phys_FLUID MECHANICS

Density

A measure of the mass per unit volume of a substance. lowercase Greek letter ρ (rho).

Pressure

force per unit area on a surface.

Measured in Pa's (pascals)

Pascal's Principle

the pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted evenly throughout the fluid.

Mechanical Advantage

The ratio of the force out to the force in (hydraulic lift)

Buoyancy

upward force b/c of water pressure

Since the pressure is greater on lower surfaces, there is a net upward force on the object. This upward force is called buoyancy.

Archimedes principle

the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Bernoulli’s principle

velocity and pressure in a fluid are inversely related

Apparent weight

net downward force on a submerged object; i.e. Fg-B

Fluid dynamics

The study of fluids in motion

Streamline / Laminar Flow

flow is smooth, layers slide by each other

Turbulent Flow

erratic, whirlpool-like circles called eddy currents