This introductory course in Fluid Mechanics deals with the basic concepts of fluid statics, fluid kinematics, fluid dynamics, flow measurement and similitude. First section introduces the Fluid Statics to the beginners. This is followed by a kinematics approach to the mechanics of fluids in the Section-2 comprising of an introduction to laminar, turbulent, rotational, irrotational flows, the continuity equation in three dimensions. Comparative study of velocity potential function versus stream function is also carried out in this section. Next to this in Section-3, the author derived the mathematical derivations for Bernoullis equation, momentum equation and its applications for fluid flow in a pipe bend and reaction of a fluid jet. Also the concepts of vortex flow are discussed in detail. The last section provides an insight into flow measurement and similitude with detailed mathematical derivations of orifice meter, venturimeter, pitot tube, hotwire anemometer, flow through nozzles, notches and weirs.A fundamental mathematical derivative approach is followed which helps the students to gain the fundamental concepts of mechanics of fluids. A step-by-step and detailed derivations of the various mathematical formulae is traced in this basic course work on fluid mechanics. This course shall help the undergraduate students to prepare themselves for the basic assessment in the area of fluid mechanics. On the whole, this course tastes better for the beginners of the engineering graduation program.
