Fluid Dynamics
Fluid dynamics, a branch of physics, concerns the study of the behaviour and the physical properties of liquids and gases. In this field of study, fluids are considered both as a physical phenomena and as a branch of mathematics. Fluid dynamics generally covers several sub-areas such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and thermodynamics.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics, a part of fluid dynamics, deals with the study of the motion of air and other gases, and the forces that affect it. It also includes the study of the shape and motion of aircraft as well as other everyday objects, such as cars and baseballs.
Airflow around an airplane depends on a number of physical factors which aerodynamics helps to study. These include the mass of the air, the viscosity of the air, and air pressure. The motion of the air creates lift, and this allows the plane to fly. Aerodynamics can explain the effects of the speed and direction of a wind on the trajectory and target accuracy of a projectile.
Hydrodynamics
Hydrodynamics is concerned with the study of the motion of bodies within fluids. The study of hydrodynamics is a branch of mechanics and usually involves the application of principles of other branches of physics and thermal energy.
The most common area of hydrodynamics is the study of the motion of liquids such as water. This includes flow of water through a pipe, or around a swimming pool. It also includes the study of flow of liquids around boat hulls, or industrial pumps.
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is another field of fluid dynamics which focuses on the study of the movement of heat between two or more systems within a fluid. The study of thermodynamics involves the use of the laws of thermodynamics, which deal with the transfer of energy within the system.
The thermodynamic equations allow scientists to calculate the temperature and pressure within a system, and to predict the behavior of that system. This is particularly useful in areas such as the design of power plants, engines, and other equipment that rely on heat transfer.
Conclusion
Fluid dynamics is an important field of study within physics, and provides important information about the motion of both liquids and gases. The various sub-areas within this field of study include aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and thermodynamics. Each of these areas has specific applications in everyday life, from the study of aircraft and projectiles to the design of power plants and other engineering equipment.
