I
ASSIGNMENT 1
NAME: MUHAMMAD SOHAIB
AMEER
SECTION/BATCH: ME 12 A
REG NO: 230505081
SUBJECT: FLUID MECHANICS-I
SUBMITTED TO: SAAD RIFFAT
QURESHI
Brief History of Fluid mechanics
A Concise Overview of Fluid Mechanics:
Fluid mechanics encompasses the examination of the movement and behavior of
liquids and gases. This vital field of physics and engineering aids in comprehending
various phenomena, such as the flow of water in rivers, the aerodynamics
surrounding aircraft, and the circulation of blood within the human body.
Historical Foundations:
The exploration of fluids can be traced back to ancient societies. The Egyptians and
Mesopotamians applied fundamental fluid principles to construct canals and
irrigation systems for agricultural purposes. The Greeks also made significant
advancements, with Archimedes (287–212 BCE) formulating the renowned
Archimedes’ Principle, which elucidates the reasons behind an object's buoyancy in
water. He established that the upward force acting on an object submerged in a fluid
is equivalent to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This principle remains relevant in
contemporary shipbuilding and submarine design.
Advancements in Fluid Science:
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a deeper understanding of fluids emerged among
scientists. Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) investigated fluid pressure and introduced
Pascal’s Principle, which asserts that pressure exerted on a confined fluid is
transmitted uniformly in all directions. This principle is fundamental to the
operation of hydraulic systems, such as car brakes and elevators.
Daniel Bernoulli (1700–1782) made another significant contribution by formulating
Bernoulli’s Principle, which posits that an increase in fluid velocity results in a
decrease in pressure. This principle is crucial for understanding how aircraft
achieve lift and maintain flight.
Contemporary Advancements:
The 19th century saw the development of the Navier-Stokes equations by Claude-
Louis Navier and George Gabriel Stokes, which describe fluid motion under various
conditions. These equations continue to be instrumental in the design of aircraft, the
analysis of weather systems, and the prediction of ocean currents.
The 20th century marked a further evolution in fluid mechanics with the advent of
computer technology. Researchers and engineers can now simulate fluid dynamics
through computational methods, facilitating the design of faster aircraft, safer
vehicles, and more efficient water distribution systems.