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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 first in a 3-course series designed to teach the fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics.

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 first in a 3-course series designed to teach the fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics.

Here's what we'll cover

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

  • Properties of fluids - pressure, density, etc.

  • Ideal gas law

  • Viscosity

  • Hydrostatic forces of plane and curved surfaces

  • Buoyancy

  • Accelerating liquids

  • And more.

Here's what you get when you enroll

  • Lifetime access to the course

  • Easy-to-follow, on-demand lecture videos

  • 36 fully worked examples in a variety of difficulty levels

  • 13 Homework sets with solutions

  • 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

  • Ideal gas law, viscosity, absolute and gage pressure
  • Hydrostatic forces on plane and curved surfaces
  • Buoyancy and stability
  • Pressure measurement with barometers and manometers
  • & more!

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome Video
Introduction & Downloadable Outline of Notes
Dimensional Homogeneity and Example 1
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides numerous fully worked examples and homework sets with solutions, which can be valuable for students seeking practice and reinforcement of concepts
Covers fundamental topics like hydrostatics, buoyancy, and pressure measurement, which are essential for a solid foundation in fluid mechanics
Is the first in a series of three courses, suggesting a comprehensive approach to learning fluid mechanics for those who wish to delve deeper
Lectures are handwritten and broken into shorter segments, which may appeal to students who prefer a more interactive and less formal learning style
Requires students to take this course in serial with two others as part of a series, which may not be ideal for learners seeking standalone knowledge

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Reviews summary

Fundamentals of fluid mechanics part 1

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for engineering students studying fluid mechanics. Many found it an excellent supplement to their university courses, helping them grasp fundamental concepts. Students particularly praised the concise video lectures and the abundance of helpful examples and homework problems with solutions. While it's noted that this is only Part 1 of 3 and doesn't cover everything, the instructor's clear explanations make the initial topics easy to understand. Some reviews noted minor areas for improvement or desired more challenging problems.
Covers fundamentals as Part 1 of 3.
"Realize this is only Part 1, so it doesn't cover everything needed for a full university course, but it's a solid start."
"Good foundation, but I know I'll need the subsequent parts for more advanced topics."
"Remember this is just the beginning; you'll need Parts 2 and 3 to complete the series."
Instructor explains concepts clearly.
"The instructor breaks down complex topics in a way that is easy to understand."
"Compared to my professor, the explanations here were much clearer and less confusing."
"I found the handwritten notes easy to follow and the instruction style engaging."
Short, focused videos make learning digestible.
"The short video format is excellent; I can easily rewatch specific topics without searching through long lectures."
"Appreciate that the videos are broken down into small, manageable chunks, perfect for studying."
"Unlike my university lectures, these videos get straight to the point."
Excellent resource for engineering students.
"This course is a great supplement to my university fluids class, especially for understanding the basics I missed."
"Found this invaluable for getting a handle on the fundamentals needed for my engineering curriculum."
"Definitely helped me prepare for my fluids exams."
Numerous worked examples aid understanding.
"The examples are very helpful and explained clearly, making the concepts much easier to grasp than my textbook."
"I loved having the homework sets with solutions available, great for practicing problems."
"Watching the instructor work through the examples step-by-step really solidified my understanding."
"Provides ample practice problems similar to what I see in my university coursework."

