Created: 2024/12/09 22:43

Introduction

Fluid mechanics is an ancient field, evolving from Archimedes' principles to modern applications in engineering, addressing the behavior of fluids in rest and motion.

There are fluid statics (study of fluids at rest), fluid kinematics (studies the motion of fluids without considering the forces causing the motion), and fluid dynamics (examines the forces acting on moving fluids and the resulting flow behavior).

Key properties include density (mass of fluid per unit volume), specific weight (weight per unit volume), specific volume (volume occupied by unit mass), specific gravity (ratio of density with reference substance), capillarity (tendency of fluid to rise and fall in capillary tube), and most notably viscosity (a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow).

There are ideal fluids which assumes no viscosity, and real fluid which considers viscosity and energy losses.

Laminar flow is when fluid move in smooth, parallel layers typically at low viscosity and turbulent flow is characterized by irregular motion.

Fluid is steady when it's properties remain constant over time at any given point and its unsteady if the properties changes. Uniform fluid has constant velocity across section of the flow, and non-uniform fluid's velocity varies, it is possible when the container pipe changes shape (e.g., wider to narrower).

A fundamental principle in fluid mechanics is stating that the mass flow rate in a closed system remains constant:

$$mass\text{[PARSE ERROR: Undefined("Command("space")")]}entering=mass\text{[PARSE ERROR: Undefined("Command("space")")]}leaving$$ $$or,A_1{V}_1=A_2{V}_2$$ $$or,Q_1=Q_2$$

This is called the continuity equation.

Lab equipment

1. Fluid friction apparatus: Demonstrates the principles of fluid friction and helps measure pressure losses in pipes and fittings.
2. Basic hydraulic bench: Serves as a base unit for various experiments in fluid mechanics, providing controlled water flow and precise measurement capabilities.
3. Bernoulli's theorem apparatus: Illustrates Bernoulli's principle by allowing observation and measurement of pressure and velocity in a flowing fluid.
4. Flow channels: The large flow channel and modular flow channel are used to study open-channel flow and the behavior of hydraulic structures.
5. Venture flume: Measures flow rates and observe the effects of converging and diverging sections.
6. Parshall flume: Measures flow rate by creating a calibrated hydraulic drop.
7. Sluice gate: Regulates water flow and demonstrates the effect of flow obstruction.
8. Broad crested weir: Demonstrates flow behavior and discharge over a broad crest.
9. V-notch: Precisely measures small flow rates using a V-shaped notch.
10. Sharp crested rectangular weir: Measures flow rate using a sharp-edged rectangular opening.
11. Base plates for clamping models: Provides a stable base for attaching experimental models in flow channels.
12. Electronic current meter: Measures water velocity in channels or pipes.
13. Orifice discharge apparatus: Demonstrates flow through an orifice and calculates discharge coefficients.
14. Stability of a floating body: Demonstrates principles of buoyancy and equilibrium in floating bodies.
15. Hydrostatic pressure apparatus: Helps study the center of pressure and resultant hydrostatic forces on submerged surfaces.