Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics Definitions

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, including the distinctions between solids, liquids, and gases.

Fluid Mechanics

The branch of mechanics that deals with the behavior of fluids at rest and in motion, including forces acting on them.

Fluid Statics

The study of fluids at rest under the influence of external forces.

Fluid Dynamics

The study of fluids in motion and the forces that cause this motion.

Hydrodynamics

A subcategory of fluid dynamics concerned with the motion of incompressible fluids, especially water.

Hydraulics

A subcategory of hydrodynamics that deals with liquid flows in pipes and open channels.

Gas Dynamics

The study of the flow of compressible fluids, such as gases.

Aerodynamics

The study of the flow of gases (especially air) over solid objects like aircraft, rockets, and automobiles.

Normal Stress

The normal component of the force acting on a unit area in a material.

Shear Stress

The tangential component of force acting on a unit area.

Fluid

A substance that can flow, existing in either liquid or gas phase.

Molecular Arrangement in Solids

In solids, molecules are closely packed and arranged orderly, leading to fixed volume and shape.

Molecular Arrangement in Liquids

In liquids, molecules are less orderly and not packed as closely as in solids, allowing them to flow and conform to the shape of their container.

Molecular Arrangement in Gases

In gases, molecules are far apart and move randomly at high speeds, leading to expansion to fill any volume.

No-slip Condition

A condition in fluid dynamics where the fluid in contact with a solid surface has zero velocity, leading to friction effects.

Boundary Layer

The flow region adjacent to a solid boundary where viscous effects are significant, leading to velocity gradients.

Skin Drag

The force a fluid exerts on a solid boundary in the direction of the flow due to no-slip conditions.