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 1 with these activities:
Review Statics and Dynamics
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental concepts from statics and dynamics, which are essential for grasping fluid behavior and forces.
Browse courses on Dynamics
Show steps
  • Review key concepts like forces, moments, equilibrium, and free-body diagrams.
  • Practice solving problems related to static equilibrium and dynamic motion.
Schaum's Outline of Fluid Mechanics
Use a Schaum's Outline to get more practice problems and reinforce your understanding of the core concepts.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of Schaum's Outline of Fluid Mechanics.
  • Review the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Work through the solved problems in the book.
  • Attempt the supplementary problems and check your answers.
Read 'Fluid Mechanics' by Frank White
Supplement the course material with a widely-used textbook that provides in-depth explanations and additional examples.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Fluid Mechanics' by Frank White.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve additional hydrostatic force problems
Sharpen your problem-solving skills by working through a variety of hydrostatic force problems on plane and curved surfaces.
Show steps
  • Find a collection of hydrostatic force problems online or in a textbook.
  • Solve each problem step-by-step, showing all your work.
  • Check your answers against the solutions provided.
Create a fluid properties reference sheet
Consolidate your understanding of fluid properties by creating a reference sheet with definitions, formulas, and typical values.
Show steps
  • Gather information on fluid properties from the course materials and other resources.
  • Organize the information into a clear and concise reference sheet.
  • Include definitions, formulas, units, and typical values for each property.
Design a simple manometer
Apply your knowledge of manometers by designing a simple manometer for measuring pressure in a specific application.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific application for your manometer.
  • Research different types of manometers and their applications.
  • Design the manometer, specifying the dimensions, materials, and fluid to be used.
  • Calculate the expected pressure range and sensitivity of the manometer.
Create a presentation on buoyancy and stability
Deepen your understanding of buoyancy and stability by creating a presentation that explains the concepts and provides real-world examples.
Show steps
  • Research buoyancy and stability principles.
  • Gather examples of buoyancy and stability in real-world applications.
  • Create a presentation with clear explanations and visuals.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Fluid Mechanics for Engineering Students Part 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Naval Architect
Naval architects design and oversee the construction and repair of ships and other marine vessels. A thorough understanding of fluid mechanics is essential, as it governs the hydrodynamics of ship performance and stability. This course is highly relevant because it covers fluid properties, buoyancy, and stability. Naval architects use these exact principles to ensure the safe and efficient operation of vessels. The course material on hydrostatic forces on plane and curved surfaces directly applies to calculating the forces acting on a ship's hull. The examples pertaining to buoyancy and stability are particularly helpful for naval architects.
Hydraulic Engineer
Hydraulic engineers specialize in the control and utilization of water. They design systems for water conveyance, flood control, and irrigation. A strong understanding of fluid mechanics is paramount for hydraulic engineers. This course covers the properties of fluids, hydrostatic forces, buoyancy, and pressure measurement, all of which are fundamental to the field. The content on pressure variation with depth and hydrostatic forces on curved surfaces directly applies to the design of dams, canals, and pipelines. The many examples provided in this course will be exceptionally useful for hydraulic engineers.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacturing of many products, machines, and systems. Fluid mechanics is a core subject for mechanical engineers, especially those working with thermal systems, fluid power, or HVAC. This course introduces the fundamental principles of fluid properties and behavior, equipping you with the understanding needed to design efficient and reliable systems. This course's coverage of viscosity, pressure measurement, and hydrostatic forces directly applies to many mechanical engineering problems. The course's approach, which involves easy-to-understand lectures and plenty of fully worked examples, makes it extremely helpful for mechanical engineers who want to strengthen their understanding of fluid mechanics. The homework sets with solutions further reinforce learning.
Aerospace Engineer
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft and spacecraft. Mastering the fundamentals of fluid mechanics is crucial in this role, as it informs the aerodynamic performance and stability of flying vehicles. This course helps build a foundation in understanding fluid properties like pressure, density, and viscosity, all of which are essential for analyzing airflow around aircraft. The course's coverage of buoyancy and stability directly relates to the principles governing flight. Its exploration of hydrostatic forces could be relevant in designing submerged components or understanding fluid behavior in hydraulic systems used in aerospace applications. The numerous fully worked examples are particularly valuable for aerospace engineers.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer
