detailed Mechanical Properties of Fluids

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanical properties of fluids, including definitions, derivations, and applications of key concepts such as pressure, buoyancy, viscosity, and surface tension. It discusses important principles like Pascal's Law and Bernoulli's Theorem, highlighting their relevance in various applications such as hydraulic systems and aerodynamics. The notes aim to assist students in understanding fluid mechanics for academic purposes.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4 views3 pages

Detailed Mechanical Properties of Fluids

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanical properties of fluids, including definitions, derivations, and applications of key concepts such as pressure, buoyancy, viscosity, and surface tension. It discusses important principles like Pascal's Law and Bernoulli's Theorem, highlighting their relevance in various applications such as hydraulic systems and aerodynamics. The notes aim to assist students in understanding fluid mechanics for academic purposes.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Comprehensive Notes with Derivations & Applications

This document provides an in-depth study of Mechanical Properties of Fluids, including


step-by-step derivations, detailed applications, and comprehensive explanations to help with
board and school exams.
1. Introduction to Fluids
Fluids are substances that can flow and take the shape of their container. They include both
liquids and gases. Unlike solids, fluids do not have a fixed shape and can deform under applied
force. In this section, we explore the basic properties of fluids such as density, pressure,
viscosity, and surface tension.

2. Pressure in Fluids
Definition: Pressure (P) is defined as force per unit area. Mathematically, P = F / A. The SI unit
of pressure is the Pascal (Pa), where 1 Pa = 1 N/m².
Derivation: Consider a fluid element at rest. The force exerted on a small area dA due to
pressure is dF = P dA. Since pressure acts equally in all directions (Pascal’s Principle), we can
analyze pressure variations using the hydrostatic equation.

3. Pascal’s Law
Definition: Pascal's Law states that any change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is
transmitted undiminished in all directions.
Derivation: Consider a hydraulic system with two pistons of different areas A■ and A■. By
applying Pascal's principle, we get:
P■ = P■ → F■ / A■ = F■ / A■
Applications: Hydraulic brakes, hydraulic lifts, and presses.

4. Buoyancy & Archimedes' Principle


Definition: A body submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the
weight of the displaced fluid.
Derivation: Consider a submerged object with volume V in a fluid of density ρ. The weight of the
displaced fluid is given by:
Buoyant Force (Fb) = ρ g V
This explains why ships float and submarines adjust their depth.

5. Bernoulli’s Theorem
Definition: Bernoulli’s theorem states that in a steady, incompressible, non-viscous fluid, the total
mechanical energy remains constant.
Derivation: From the work-energy theorem, we derive:
P + (1/2)ρv² + ρgh = constant
Applications: Lift in aeroplane wings, working of a carburetor, and Venturi effect.

6. Viscosity
Definition: Viscosity is the internal resistance of a fluid to flow.
Newton’s Law of Viscosity: τ = η (du/dy), where τ is shear stress, η is coefficient of viscosity,
and du/dy is velocity gradient.
Applications: Lubrication, blood circulation, flow of oil through pipelines.

7. Surface Tension
Definition: Surface tension is the force per unit length acting at the liquid surface due to
intermolecular forces.
Formula: T = F / L
Applications: Capillary rise in plants, soap bubble formation, floating of small insects on water.
8. Applications of Fluid Mechanics
1. **Dams**: Built with a thicker base to withstand greater pressure at depth.
2. **Hydraulic Systems**: Pascal’s Law is used in brakes and lifts.
3. **Submarines**: Control buoyancy with ballast tanks.
4. **Aerodynamics**: Bernoulli’s principle explains how aeroplanes generate lift.
5. **Capillary Action**: Essential for plant water absorption.
6. **Medical Applications**: Viscosity is crucial in IV fluid dynamics and blood circulation.

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