Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
City of San Fernando, La Union Philippines

FLUID MECHANICS
(MECH 141)

ENGR. JULIUS RAUL C. SAMPAGA

1st Sem 2020-2021
 Course Outline

in

Fluid Mechanics
(Mech 141/MEFC 110)

 COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course consists of four (4) modules. Fluid mechanics is the study of fluids
either in motion (fluid dynamics) or at rest (fluid statics). It covers properties
of fluid, pressure intensity, static pressure, relative equilibrium of liquids,
kinematics of flow and fluid dynamics, flow through orifices, nozzles, venturi
meters, weirs and flow meters.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the students should have been able to:

1. Define fluid mechanics and enumerate the properties of fluids.

2. Develop a good understanding of the principles and practical aspects of fluid
mechanics.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Classworks:
1. Classworks (assignments/quizzes/exams) are posted through Google
Classroom.
2. Classworks should be accomplished regardless if it is submitted late or not
for the sake of those with limited internet connection.
3. Classworks will be provided to students who do not have the means to
access online and shall likewise submit a hard copy of their classworks.

Test/Quiz Policy:
1. At least two quizzes will be given for each period.
 2. Make-up tests (midterm and final tests) may be given but there will be no
make-up quizzes.

The computation of Final grade is presented below:

Midterm Grade = 0.60 (Class Standing) + 0.40 (Midterm Test)
Class Standing = (Quizzes) + (Assignments)
Final Term Grade = 0.60 (Class Standing) + 0.40 (Final Term Test)
Class Standing = (Quizzes) + (Assignments)

Final Grade = 0.60 (Final Term Grade) + 0.40 (Midterm Grade)

 GRADING SYSTEM
Module Exercises and Summative test - 60%

Midterm/Final Examination - 40%

Total 100%

 COURSE CONTENT

Module I Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

Lesson 1 Fluid Classification, Fluid Properties
Lesson 2 Units & Scale of Pressure Measurement
Lesson 3 Pressure-Measure Device & Pressure at a Point
Lesson 4 Pressure Variation in a Static Fluid & Manometers

Module II Hydrostatics and Buoyancy

Lesson 1 Hydrostatic Forces on Plane Surfaces
Lesson 2 Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces
Lesson 3 Buoyancy & Stability
Lesson 4 Fluids in Rigid-Body Motion

Module III Translation and Dimensional Analysis of

Fluids
Lesson 1 Translation and Rotation of Liquid Masses
 Lesson 2 Dimensional Analysis and Hydraulic Similitude

Module IV Fluid Flow

Lesson 1 Fundamentals of Fluid Flow
Lesson 2 Flow of Compressible Fluids
Lesson 3 Measurement of Flow of Fluids

 REFERENCES

1. 3G ELearning. Civil Engineering Hydraulics, 3G ELearning. 2017.

2. Sulivan, P. Handbook of Fluid Dynamics and Fluid Hydronomics, Auris Reference
Ltd. 2013.
3. Vijay, G. Fluid Mechanics and Its Applications, New Age International. 2011.
4. Patra, K.C. Engineering Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines, Alpha Science
International Ltd. 2011.
5. Douglas, J. F. Fluid Mechanics, Parson Education, 2011.
6. Gupta, V. Fluid Mechanics and Its Application, Second Edition, New Age
International., 2011.
7. Munson, Bruce R., Donald F. Young, Theodore H. Okiishi, and Wade W.
Huebsch. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, Sixth Edition. New Jersey: John
Wiley and Sons, Inc, 2009.
8. Potter, Merle and David C. Wiggert. Fluid Mechanics, Schaum’s Outline Series.
New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008.

Prepared by: Recommending Approval: Approved:

JULIUS RAUL C. SAMPAGA, MME MELCHOR A. MEANA, PME HARRISON R. FLORES, PME
Instructor/Professor Program Chair Dean
August 10, 2020 August 17, 2020 August 17, 2020
 MODULE I
INTRODUCTION TO FLUID
MECHANICS

Lesson 1 Fluid Classification, Fluid Properties

Lesson 2 Units & Scales of Pressure Measurement

Lesson 3 Pressure-Measuring Device & Pressure at a

Point

Lesson 4 Pressure Variation in a Static Fluid &

Manometers

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MODULE I

INTRODUCTION TO FLUID MECHANICS

 INTRODUCTION

This introductory module, present the basic concepts commonly used

in the analysis of fluid flow. We start this chapter with a discussion of the
phases of matter and the numerous ways of classification of fluid flow, such
as viscous versus inviscid regions of flow, internal versus external flow,
compressible versus incompressible flow, laminar versus turbulent flow,
natural versus forced flow, and steady versus unsteady flow. We also discuss
the no-slip condition at solid–fluid interfaces and present a brief history of the
development of fluid mechanics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. Solve for the specific weight, density, kinematic viscosity and other
given fluid properties.
2. Differentiate absolute pressure to gage pressure.
3. Determine the height of a liquid given the atmospheric pressure.
4. Derive the general expression for the relation between pressure
and elevation.

