Fluid Mechanics Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Fluid Mechanics.

Fluid

Any substance that can flow and take the shape of the volume it occupies.

Fluid Statics

The study of fluids at rest or in equilibrium situations.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a substance, typically measured in kg/m³.

Mass Density (𝜌)

Defined as 𝜌 = mass/volume.

Specific Weight (𝛾)

Defined as weight per unit volume, 𝛾 = weight/volume.

Relative Density (Specific Gravity)

The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water at 4°C.

Fluid Pressure (p)

The average effect of molecular collisions in a fluid, calculated as normal force per unit area.

Pascal's Principle

States that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all directions.

Archimedes' Principle

States that when a body is immersed in fluid, it experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.

Bernoulli's Principle

States that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential energy.

Continuity Equation

Describes fluid flow in a flow tube with varying cross-sectional areas, stating that mass flow is conserved.

Laminar Flow

A smooth flow of fluid where adjacent layers slide past each other steadily.

Turbulent Flow

An irregular and chaotic flow of fluid with changing flow patterns.

Fluid Dynamics

The study of fluids in motion.

Manometer

An instrument used to measure the gauge pressure of a gas.

Barometer

An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, typically with mercury.

Hydraulic Lift System

Uses Pascal's Principle, where a small piston can lift a heavy object through a larger piston.

Venturi Principle

States that fluid velocity increases and pressure decreases in a constricted section of a pipe.

Torricelli’s Principle

States that the speed of a fluid flowing out of an opening under gravity is proportional to the square root of the vertical distance to the liquid surface.