Fluid Mechanics: Foundations and Applications

This lecture introduces the foundations of fluid mechanics, focusing on the quantitative description of flow problems. The instructor outlines the course's aim to derive general equations that describe fluid flows, including partial differential equations and boundary conditions. The approach involves solving these equations, which serves as a basis for simulation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to solve various flow problems and understand the derivation of the underlying theory. This includes simplifying assumptions and the validity of approximations, which are essential for advanced studies in fluid mechanics. The tentative class schedule covers topics such as hydrostatics, diffusion, fluid kinematics, and the Navier-Stokes equations, among others. The lecture emphasizes the importance of exercises and discussions to reinforce learning, with a final written exam planned for assessment. Textbooks and resources are also provided to support students throughout the course.