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C H A P T E R
Introduction
1
SIG IFICA T LEAR I G OUTCOMES
Fluid mechanics applies concepts related to force and energy to practical problems
such as the design of gliders. (Photo courtesy of DG Flugzeugbau GmbH.)
Conceptual Knowledge
· Describe fluid mechanics.
· Contrast gases and liquids by describing similarities and differences.
· Explain the continuum assumption.
Procedural Knowledge
· Use primary dimensions to check equations for dimensional homogeneity.
· Apply the grid method to carry and cancel units in calculations.
· Explain the steps in the  Structured Approach for Engineering Analysis (see Table 1.4).
Prior to fluid mechanics, students take courses such as physics, statics, and dynamics, which involve
solid mechanics. Mechanics is the field of science focused on the motion of material bodies.
Mechanics involves force, energy, motion, deformation, and material properties. When mechanics
applies to material bodies in the solid phase, the discipline is called solid mechanics. When the
material body is in the gas or liquid phase, the discipline is called fluid mechanics. In contrast to a
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solid, a fluid is a substance whose molecules move freely past each other. More specifically, a fluid is
a substance that will continuously deform that is, flow under the action of a shear stress.
Alternatively, a solid will deform under the action of a shear stress but will not flow like a fluid. Both
liquids and gases are classified as fluids.
This chapter introduces fluid mechanics by describing gases, liquids, and the continuum assumption.
This chapter also presents (a) a description of resources available in the appendices of this text, (b) an
approach for using units and primary dimensions in fluid mechanics calculations, and (c) a
systematic approach for problem solving.
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.
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