 DIRECTIONS/ MODULE ORGANIZER

There are four lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully then
answer the exercises/activities to find out how much you have learned from
it. Work on these exercises/seatworks carefully and submit your output to our
google classroom.

Good luck and happy reading!!!

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Lesson 1

 Fluid Classification,
Fluid Properties

INTRODUCTION

 FLUID MECHANICS is defined as the science that deals

with the behavior of fluids at rest (fluid statics) or in
motion (fluid dynamics), and the interaction of fluids
with solids or other fluids at the boundaries.

 Fluid mechanics is also referred to as fluid dynamics

by considering fluids at rest as a special case of motion with zero
velocity.

BRANCHES OF FLUID MECHANICS

 Hydrodynamics -The study of the motion of fluids that are practically

incompressible (such as liquids, especially water, and gases at low
speeds)

 Hydraulics - which deals with liquid flows in pipes and open channels.

 Aerodynamics deals with the flow of gases (especially air) over

bodies such as aircraft, rockets, and automobiles at high or low
speeds. Some other specialized categories such as meteorology,
oceanography, and hydrology deal with naturally occurring flows.

 Gas dynamics deals with the flow of fluids that undergo significant
density changes, such as the flow of gases through nozzles at high
speeds.

What Is a Fluid?

 A substance in the liquid or gas phase is

referred to as a fluid.
 Distinction between a solid and a fluid is
made on the basis of the substance’s
ability to resist an applied shear (or
tangential) stress that tends to change its
shape.

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 A solid can resist an applied shear stress by deforming, whereas a fluid

deforms continuously under the influence of shear stress, no matter
how small.

APPLICATION AREAS OF FLUID MECHANICS

Human Body Irrigation Canal

Sungduk Dam (K-water) Aircraft and Spacecraft

Pumping station
Pipe for water supply

Sewage pipe

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CHARACTERISTICS OF FLUIDS

Fluids are classified into two, namely liquids and gases. The characteristics of
fluid are as follows.

Characteristic Liquids Gases

Shape & Volume  Take the shape of their containers  Take the shape of their
 Have free surfaces containers
 Have fixed volumes regardless of  Takes the volume of their
their container volumes containers
 Fixed volumes are not greatly  Gas volume varies with
affected by temperature & temperature & pressure
pressure
Resistance to shear  Cannot support shear  Cannot support shear
 Will deform continuously to  Will deform continuously to
minimize shear forces minimize shear forces
Compressibility  Slightly compressible  Highly compressible

Resistance to motion  Resist instantaneous changes in  Cannot resist instantaneous

velocity due to viscosity changes in velocity because
 Resistance to motion stops when of very low viscosities
the liquid motion stops

Pressure  The same in all direction  The same in all direction

Molecular spacing  Molecules are relatively closer  Molecules are relatively far
together apart
 Molecules are held together by  Molecules have weak forces
strong forces of attraction of attraction
 Molecules have low kinetic energy  Molecules have high kinetic
 Distance each molecule travels energy
between collision is small  Distance each molecules
travels between collision is
large

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TYPES OF FLUIDS

Fluids are generally divided in to two types, namely, ideal fluids and real
fluids. The characteristics of the two types are tabulated:

Ideal Fluids Real Fluids

 No viscosity (i.e. resistance to shear  Viscous
is zero)  Compressible
 Incompressible  Non-uniform velocity distribution
 Have uniform velocity distribution  Experience friction between
when flowing moving layers of fluids
 No friction between moving layers of  Turbulent in flow
fluids
 No eddy currents
 No turbulence

Real fluids are further divided in two namely Newtonian fluids and Non-
Newtonian fluids.

Newtonian fluids are fluids that exhibit constant or uniform viscosities while
non-Newtonian fluids are those whose viscosities will vary with velocity.

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DENSITY

The density (ρ) of a fluid is its mass per unit volume.

Unit of density
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
ρ = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
SI ENGLISH
𝑘𝑔 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔𝑠
𝑚3
𝑓𝑡 3

Sometimes density is expressed in pounds per cubic foot. To convert pounds

to slugs, the following formula must be used.

𝜌𝑙𝑏𝑚
ρslugs =
32.2
The density of an ideal gas can be found using the following formula.

𝑝 Where:
ρ =
𝑅𝑇 p = pressure
R = specific gas constant
T = absolute temperature

The density of water may be taken as any of the following:

Density of water = 1000 kg/m3

9810 N/ m3
9.81 kN/ m3
62.4 lb/ ft3
1 gram/ cm3

The density of other liquids can be calculated using the formula.

