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Cherish Qualls, PhD

Are you tired of struggling in your Fluids class?

If you answered yes, then this course is for you. Here you'll find easy to understand lectures and plenty of fully-worked examples to help you learn the challenging subject of Fluid Mechanics.

This course is the third in a 3-course series designed to teach the fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. In this section, we continue learning about fluid in motion and we will introduce the concept of dimensional analysis.

Here's what we'll cover

This course covers the following topics that are generally found in a university-level Intro to Fluids class:

Read more

Are you tired of struggling in your Fluids class?

If you answered yes, then this course is for you. Here you'll find easy to understand lectures and plenty of fully-worked examples to help you learn the challenging subject of Fluid Mechanics.

This course is the third in a 3-course series designed to teach the fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. In this section, we continue learning about fluid in motion and we will introduce the concept of dimensional analysis.

Here's what we'll cover

This course covers the following topics that are generally found in a university-level Intro to Fluids class:

  • Lagrangian and Eulerian Descriptions

  • Velocity and Acceleration Fields

  • Continuity Equation

  • Navier Stokes

  • Stream Function

  • Vorticity and Irrotationality

  • Velocity Potential

  • Dimensional Analysis & Buckingham Pi Theorem

  • Intro to Laminar and Turbulent Flow

  • And more.

Here's what you get when you enroll

  • Lifetime access to the course

  • Easy to follow, on-demand lecture videos

  • Plenty of fully-worked examples in a variety of difficulty levels

  • Downloadable outline of notes to help you create an organized set of notes and to help you follow along

What's the format of the course?

Let me just say that I hate engineering courses taught with PowerPoint slides. Due to this, you will not find slides here.

I think people learn better when they have to write the material. That means the majority of my lectures are handwritten. I give you a brief outline of notes to help you follow along and to help minimize the length of the videos.

Speaking of video length... am I the only one who doesn't like watching hour-long lecture videos? I didn't think so.

To eliminate that frustration my lectures are broken up into shorter segments, typically 12-15 minutes.

And if you are here for examples, I made them easy to find. Almost all the examples are in their own videos, that way you can look through the notes and pick and choose which ones you want to watch.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Lagrangian & eulerian descriptions, vector fields
  • Continuity & navier stokes equations, buckingham pi theorem
  • Vorticity, stream functions, velocity potential & more!

Syllabus

Velocity & Acceleration Fields
Example 25
Example 26
Mass Conservation
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Continues the study of fluid mechanics, building upon previous knowledge and preparing students for more advanced topics in engineering
Complements university-level fluid mechanics courses, offering additional support and practice for students seeking to solidify their understanding
Focuses on fluid in motion and dimensional analysis, which are essential concepts for understanding real-world engineering applications
Requires completion of the first two courses in the series, which may pose a barrier for learners who are new to the subject
Teaches Navier-Stokes equations, which are fundamental to understanding fluid dynamics but can be mathematically challenging for some learners
Explores laminar and turbulent flow, which are important concepts for designing and analyzing fluid systems in various engineering disciplines

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Reviews summary

Intro fluid mechanics part 3 analysis

According to learners, this course is a well-structured and easy-to-follow continuation of the Fluid Mechanics series. Students particularly highlight the benefit of short, bite-sized video lectures and the abundance of fully-worked examples, finding them incredibly helpful for grasping challenging concepts and making a difficult subject manageable. The section on dimensional analysis is frequently praised for its clarity. While the course effectively covers core topics, some reviewers noted that certain advanced concepts or derivations, like Navier-Stokes, felt somewhat rushed or lacked the depth needed for intermediate learners or those seeking a more theoretical foundation.
Section on dimensional analysis is strong.
"introduces dimensional analysis very clearly."
"Dimensional analysis section was well done."
"Dimensional analysis was taught very well."
"The dimensional analysis section was particularly helpful."
Lectures broken into short segments.
"The short video segments make complex topics digestible."
"The bite-sized videos are perfect for fitting into a busy schedule."
"...my lectures are broken up into shorter segments, typically 12-15 minutes."
Well-structured and easy to follow material.
"This course is incredibly well-structured and easy to follow."
"the instructor explains things clearly."
"Excellent explanations, especially for tough topics like vorticity and stream functions."
"The explanations are clear, the examples practical..."
"The instructor breaks down complex ideas well."
Plenty of fully-worked examples included.
"Plenty of fully-worked examples are a lifesaver for understanding how to apply the concepts."
"The examples are very helpful."
"The examples are gold."
"Almost all the examples are in their own videos, that way you can look through the notes and pick and choose which ones you want to watch."
"The examples are numerous and varied."
Clarity questioned by some learners.
"I struggled with this part of the series... I found the explanation of the Navier-Stokes equation hard to follow here."
"It felt like it jumped steps. ... needed more theoretical grounding first."
"Not as clear as the previous parts [of the series]."
Could use more detail on advanced topics.
"Some topics, like the full Navier-Stokes derivation, felt a bit rushed, maybe could use a bit more detail..."
"The examples are good for beginners, but lack challenge for intermediate learners."
"some of the later topics felt a bit brief compared to the early sections."
"some advanced topics are touched upon but not explored in depth."

