What is Fluid Mechanics | Classification of Fluid Mechanics

What is Fluid Mechanics?

Fluid mechanics is a science that deals with the behavior of fluids either at rest or in motion. It should be noted that fluids include both liquid and gas. If liquid considered is water, then the science of fluid mechanics is called hydraulics.

In other words, hydraulics can be defined as the science that deals with the behavior of water either at rest or in motion. The subject of hydraulic machines deals with the machines which run on the water under some head or to raise the head of water.

Classification of Fluid Mechanics:

The study of the subject of fluid mechanics can be divided as follows:

1. Fluid Statics: The study of fluids (particularly liquids) at rest is called fluid statics.

2. Fluid Kinematics: The study of fluids in motion without any consideration of pressure forces and energy is called fluid kinematics. It deals with velocity, acceleration, and flow patterns only.

3. Fluid Dynamics: The study of fluids in motion with consideration of pressure forces and energy is called fluid dynamics.