FAQ on Fluid Dynamics

What is fluid dynamics?

Fluid dynamics is the branch of physics that studies the movement of liquids and gases. It involves analyzing the forces and the resulting motion of fluids.

What is the difference between laminar and turbulent flow?

Laminar flow is characterized by smooth, orderly fluid motion in parallel layers, with minimal mixing between them. Turbulent flow, on the other hand, is chaotic and characterized by vortices, eddies, and rapid mixing.

What is the Reynolds number?

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity used to predict the flow regime in a fluid system. It is calculated as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces and helps determine whether flow will be laminar or turbulent.

What is Bernoulli's principle?

Bernoulli's principle states that in a fluid flow, an increase in the fluid's velocity occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential energy. It is a key principle in fluid dynamics and is used to explain the behavior of fluid systems.

What is a fluid?

A fluid is a substance that can flow and take the shape of its container. It includes liquids and gases, which differ in their compressibility and response to shear forces.

What is viscosity?

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to deformation or flow. It describes the internal friction within the fluid, with higher viscosity indicating a thicker, more resistant fluid.

What are the Navier-Stokes equations?

The Navier-Stokes equations are a set of nonlinear partial differential equations that describe the motion of fluid substances. They account for velocity, pressure, density, and viscosity and are fundamental in the study of fluid dynamics.

What is the continuity equation?

The continuity equation is a principle in fluid dynamics that states that the mass flow rate of a fluid must remain constant from one cross-section of a pipe to another. It is expressed as A1V1 = A2V2, where A is the cross-sectional area and V is the fluid velocity.

What is meant by incompressible flow?

Incompressible flow refers to a fluid flow in which the fluid density remains constant. This assumption is often valid for liquids and low-speed gas flows, simplifying the analysis of fluid dynamics problems.

What is drag force?

Drag force is the resistance force caused by the motion of a body through a fluid. It acts opposite to the direction of motion and depends on factors such as the body's shape, the fluid's viscosity, and the relative velocity between the body and the fluid.