A good knowledge of Fluid mechanics is essential for Chemical, Mechanical and Civil engineers. As a result it is taught at a very early stage in degree courses on those disciplines.

A First Course in Fluid Mechanics covers the basics of the engineering fluid mechanics without delving into deeper more mathematical concepts.

Building from most basic concepts such as physical properties of fluids, it covers the topics in fluid statics and dynamics. Hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy and forces on immersed bodies are discussed under fluid statics.

Under fluid dynamics, Bernoulli’s principle is introduced. Furthermore, the nature of fluid flows is discussed in engineering context. Laminar and turbulent flows in pipes are explained in detail.

Finally hydraulic design is discussed paying attention to pump capacity calculations.

This textbook is levelled at first year undergraduate students.

1. Physics of Fluids
   1. Introduction
   2. Nature of fluids
   3. Fluid as a continuum
   4. Properties of fluids
   5. Fluid Mechanics
   6. References
2. Fluid Statics
   1. Introduction
   2. Pressure
   3. Pressure at a point
   4. Pressure variation in a static fluid
   5. Pressure and head
   6. Use of hydraulic pressure
   7. Buoyancy
   8. Force on immersed plates
   9. References
3. Dimensional analysis
   1. Introduction
   2. Dimensional homogeneity
   3. Buckingham’ Pi theorem
   4. Uses of dimensional analysis
4. Basics of Fluid Flow
   1. Introduction
   2. Velocity field
   3. Control volume and system representation
   4. Continuity of flow
   5. Types of flow
   6. Bernoulli equation
   7. Physical meaning of the Bernoulli equation
   8. Applications of Bernoulli equation
   9. Linear Momentum
   10. References
5. Laminar and Turbulent Flow
   1. Introduction
   2. Laminar Flow
   3. Turbulent flows
   4. References
6. Viscous Flow in Pipes
   1. Introduction
   2. Laminar flow in a circular pipe
   3. Turbulent flow in a pipe
   4. Bernoulli Equation revisited
   5. Losses in pipes
   6. Other head losses in pipes
   7. References
7. Pumping of liquids
   1. Introduction
   2. Pump classification
   3. Centrifugal pumps
   4. Bernoulli’s equation and system head
   5. System curve
   6. Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)
   7. Flow Control
   8. Some remarks on practical issues
   9. References