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 Intro to Fluid Mechanics for Engineering Students Part 3 with these activities:
Review Vector Calculus
Reinforce your understanding of vector calculus concepts, which are essential for understanding velocity and acceleration fields in fluid mechanics.
Browse courses on Vector Calculus
Show steps
  • Review vector operations such as dot and cross products.
  • Practice calculating gradients, divergences, and curls.
  • Work through problems involving line and surface integrals.
Read 'Fluid Mechanics' by Frank White
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook that provides in-depth explanations and examples.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to the course syllabus.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
  • Attempt the end-of-chapter problems for additional practice.
Solve Continuity Equation Problems
Solidify your understanding of the continuity equation by working through a variety of practice problems.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems in textbooks or online resources.
  • Solve problems involving different flow geometries.
  • Check your solutions against answer keys or worked solutions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Schaum's Outline of Fluid Mechanics'
Use a Schaum's Outline to get extra practice problems and reinforce your understanding of key concepts.
Show steps
  • Read the relevant chapters in the Schaum's Outline.
  • Work through the solved problems.
  • Attempt the supplementary problems for additional practice.
Follow Online Tutorials on Navier-Stokes Equations
Deepen your understanding of the Navier-Stokes equations by following online tutorials that provide step-by-step explanations and examples.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on websites like YouTube or educational platforms.
  • Follow along with the tutorial and work through the examples.
  • Try to solve similar problems on your own after completing the tutorial.
Create a Dimensional Analysis Cheat Sheet
Compile a cheat sheet of common dimensionless groups and their applications in fluid mechanics to aid in problem-solving.
Show steps
  • List common dimensionless groups like Reynolds number and Froude number.
  • Describe the physical significance of each group.
  • Provide examples of how each group is used in fluid mechanics.
Simulate Fluid Flow Using Software
Apply your knowledge by simulating fluid flow scenarios using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.
Show steps
  • Choose a CFD software package (e.g., OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent).
  • Model a simple fluid flow problem (e.g., flow around a cylinder).
  • Run the simulation and analyze the results.
  • Compare your simulation results with theoretical predictions.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Fluid Mechanics for Engineering Students Part 3 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Researcher
A researcher in fluid mechanics conducts experiments and develops theoretical models to understand fluid behavior. This often requires an advanced degree. This course, which covers topics such as the Navier Stokes equations, vorticity, and dimensional analysis, provides a great foundation for understanding these complex topics. The focus on fully-worked examples would be useful in understanding the application of fluid mechanics theory. One who wishes to become a researcher may find this course to be valuable.
Hydraulic Engineer
Hydraulic engineers specialize in the design and construction of systems that control and utilize water. Fluid mechanics is at the heart of this field, from designing canals to managing flood control. This course, which covers topics such as stream functions, velocity potential, and dimensional analysis, provides a solid foundation in the principles needed to analyze and design hydraulic systems. The course's focus on examples may be useful for visualizing complex flow phenomena. Aspiring hydraulic engineers may find this course helpful.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer
Computational fluid dynamics engineers use computer simulations to model and analyze fluid flow. A strong understanding of fluid mechanics is essential for developing and validating these models. This course, which covers topics such as the Navier Stokes equations, turbulence modeling, and dimensional analysis, provides a foundation in the fundamental principles. The course's focus on examples would be useful in applying these principles to real-world problems. One who wishes to become a computational fluid dynamics engineer may find this course to be valuable.
Aerospace Engineer
As an aerospace engineer, you will design, develop, and test aircraft and spacecraft. A deep understanding of fluid mechanics is crucial, especially when analyzing aerodynamic forces and optimizing aircraft design. This course, which covers topics such as velocity fields, the Navier Stokes equations, and dimensional analysis, will help build a foundation of knowledge in these essential areas. Specifically, the section on dimensional analysis and the Buckingham Pi Theorem will be particularly helpful in scaling models and analyzing experimental data. This course may be useful to those hoping to become aerospace engineers.
Naval Architect
Naval architects design and oversee the construction of ships and other marine vessels. A thorough understanding of fluid mechanics is critical for analyzing hydrodynamic forces, optimizing hull design, and ensuring vessel stability. This course, which covers topics such as velocity fields, the Navier Stokes equations, and dimensional analysis, helps build a foundation in these key areas. The course's emphasis on examples may be useful for visualizing complex flow phenomena. This course may be useful for those hoping to become naval architects.
Wind Energy Engineer