ρliquid = ρwater (𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦)𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑

SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Specific gravity (g) is the ratio of the fluid’s density to the density of a certain
standard reference. The standard reference used for liquids and solids is pure
water, which is water at densed condition (Temperature = 4 ˚C or 39.2 ˚F).
The specific gravity of water is taken as 1.000. Another term for specific
gravity is relative density.

𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
sliquid =
𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

For gases, the standard reference is the air. Hence,

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𝑝gas
sgas =
𝜌air

The density of gas is dependent on temperature and pressure, hence boh

must be specified for gas ans air, (i.e. two temperature and two pressures).

However, if the temperature and pressure of air and gas are the same, then
specific gravity can be calculated as the ratio of molecular weight or as
inverse ratio of specific gas constants.

𝑀𝑊𝑔𝑎𝑠 𝑀𝑊𝑔𝑎𝑠
sgas = =
𝑀𝑊𝑎𝑖𝑟 29.0

𝑓𝑡 − 𝑙𝑏𝑓𝑡
𝑅𝑎𝑖𝑟 53.3
𝑙𝑏𝑚 − ˚𝐶
sgas = =
𝑅𝑔𝑎𝑠 𝑅𝑔𝑎𝑠

SPECIFIC VOLUME

Specific volume (v) is the volume occupied by a unit mass of a fluid. It is the
reciprocal

Unit of density
1
v = SI ENGLISH
𝑝
𝑘𝑔 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔𝑠
𝑚3
𝑓𝑡 3

SPECIFIC WEIGHT

Specific weight (γ ) is the weight of a fluid per unit volume.

For SI measurements,

𝛄 = ρg Where: g = 9.81 m/s2

For English measurements,

𝑔
𝛄 =ρ
𝑔𝑐

Where:

g = 32.2 ft/s2
𝑔𝑐 = gravitational conversion (lbm to lbf)

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Since almost everywhere on earth the value of gc is the same as the value of
g, then the specific weight in lbf /ft3 is numerically equal to the density in
(lbm/ft3)

VISCOSITY

Viscosity is the measure of the fluid’s resistance to flow when acted upon by
an external force. For Newtonian fluids, the shear stress, τ is given as
𝑉
τ = μℎ Where: μ = coefficient of viscosity or absolute viscosity
V = velocity of the upper plate (note lower plate is stationary)
h = distance between two plates

Another term for absolute viscosity is dynamic viscosity.

Unit of shear stress Unit of absolute viscosity

SI ENGLISH English 𝑙𝑏𝑓 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐

𝑁
= pascal
𝑙𝑏
= psi 𝑓𝑡 2
𝑚2 𝑖𝑛 2

Conventional metric 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑒−𝑠𝑒𝑐

𝑐𝑚 2

SI Pa-sec

Kinematic viscosity is the ration of the absolute viscosity of a fluid to its jass
density.

For SI measurements, For English measurements

𝜇 𝜇𝑔𝑐
v= v=
𝜌 𝜌

where: g= 32.2 ft/s2

gc = gravitational conversion (lbm or lbf)

The unit of kinematic viscosity is the following:

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Unit of absolute viscosity

English 𝑓𝑡 2
𝑠𝑒𝑐

Conventional metric 𝑐𝑚 2
= stoke
𝑠𝑒𝑐

SI 𝑓𝑡 2
𝑠𝑒𝑐

Other unit of kinematic viscosity:

𝑓𝑡 2 𝑙𝑏𝑓 −𝑠𝑒𝑐/𝑓𝑡 2
=
𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔𝑠/𝑓𝑡 3

𝑚2 𝑃𝑎−𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑠𝑒𝑐
= 𝑘𝑔/𝑓𝑚3

𝑃 (𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒)
S (stoke) = 𝑔/𝑐𝑚 3

𝑐𝑃 (𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒)
cSt (centistoke) = 𝑔/𝑐𝑚 3

Changes in dynamic viscosity and density over different temperatures

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SURFACE TENSION

 Surface Tension is the property of the fluid which offers resistance at

the membrane or skin that forms on the free surface of the fluid which
is due to the intermolecular cohesion.
• Cohesive force : molecular force to stick to each other due to mutual
reaction – surface tension
• Adhesion : property of different molecules or surfaces to cling to each
other – capillary action

Unit of density

SI ENGLISH
𝑁 𝑙𝑏𝑓
𝑚
𝑓𝑡

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𝐹
σ=
2𝐿

Where: F = force applied to the surface film or membrane

L = width of the surface film or membrane

For droplets of liquid:

𝑝𝑟
σ= Where: p = pressure intensity inside the droplet
2
r = radius of droplet

For hollow bubble:

𝑝𝑟
σ= Where: p = pressure intensity inside the droplet
4
r = radius of bubble

For liquid jet:

σ = 𝑝𝑟 Where: p = pressure intensity inside the droplet

r = radius of jet

CAPILLARITY

When a glass tube of small diameter opened at both ends is dipped into a
liquid like water, the liquid rises in the tube above the general level of the
outside liquid.

If the glass tube is dipped in a liquid like mercury, the level of the liquid in the
tube is lower than the general level of the outside liquid.

This phenomenon is known as capillarity or capillary action. This capillary

action is caused by surface tension between the liquid and vertical solid
surface.

The height at which capillarity can rise, h is given by the following formulas:

For SI measurements For English measurements

4σcosβ 4σcosβ 𝑔
ℎ= ℎ= ( )
𝜌𝑑𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒 𝑔 𝜌𝑑𝑡𝑢𝑏𝑒 𝑔 𝑔𝑐

where : σ = surface tension

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β = angel of contact
ρ = density of fluid
g = 32.2 ft/s2 (English) = 9.81 m/s2 (SI)
gc = gravitational conversion (lbm to lbf)

The angle of contact β indicates whether adhesives or cohesive fprces

dominate. For angles of contact less than 90˚, adhesive forces dominates
while for angles of contact greater than 90˚, cohesive forces dominates.

BULK MODULUS

Bulk modulus, E of a fluid is analogous to what is known as modulus elasticity

of a solid. Bulk modulus is the reciprocal of compressibility, β.

𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 1
𝐸 = 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 or 𝐸 = β Unit of bulk modulus

SI ENGLISH
kPa psi

COMPRESSIBILITY

Compressibility β is the fractional change in the volume of a fluid per unit

change in pressure at constant temperature process. It is the reciprocal of
bulk modulus, E.

1 Unit of compressibility
β=
E
SI ENGLISH

1 1
kPa 𝑝𝑠𝑖

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. A container has glycerin of mass 600 kg and a volume of 0.476 m 3.

What is the specific gravity of the glycerin?

Solution:

To solve the specific gravity of the glycerin, you must solve the density of the
glycerin first.
𝑚 600 𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑔𝑙𝑦 = 𝑣 𝑔𝑙𝑦 = 0.476 𝑚3
𝑔𝑙𝑦

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𝜌𝑔𝑙𝑦 = 1260.5 kg/m3

Upon solving the density of the glycerin, we can solve the s.g of the said fluid.
𝜌𝑔𝑙𝑦 1260.6
𝑆𝐺 = =
𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 1000

𝑆𝐺 = 1.26

2. A stone weighs 105 lbs in air and 83 lbs in water. Find the specific
gravity of the stone.

Solution:

Volume(stone) = Volume (water displaced)

105 𝑙𝑏−83𝑙𝑏
Density
62.4𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3
= 0.352564 𝑓𝑡 3
of water

105 𝑙𝑏
Specific weight (stone) = = 297.82𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3
0.352564𝑓𝑡 3

297.82𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3
Specific gravity (stone) = = 4.77
62.4𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3

3. Water has its viscosity at 68˚F equal to 0.01008 poise, what is its
absolute viscosity in pound-seconds per square foot?

Solution:

Poise = dyne-seconds/cm2
1 lb = 444800 dynes
1 ft = 30. 48 cm

Then;

1 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑠 444800 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑒𝑠 − 𝑠
= = 478.8 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒
𝑓𝑡 2 (30.48)2 𝑐𝑚2

0.01008 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑙𝑏 − 𝑠
𝜇𝑑 = = 2.105 𝑥 10−5
𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑡 2
478.8
𝑙𝑏 − 𝑠/𝑓𝑡 2

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4. A solid material in a cube shape floats in oil of density 800 kg/m3 with
one-third of the block out of the oil. What is the buoyant force on the
cube whose edge is 0.75 cm?

Wblock = Fb

2
Fb = 𝜌𝑜𝑖𝑙 [ 3 𝑉𝑏 ] 𝑔 (1/3 spill out)

𝑘𝑔 2 9.81𝑚
Fb = [800 𝑚3 ] [ 3 (0.75𝑥10−2 )3 𝑚3 ] [ ]
𝑠2

Fb = 0.00220725 kg m/s2

Fb = 2.207 x 10-3 N

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Activity Number 1.

Solve the given problems:

1. What is the mass density of a liquid whose specific weight is 9000

N/m3?

2. At 68 ˚F water has a dynamic viscosity of about 2.11 x 10 -5 lb-s / ft2,

solve the kinematic viscosity (in ft2/s) of water whose specific gravity
is 0.998. Note 𝛾𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 62.4 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3 at normal condition.

3. The surface tension of water is 0.07 N/m. Find the weight of water
supported by surface tension in a capillary tube with radius of 0.10
mm.

4. Calculate the specific weight, specific volume, and density of methane

at 1000F and 120 psi absolute.

5. If 6 cubic meters of oil weighs 47 kN, calculate the specific weight,

density, and specific gravity.

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