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1 - Fluids and Fluid Mechanics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 March 2023

Hongwei Wang
Affiliation:
Beihang University, Beijing
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Summary

In this chapter, basic concepts in fluid mechanics are introduced. Firstly, the definition of a fluid is discussed in depth with the conclusion that a fluid is such a substance that cannot generate internal shear stresses by static deformation alone. Secondly, some important properties of fluids are discussed, which includes viscosity of fluids, surface tension of liquids, equation of state for gases, compressibility of gases, and thermal conductivity of gases. Lastly, some important concepts in fluid mechanics are discussed, which includes the concept of continuum and forces in a fluid. Within these discussions, fluid is compared to solid in both microscopic and macroscopic to reveal the mechanism of its mechanical property. Viscosity of fluid is compared to friction and elasticity of solid to give readers a better idea how it works microscopically. Forces is classified as body force and surface force for further analysis. Finally, continuum hypothesis is introduced to deem the fluid as continuously separable, which tells the reader that fluid mechanics is a kind of macroscopic mechanics that conforms Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Fluids and Fluid Mechanics
  • Hongwei Wang, Beihang University, Beijing
  • Book: A Guide to Fluid Mechanics
  • Online publication: 16 March 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108671149.002
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  • Fluids and Fluid Mechanics
  • Hongwei Wang, Beihang University, Beijing
  • Book: A Guide to Fluid Mechanics
  • Online publication: 16 March 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108671149.002
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Fluids and Fluid Mechanics
  • Hongwei Wang, Beihang University, Beijing
  • Book: A Guide to Fluid Mechanics
  • Online publication: 16 March 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108671149.002
Available formats
×