Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals from edX

This course covers the fundamentals of advanced fluid mechanics: including its connections to continuum mechanics more broadly, hydrostatics, buoyancy and rigid body accelerations, inviscid flow, and the application of Bernoulli’s theorems, as well as applications of control volume analysis for more complex fluid flow problems of engineering interest. This course features lecture and demo videos, lecture concept checks, practice problems, and extensive problem sets.

This course is the first of a three-course sequence in incompressible fluid mechanics: Advanced Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals, Advanced Fluid Mechanics: The Navier-Stokes Equations for Viscous Flows, and Advanced Fluid Mechanics: Potential Flows, Lift, Circulation & Boundary Layers. The series is based on material in MIT’s class 2.25 Advanced Fluid Mechanics, one of the most popular first-year graduate classes in MIT’s Mechanical Engineering Department. This series is designed to help people gain the ability to apply the governing equations, the principles of dimensional analysis and scaling theory to develop physically-based, approximate models of complex fluid physics phenomena. People who complete these three consecutive courses will be able to apply their knowledge to analyze and break down complex problems they may encounter in industrial and academic research settings.

The material is of relevance to engineers and scientists across a wide range of mechanical chemical and process industries who must understand, analyze and optimize flow processes and fluids handling problems. Applications are drawn from hydraulics, aero & hydrodynamics as well as the chemical process industries.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Continuum mechanics
Hydrostatics
Buoyancy and rigid body accelerations

Inviscid flow
Application of bernoulli’s theorems
Applications of control volume analysis for more complex fluid flow problems of engineering interest

Continuum mechanics
Hydrostatics
Buoyancy and rigid body accelerations
Inviscid flow
Application of bernoulli’s theorems
Applications of control volume analysis for more complex fluid flow problems of engineering interest

Syllabus

Continuum viewpoint and the equations of motion

Hydrostatic analysis of fluids in static equilibrium, buoyancy

Inviscid flow (differential approach): Euler’s equation, Bernoulli’s integral, and the effects of streamline curvature. The Mechanical Energy Equation

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers continuum mechanics, which is fundamental to fluid mechanics

Taught by instructors from MIT's Mechanical Engineering Department, which is recognized for its excellence in fluid mechanics

Develops skills in analyzing and optimizing flow processes, which are highly relevant to various industries

Emphasizes the application of Bernoulli's theorems and control volume analysis, which are essential tools in fluid mechanics

Provides a solid foundation in fluid mechanics, suitable for engineers and scientists

Course requires extensive background knowledge and may not be suitable for beginners

Reviews summary

Rigorous mit fluid mechanics foundation

According to learners, "Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals" offers a rigorous and deeply theoretical introduction to fluid mechanics, serving as a foundational first part of an advanced MIT sequence. Students consistently praise the clarity and expertise of the instructor in delivering complex topics. The course features demanding problem sets that are essential for applying concepts and developing problem-solving skills. While the content is exceptionally well-explained and supported by helpful demonstrations, a strong background in mathematics and physics is a critical prerequisite, indicating it's best suited for advanced students or professionals.

Lays critical groundwork for subsequent advanced courses in the sequence.

"This course perfectly sets up the next two parts of the series, making the progression logical."

"I feel well-prepared to move on to Navier-Stokes after mastering these fundamentals."

"It covers crucial concepts systematically, making the full sequence feel cohesive and valuable."

Essential, rigorous assignments solidify understanding and application skills.

"The problem sets were tough, but they absolutely forced me to apply the concepts deeply."

"I found the extensive practice problems essential for truly internalizing the material."

"Successfully completing the assignments built my confidence in tackling complex scenarios."

Instructor's clarity and expertise illuminate complex topics effectively.

"The instructor explains difficult concepts with such clarity, it's truly remarkable to watch."

"Lectures are well-structured and the demos really bring the advanced theory to life."

"I appreciate how the instructor connects fundamental principles to real-world engineering problems."

Delivers a comprehensive and challenging study for advanced learners.

"This course demands a strong grasp of calculus and physics; it's truly graduate-level material."

"I found the depth of coverage on continuum mechanics and control volume analysis exceptional."

"Be prepared for a significant time commitment, but the learning payoff is immense."

Requires a strong prior foundation; not suitable for beginners.

"Don't take this course lightly; ensure your calculus and physics are very solid beforehand."

"While advertised as advanced, I underestimated the required background in vector calculus."

