09-08-2023

Lecture 2
Module 1:
Introduction to Fluid Statics

Dr. Sharu B K
Asst. Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
NIT Calicut

Office: GF, old library

Email: sharubk@nitc.ac.in 11

Fluid Mechanics
 Mechanics: physical science that deals with both stationary and
moving bodies under the influence of forces
Statics
Mechanics
Dynamics
 Fluid Mechanics: science that deals with the behaviour of fluids at
rest (fluid statics) or in motion (fluid dynamics),and interaction of
fluids with solids or other fluids at the boundaries
 Hydrodynamics & Hydraulics
 Gas dynamics & Aerodynamics
 Meteorology, Oceanography and Hydrology
‘ Man’s desire for knowledge of fluid phenomena began with his problems of water supply, irrigation,
navigation, and waterpower ’ 12
Dr. Sharu B K, NITC
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Definition of Fluid
 A fluid is a substance that deforms continuously irrespective
of the magnitude of shear force applied
 Continuous deformation under the application of shear stress
constitutes the flow
 Fluids are unable to resist deformation under a shear stress

SOLID

--- No slip condition--- 13

Dr. Sharu B K, NITC

Definition of Fluid
 Fluid can also be defined as the state of matter that cannot
sustain any shear stress
 Conversely this definition implies if a fluid is at rest there
are no shearing forces acting. All forces must be
perpendicular to the planes which they are acting
 For fluids at rest, the shear stress is zero and pressure is
the only normal stress

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Dr. Sharu B K, NITC
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Distinction between Solids and Fluids

Solids Fluids
 Closely packed due to strong inter-  Loosely packed and weak
molecular attractive forces attractive forces
 Can resist tangential stress in static  Cannot resist tangential stress in
condition static condition
 Whenever a solid is subjected to
 Whenever a fluid is subjected to
shear stress
shear stress
 It undergoes a definite
 No fixed deformation
deformation or breaks
 Deformation proportional to
 Deformation is proportional to
the rate of shear stress
the shear stress up to some
limiting condition  Can never regain original shape
 Regains partially or fully its original when shear stress is removed
shape when the shear stress is
removed 15
Dr. Sharu B K, NITC

Concept of Continuum
 The concept of continuum is a kind of idealization of the
continuous description of matter where the properties of the
matter are considered as continuous functions of space variables.
 Although any matter is composed of several molecules, the
concept of continuum assumes a continuous distribution of mass
within the matter or system with no empty space, instead of the
actual conglomeration of separate molecules.
 In continuum approach, fluid properties such as density, viscosity,
thermal conductivity, temperature, etc. can be expressed as
continuous functions of space and time.

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Dr. Sharu B K, NITC
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Knudsen number
 A dimensionless parameter known as Knudsen number, describes
the degree of departure from continuum.
Kn = λ / L,
where λ - the mean free path & L the characteristic length.
 Usually when Kn> 0.01, the concept of continuum does not hold
good.
 Beyond this critical range of Knudsen number, the flows are known
as
Slip flow (0.01 < Kn < 0.1),
Transition flow (0.1 < Kn < 10) and
Free-molecular flow (Kn > 10).
 Fluid is a continuum when Kn is less than 0.01
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Dr. Sharu B K, NITC

 System and control volume

 Lagrangian and Eulerian method

 Concept of stress

Normal stress
𝜹𝑭𝒏
𝝈 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝜹𝑨→𝟎 𝜹𝑨

Tangential or Shear stress

𝜹𝑭𝒕
𝝈 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝜹𝑨→𝟎 𝜹𝑨
Stress is a second order tensor
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Dr. Sharu B K, NITC
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