Talk:Fluid dynamics

Fluid mechanics vs. fluid dynamics vs. continuum mechanics

I don't like the definition: "Fluid mechanics is a branch of continuum mechanics." Continuum fluid mechanics is only a subset of the entire field of fluid mechanics. Statistical mechanics, in which a fluid is not assumed to be a continuum, is even mentioned later in the paragraph. A dictionary defines fluid mechanics as: "a branch of mechanics dealing with the properties of liquids and gases." I think that in an encyclopedia this should described in further detail, maybe: "a branch of physics, or mechanics, dealing with the properties of liquids and gases, specifically with stationary fluids, hydrostatics, and fluids in motion, fluid dynamics. The study of fluid mechanics is dependant on the principles of conservation of mass (see continuity equation) and conservation of momentum (see Navier-Stokes equations,) and often relies on the study of thermodynamics. The object of the study of fluid mechanics is most often to calculate the forces exerted by a fluid flow (aerodynamics), to calculate the mass flow rate at a certain region within a fluid flow (pipes and plumbing), to describe the motion of a solid within a fluid (such as boat or an airplane wing,) to describe the noise generated by or propagating through a fluid, or even to describe the properties of a fluid." I would change the article myself, but I feel such a major change should be discussed. --Sean

Better, Thanks. -Sean

Everyone come help with Wikipedia:WikiProject Fluid dynamics. moink 23:07, 27 Dec 2003 (UTC)

Right now this article is called [Fluid mechanics]] and Fluid dynamics is a redirect. I would like to reverse that for the following reasons:

• I think it sounds better and is slightly more common (at least in North America, no idea outside).

(Fluid Mechanics is used here in Australia - Reubot)

• There's a nice parallel construction with its subdisciplines aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.
• I've only rarely heard the term "computational fluid mechanics, Computational fluid dynamics or CFD is much more common, and again, I think the computational version should have the same name as the superdiscipline. moink 18:02, 31 Dec 2003 (UTC)

To me, fluid mechanics (or dynamics if you prefer) is a subset of continuum mechanics (which also includes elasticity). So, there'll be an inconsistency at one level or another no matter what you do. I don't have a strong opinion, otherwise. -- hike395 21:37, 31 Dec 2003 (UTC)

I think the problem is in the way of defining the concept of "fluid". If you define "fluid" as "liquids and gases" you're in troubles. If you define "fluid" as a "continuum which is perfectly deformable..." Things are clear: liquids and gases are phases of matter and are studied by statistical mechanics; fluids are continuos media and are studied by fluid mechanics or dynamics (this alternative remains) --crodrigue1 29 Jun 2004

The term fluid dynamics is actually a subset of fluid mechanics. Whereas dynamics relates to motion, mechanics is a broader term that includes both dynamics and statics. So hydrostatics is not actually a subset of fluid dynamics, but it is a subset of fluid mechanics. Moreover, the course actually taught to undergraduate engineers is generally called fluid mechanics. Therefore, I'd like to change back the title. Unfortunately, Wikipedia is not letting me do so. Any suggestions, apart from involving an admin?COGDEN 02:46, Nov 5, 2004 (UTC)

I'd agree: I think Fluid Mechanics should redirect to Fluid mechanics instead of this article.

Actually, I created a separate fluid mechanics page.COGDEN 20:52, Nov 13, 2004 (UTC)

I meant have Fluid Mechanics redirect to fluid mechanics instead of fluid dynamics - Reubot

Alright I've changed the redirect, also COGDEN, you might want to have a look at this Wikipedia:WikiProject Fluid dynamics/Top_draft - Reubot

Fluidics

Michael Hardy suggested: The material at fluidics should be incorporated into this article, and then that page should be redirected to this one.

About incorporation of Fluidics into Fluid dynamics: it is hardly advisable IMO. Modern usage of the term fluidics indicates that it differs from Fluid dynamics like, say electronics from Electromagnetism: fluidics is about control devices based on fluid dynamics. Mikkalai 19:43, 7 Sep 2004 (UTC)

Agreed. A more appropriate solution is to expand the stub entry on fluidics into a complete standalone article. Kaszeta 20:36, 7 Sep 2004 (UTC)

Continuity?

Any particular reason that the continuum assumption is being called "the continuity assumption"? I've always heard it referred to as a "continuum assumption" or "continuum approximation."