Basics of Fluid Dynamics

From our atmosphere to the very blood that runs in our veins, fluids are everywhere and are essential to life. The study of fluids in motion is called fluid dynamics, and engineers rely on it to design and optimize engineering applications. The principles of fluid dynamics enable engineers to design rockets that carry humans into space, to cool high-performance electronics, to power our cities, and many more critical engineering applications. In this learning track, we will start by answering the simple yet enigmatic question "What are fluids?" We will then proceed through courses that incrementally add sophistication and build a foundation for learning the fundamentals of fluid dynamics. This learning track is a precursor to more advanced topics that can further your insight into fluid dynamics. Alternate video link.

 

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1
Innovation Course

What Are Fluids?

This course offers an introduction to fluid dynamics. It answers the What Are Fluids? question by examining the physical properties of fluids (versus solids and gases) and defining the many types of fluid flows.Learn practical simulation engineering techniques while following alon...Read more

2
Innovation Course

Fluid Statics

This course provides an overview of fluid statics, a branch of fluid mechanics that looks at fluids at rest for solving pressure problems above and below sea level.

3
Innovation Course

Fluid Kinematics

This course covers how fluid kinematics (motion of fluids) is described, and introduces the different coordinate systems used to mathematically calculate fluid flow behavior. Lessons target the rotation, visualization and measurement of fluid motion.

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Innovation Course

Governing Equations of Fluids

This course looks at the five governing equations of fluid dynamics — conservation of mass (one), momentum (three) and energy (one) — which are commonly referred to as the Navier-Stokes equations. It defines the Reynolds transport and Gauss divergence theorem...Read more

5
Innovation Course

Dimensional Analysis and Similarity

The focus of this course is on dimensional analysis and similarity. We will first explore the idea and importance of geometric and dynamic similarity. Next, we will identify some important dimensional numbers and use them to non-dimensionalize the Navier-Stokes...Read more

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Innovation Course

Simple Approximations of Fluid Flows

In this course, you will learn how to obtain analytical solutions to some fundamental problems by making approximations to the fluid flow. You will first study the different types of approximations such as incompressibility, inviscid, etc., and understand thei...Read more

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Innovation Course

Viscous Laminar Flows

In this course, you will learn about the basics of viscous laminar flows. These flows can be bounded (internal) or unbounded (external). First, you will learn about the various fluid forces acting on an object in unbounded flows and categorize them as lift and drag forces. N...Read more

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This badge is available upon successful completion of the "Basics of Fluid Dynamics" Learning Track.