Lamar University Lamar University

Fall 2011 Fall 2011

ME 3311 Fluid Mechanics ME 3311 Fluid Mechanics
Introduction to Fluid Mechanics Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
Xianchang Xianchang Li Li
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering
Lamar University Lamar University
xli2@lamar.edu xli2@lamar.edu
880 880- -8774 8774
Introduction
Why do we need to study
Fluid Mechanics?
Because
? No idea or for fun only?
we need to pass it so that we can graduate
it has a wide range of applications
it will benefit our future job
Introduction (2)
What is fluid?
Water, air, oil, natural gas, Freon,
A substance that deforms continuously when there is
a shearing force/stress acting on one of its surface
What is fluid mechanics?
To explain the behavior of fluids at rest & in motion
Classified into fluid statics and fluid dynamics
fluid statics dealing with fluids @ rest
fluid dynamics dealing with fluids in motion
Introduction (3)
Potential applications
Aerodynamics
Hydrodynamics
Power generation
Chemical process
Bio-engineering
HVAC
Meteorology
Sports

Aerodynamics
Questions:
How and why is the
body shape/profile
designed in this way?
What force makes
the airplane fly?
How to determine
the power needed?
Aerodynamics (2)
Questions:
Why the warplane
has a sharp nose?
Why people cannot
fly as birds?
Hydrodynamics
Questions: Power needed? Shape? Pressure to overcome?
Meteorology
Questions: How the air moves? Why there is a hurricane?
Power Generation
Questions:
What is this?
How does it work?
How to improve the efficiency?
Power Generation (2)
Questions:
How does it work?
Why do we need water flow?
Power Generation (3)
Questions:
How strong should the dam be?
How to calculate the force on the dam?
Power Generation (4)
Chemical Engineering
Questions:
How & why do the fluids flow in the
pipes?
How big does the pumps need to be?
Bio Engineering
HVAC
Questions:
What size should the air duct be?
How to uniformly distribute the
air among different rooms?
Sports
Questions:
What is the purpose of
dimples on the golf ball
surface?
Spoil on a race car? How
does it work and why?
Some Extra Ones
Supersonic flows result in shock
waves A big concern to design
high-speed warplanes
The plume of volcano eruption (Mt. St.
Helens in 1980) involves gas, liquid,
and solid particles. Strong turbulence
can be seen.
More Details of Fluid Mechanics for Automobiles
Exterior shape design Streamlined body to reduce drag
Fuel system Right flow rate, pressure, spraying
Cooling water/coolant loop To maintain the engine
temperature. Is there any pump in use?
Exhaust/intake air flow design
Flow around the radiator How powerful should the fan
be? Is there any difference when the car has a different
speed?
Lubrication/bearing
Engine oil What kind of properties are desired?
Fluid Mechanics Is Everywhere Fluid Mechanics is Beautiful
Fluid Mechanics is Beautiful (2) Beautiful but Tough
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Partial differential equations governing the flow

Turbulence needs to be modeled
Some Important Issues about the Course
Homework 10%
Pop Quizzes 10%
Exams (2) 35% (15%, 20%)
Project 15%
Final (Comprehensive) 30%
90~100% -- A
80~89% -- B or better
70~79% -- C or better
60~69% -- D or better
0~59% -- F
Important Issues about the Course (2)
Attendance is required. Students are responsible for
all the work missed due to their absence. Students
with perfect attendance will receive 5 bonus points
toward their final score. The bonus points will be
deducted for each unexcused absence.
Late papers (Homework & Projects) will receive 50%
credit before the grading starts and 0% after that.
Makeup exams (with an approved reason) can receive
a maximum of 75% points before the solutions are
given and 0% after that.
Let the Dream Come True The End
Questions and comments ?