"This course is definitely for those with prior exposure to fluid mechanics or advanced engineering math."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals with these activities:

Review Course Prerequisites

Show steps

Review fundamental concepts and build a solid foundation for advanced fluid mechanics

Browse courses on Continuum Mechanics

Show steps

Revisit key concepts in continuum mechanics and fluid statics from previous courses
Review the principles of buoyancy and rigid body accelerations in fluids
Recall the concepts of inviscid flow and the application of Bernoulli's theorems

Explore External Resources on Inviscid Flow and Potential Flows

Show steps

Enrich understanding by exploring additional materials and perspectives

Show steps

Search for and identify reputable resources on inviscid flow and potential flows
Review external materials, including research papers, articles, and online tutorials

Read and Summarize 'Advanced Fluid Dynamics' by Versteeg and Malalasekera

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced fluid dynamics concepts through a reputable textbook

View An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics... on Amazon

Show steps

Read selected chapters of 'Advanced Fluid Dynamics' that align with course topics
Summarize key concepts, equations, and examples to reinforce learning

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Scientist - Fluid Mechanics

Research Scientists - Fluid Mechanics conduct research in various areas of fluid dynamics, such as turbulence, multiphase flow, and computational fluid dynamics. They apply advanced fluid mechanics principles to develop new theories, models, and experimental techniques. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide a strong foundation for aspiring Research Scientists - Fluid Mechanics and help them succeed in their research endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist - Fluid Mechanics

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and manage the extraction of oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs. They apply fluid mechanics principles to understand the flow of fluids in porous media, optimize wellbore design, and enhance oil recovery techniques. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide Petroleum Engineers with a deep understanding of fluid flow in porous rocks and help them improve their reservoir management strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer

CFD Engineers use computer simulations to analyze and solve complex fluid flow problems. They apply principles of fluid mechanics, including those covered in Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals, to design and optimize systems involving fluid flow, such as aircraft engines, wind turbines, and medical devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer

Wind Energy Engineer

Wind Energy Engineers design, build, and operate wind turbines to generate electricity from wind power. They apply fluid mechanics principles to understand the behavior of wind and optimize turbine design. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide Wind Energy Engineers with a strong foundation in fluid dynamics and help them design more efficient and cost-effective wind turbines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Energy Engineer

Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers plan, design, and manage water resources systems to meet societal needs. They apply fluid mechanics principles to analyze water flow in rivers, canals, and other water conveyance systems. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide Water Resources Engineers with a deep understanding of fluid flow and its applications in water resources management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and below ground. They apply fluid mechanics principles to analyze water flow in rivers, lakes, aquifers, and other water bodies. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide a solid foundation for understanding the dynamics of water flow and its implications for water resources management and environmental protection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and operate machines and systems. They apply fluid mechanics principles in various areas, including the design of fluid power systems, pumps, turbines, and heat exchangers. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide a strong foundation for understanding the behavior of fluids in mechanical systems and help Mechanical Engineers optimize their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean. They apply fluid mechanics principles to understand ocean currents, tides, waves, and other physical processes in the ocean. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide Oceanographers with a strong foundation in fluid dynamics and help them make more accurate predictions and models of ocean behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Naval Architect

Naval Architects design, build, and maintain ships and other marine vessels. They apply fluid mechanics principles to optimize hull shapes, design propulsion systems, and ensure vessel stability. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide Naval Architects with a deeper understanding of fluid flow around ship hulls and help them design more efficient and seaworthy vessels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Naval Architect

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in medicine and healthcare. They apply fluid mechanics principles to design and develop medical devices, such as blood pumps, artificial organs, and drug delivery systems. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can help Biomedical Engineers better understand the behavior of fluids in biological systems and improve their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers work to protect human health and the environment by addressing issues related to water, air, and land pollution. They apply fluid mechanics principles to design systems for wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and hazardous waste management. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can provide a strong foundation for understanding the behavior of fluids in environmental systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers develop and improve materials used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. They apply fluid mechanics principles to understand the behavior of fluids in materials, such as the flow of molten metal during casting or the flow of gases through porous materials. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can help Materials Engineers optimize material properties and processes by providing a deeper understanding of fluid flow phenomena.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer

Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineers specialize in the behavior of soil and rock. They apply fluid mechanics principles, particularly those related to buoyancy and groundwater flow, to analyze and design foundations, slopes, and other geotechnical structures. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can help Geotechnical Engineers gain a deeper understanding of fluid-soil interactions and improve their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and supervise the construction of infrastructure projects, such as bridges, buildings, roads, and water supply systems. Knowledge of fluid mechanics is essential for designing hydraulic structures like dams and canals. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals can help build a foundation for understanding advanced fluid flow concepts and their applications in civil engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers apply principles from fluid dynamics, especially aerodynamics, to design and build aircraft, missiles, satellites, and other aerospace-related vehicles. Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1: Fundamentals may be useful in this role as it explores concepts like inviscid flow, the mechanical energy equation, and applications of control volume analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer