Fluid mechanics concerns the kinematics and dynamics of fluid flows as well as the governing force and deformation relationships for fluids at rest or in motion. The science or study of fluid mechanics thus has broad applications in both academia and industry such as atmospheric sciences, geophysics, ocean and coastal engineering, planetary sciences, biological engineering and physiology, agricultural sciences, building and architecture, material or polymer processing, micro and nanofluidics, groundwater flows, hydraulics, mud flows, body armor, sports sciences, as well as energy, aerospace, automobile, and naval industries.

As a 3-unit introductory core course directed towards mechanical engineering sophomores, we shall introduce, examine, and discuss the underlying physics and mechanisms governing the mechanical responses and behavior of Newtonian fluids and fluid flows, that is, fluids or flows exhibiting linear stress and strain rate relationships or of constant viscosity. We shall also lay down or establish the theoretical and mathematical foundations so as to derive the governing Navier-Stokes equations for describing or predicting the fluid velocity, pressure, stress, strain rate, lift, and drag during flow motion.

Topics covered in this class generally include:
fluid statics, Reynolds transport theorem, control volume analysis, inviscid flows and applying the steady/unsteady Bernoulli equations, viscous flows of Newtonian fluids and the Navier-Stokes equations, dimensional analysis and the Buckingham pi theorem, the boundary layer approximation and the momentum integral analysis, lubricating unidirectional and creeping low Reynolds number flows, distinction between laminar and turbulent flows, Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes, and compressible fluid dynamics.

Hopefully, with the background knowledge and foundations established in this class, students can not only have a better understanding towards thermofluid sciences, but also be in a better position to take on advanced courses such as fluid mechanics (II), viscous fluid flows, advanced heat transfer, continuum mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, combustion, gas turbines, rheology, continuum electromechanics (EHD, MHD, FHD, ER, MR), compressible fluid dynamics, ideal fluid flows, convection heat transfer, etc. offered by the mechanical engineering department or at the University.