Wind energy engineers design and develop wind turbines and wind farms. Fluid mechanics is crucial for understanding the interaction between wind and turbine blades, optimizing turbine design, and predicting energy production. This course, which covers topics such as velocity fields, the Navier Stokes equations, and dimensional analysis, helps build a foundation in these key areas. The course's emphasis on examples may be useful for visualizing complex flow phenomena. This course may be useful for those hoping to become wind energy engineers.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacturing of many products, from medical devices to new battery technology. Fluid mechanics plays a crucial role in the design of systems involving fluid flow, heat transfer, and energy conversion. This course, which covers topics such as the continuity equation, Navier Stokes, and laminar versus turbulent flow, helps you to understand the behavior of fluids in various mechanical systems. The course's emphasis on fully-worked examples would be useful in solving real-world engineering problems. Aspiring mechanical engineers may find that this course is helpful.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers are involved in the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and natural gas. Fluid mechanics is essential for understanding fluid flow in porous media, designing wellbores, and optimizing oil recovery techniques. This course, which covers topics such as laminar and turbulent flow, dimensional analysis, and the Navier Stokes equations, provides a solid foundation in the principles needed for these applications. The course's emphasis on practical examples may be useful for visualizing complex flow phenomena. One who wishes to become a petroleum engineer may find this course to be valuable.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. Fluid mechanics is essential for designing pipelines, mixing tanks, and other equipment where fluids are processed. This course, which covers topics such as the Navier Stokes equations, stream functions, and velocity potential, provides a solid foundation in the principles needed to analyze and design these systems. The fully-worked examples may assist with applying theoretical concepts to practical problems. Aspiring chemical engineers may find that this course is helpful.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and build infrastructure projects such as bridges, dams, and water distribution systems. Fluid mechanics is essential for analyzing water flow, designing hydraulic structures, and managing water resources. This course, which covers topics such as the continuity equation and dimensional analysis, helps you to understand the fundamental principles governing fluid behavior in these applications. In particular, the units on mass conservation and velocity should prove helpful. One who wishes to become a civil engineer may find that this course is useful.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers work to protect the environment through the design of solutions to environmental problems. Fluid mechanics is important for understanding pollutant transport in rivers and groundwater, designing wastewater treatment plants, and managing air pollution. This course, which covers topics such as the continuity equation and laminar versus turbulent flow, helps you understand the behavior of fluids in environmental systems. In particular, the sections on mass conservation and the Reynolds number may be useful. An environmental engineer may find this course to be valuable.
Energy Engineer
Energy engineers work to improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy sources, and reduce energy consumption. Fluid mechanics is important for understanding energy transport in various systems, such as power plants, HVAC systems, and pipelines. This course, which covers topics such as laminar and turbulent flow, dimensional analysis, and the mass conservation equation, helps you understand the fundamental principles governing fluid behavior in these applications. The course's focus on examples may be useful for applying these principles to specific energy-related projects. Energy engineers may find this course helpful.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the atmosphere and weather patterns. Fluid mechanics plays a crucial role in understanding atmospheric flows, predicting weather events, and modeling climate change. This course, which covers topics such as the continuity equation, Navier Stokes equations, and vorticity, helps you to understand the fundamental principles governing atmospheric behavior. In particular, the course's discussion of velocity and acceleration fields may be especially useful. Aspiring meteorologists may find that this course is helpful.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to solve medical and healthcare-related problems. Fluid mechanics is used in various applications, such as understanding blood flow in the cardiovascular system, designing artificial organs, and developing drug delivery systems. This course, which covers topics such as the continuity equation, Navier Stokes equations, and laminar versus turbulent flow, provides a foundation in the fundamentals of fluid behavior. The course's focus on examples may be useful for applying these principles to specific biomedical applications. Aspiring biomedical engineers may find this course helpful.
Test Engineer
Test engineers are responsible for designing and conducting tests on mechanical systems to ensure they meet performance and safety requirements. Fluid mechanics is often involved in testing systems that involve fluid flow, heat transfer, or pressure. This course, which covers topics such as dimensional analysis, laminar and turbulent flow, and the continuity equation, provides a foundation in the fundamental principles needed to design and interpret these tests. The course's focus on fully-worked examples may be useful for understanding how fluid mechanics principles apply to real-world testing scenarios. Test engineers may find this course helpful.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro to Fluid Mechanics for Engineering Students Part 3.
This Schaum's Outline provides a concise and focused review of fluid mechanics principles, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving. It covers topics such as fluid properties, fluid statics, kinematics, control volume analysis, Bernoulli equation, dimensional analysis, and viscous flow. The book includes numerous solved problems and practice exercises. It helpful supplement for students seeking to reinforce their understanding of fluid mechanics concepts and improve their problem-solving skills.

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