Fluid Mechanics from a Solid Mechanics Perspective

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the teaching of fluid mechanics to first and second year mechanical engineering undergraduate students. In particular, attention is focused on, the apparent difficulty students have with the concepts of control volume (CV) theory and its implementation in practical calculations. It is argued that by developing the theory, relating to control volumes, from a solid mechanics standpoint, a higher degree of physical insight is achieved. An elemental mass approach, based on basic Newtonian principles, is discussed, so that the ideas of control volume theory are more readily understandable. The ideas are extended to aid the student with practical calculations.