Computational fluid dynamics engineers use computer simulations to model and analyze fluid flow. A strong understanding of the underlying fluid mechanics principles is essential for setting up and interpreting these simulations. This course will be valuable, because it thoroughly covers fluid properties, viscosity, and pressure. A computational fluid dynamics engineer benefits from the course's detailed coverage of topics like hydrostatic forces and accelerating liquids, as these concepts are frequently encountered in simulations. This career path often requires an advanced degree.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects like bridges, dams, and water distribution systems. Fluid mechanics is essential for designing hydraulic structures and managing water resources. This course helps build a foundation in understanding fluid properties, hydrostatic forces, and buoyancy, all of which are key to designing stable and effective infrastructure. Civil engineers will find the course material on pressure variation, barometers, and manometers helpful in designing systems for water storage and distribution. The detailed examples and homework sets reinforce the practical application of these concepts. This course will be useful for all civil engineers.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. Fluid mechanics is crucial in understanding the flow of fluids through porous media and the behavior of fluids in reservoirs and pipelines. This course will be useful, since it provides a strong foundation in fluid properties, viscosity, and pressure. The material on the ideal gas law and pressure variation is directly applicable to analyzing the behavior of gases in oil and gas reservoirs. The numerous worked examples in this course are valuable for petroleum engineers.
Fluid Mechanics Consultant
A fluid mechanics consultant provides expert advice and analysis to companies facing challenges involving fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena. A deep understanding of fluid mechanics is essential for this role. This course may be useful in strengthening your understanding of fundamental principles of fluid properties, viscosity, hydrostatic forces, and buoyancy. The wide range of topics covered in the course, from pressure measurement to accelerating liquids, equips you with a broad base of knowledge to tackle diverse consulting projects.
Research Scientist
A research scientist plans and conducts experiments in a laboratory, often at a university or research institute. For scientists specializing in areas like fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, or related fields, a strong understanding of fluid mechanics is necessary. This course could be useful for building a foundation in the fundamental principles of fluid properties, hydrostatic forces, and buoyancy. The systematic approach of the coursework, with its combination of lectures, examples, and homework sets, helps train the analytical skills needed for research. Pursuing a career as a research scientist typically requires an advanced degree.
Energy Engineer
Energy engineers work to improve energy efficiency and develop new energy technologies. Fluid mechanics is relevant to the design of efficient energy systems, such as wind turbines and hydroelectric power plants. This course may be useful as it provides a solid foundation in fluid properties, pressure, and hydrostatics. The course's coverage of buoyancy and stability could be useful in designing floating energy platforms. The detailed examples are particularly valuable for energy engineers.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers work to protect the environment and human health through the design of solutions to environmental problems. Fluid mechanics plays a role in understanding the transport of pollutants in water and air. This course may be useful by providing a solid foundation in fluid properties, pressure, and buoyancy. This understanding can be applied to model the movement of contaminants in rivers, lakes, and groundwater, or to design efficient wastewater treatment systems. The topics such as pressure variation and hydrostatic forces may be relevant to designing storage tanks. The many worked examples offered by this course will be helpful for those seeking a career as an environmental engineer.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. Fluid mechanics is an important area of study as it helps with understanding mixing, transport, and reaction processes. This course may be useful in introducing the fundamental concepts of fluid properties, viscosity, and pressure. This course could be helpful for chemical engineers to understand flow dynamics in pipes and reactors. The many fully worked examples will be beneficial for those in chemical engineering.
Mining Engineer
Mining engineers design and develop mines, and oversee the extraction of minerals and other resources from the earth. Fluid mechanics is important for understanding groundwater flow, slurry transport, and ventilation systems within mines. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in fluid properties, pressure, and buoyancy. The course's coverage of pressure variation and hydrostatic forces could be useful in designing dewatering systems. The detailed examples are valuable for mining engineers.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in medicine and biology. Fluid mechanics principles are relevant to understanding blood flow, respiratory mechanics, and the design of medical devices. This course may be useful, as it provides a foundation in fluid properties, viscosity, and pressure. The material on pressure measurement and viscosity can be applied to analyze blood flow in the cardiovascular system. The homework and examples are useful to biomedical engineers.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the atmosphere and weather patterns. The principles of fluid mechanics govern the behavior of air masses and atmospheric flows. This course may be useful as it provides a foundational introduction to fluid properties, pressure, and density. While the course focuses on liquids, the underlying principles are transferrable to understanding atmospheric dynamics. The material on pressure variation with depth and the ideal gas law is particularly relevant to meteorology. This career path often requires an advanced degree.

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 1.
Problem-solving supplement to standard fluid mechanics textbooks. It provides a concise review of the theory, followed by numerous solved problems and practice exercises. It is an excellent resource for students who want to improve their problem-solving skills. This book is particularly useful for reinforcing the concepts covered in the course and preparing for exams.

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