Fluid Dynamics

Fluid dynamics is the study of the flow of liquids and gases, usually in and around solid surfaces. The flow patterns depend on the characteristics of the fluid, the speed of flow, and the shape of the solid surface. Scientists try to understand the principles and mechanisms of fluid dynamics by studying flow patterns experimentally in laboratories and also mathematically, with the aid of powerful computers. The two fluids studied most often are air and water. Aerodynamics is used mostly to look at air flow around planes and automobiles with the aim of reducing drag and increasing the efficiency of motion. Hydrodynamics deals with the flow of water in various situations such as in pipes, around ships, and underground. Apart from the more familiar cases, the principles of fluid dynamics can be used to understand an almost unimaginable variety of phenomena such as the flow of blood in blood vessels, the flight of geese in V-formation, and the behavior of underwater plants and animals.