Fluid Mechanics Concepts

Practice flashcards for key vocabulary related to fluid mechanics, including definitions and principles.

Pressure

Force applied perpendicular to a surface divided by the area.

Standard Unit for Pressure

The Pascal (Pa) in the SI system.

Pascal's Principle

Pressure change in an enclosed fluid is transferred uniformly to all points of the fluid.

Fluid

A substance that can flow, such as liquids and gases, but not solids.

Density (ρ)

Mass divided by volume (m/V).

Atmospheric Pressure and Height

As height increases above sea level, atmospheric pressure generally decreases.

Boyle's Law

For a fixed mass and temperature of a gas, if pressure is doubled, volume decreases by a factor of one-half.

Buoyant Force (FB)

The weight of the fluid displaced by a submerged object.

Floating Object

An object with less density than the fluid will float to the top.

Viscosity

A measure of a fluid's internal friction.

Continuity of Flow

Principle stating that the mass flow rate must be constant at all points in a flowing fluid.

Bernoulli's Principle

If the speed of a fluid increases, the pressure of the fluid decreases.

Force in Pressure Formula

In the formula P = F/A, force (F) must be applied perpendicular to the given area.

Area for Circular Path

Calculated using the formula A = πr².

Hydraulic Systems

The operation is based on the incompressibility of liquids.

Rho (ρ)

The Greek letter used to represent density.

Standard Atmospheric Pressure

Equal to 101325 Pa.

Boyle's Law Equation

PV = constant for a fixed mass and temperature.

Upward Force on Submerged Object

Called the buoyant force.

Volume Displaced by Submerged Object

Represented by the symbol V.

Pressure Change Due to Height

ΔP = ρgh, where ρ is density, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Fluid Speed and Wall Friction

In a pipe, fluid closest to the wall moves slower than the fluid at the center.