Hydrodynamics

Hydrodynamics is the branch of physics that studies the motion of fluids, particularly non-compressible liquids, and the forces acting on solid bodies immersed in fluids and in motion relative to them. It is a sub-discipline of fluid dynamics, with the other being aerodynamics, the study of the motion of air.

History

The study of hydrodynamics is believed to date back to the time of Archimedes, who is credited with the principle of buoyancy. However, the term "hydrodynamics" was first used in the 18th century by Daniel Bernoulli in his work Hydrodynamica.

Principles and Equations

The fundamental principles governing hydrodynamics include conservation of mass, conservation of momentum, and conservation of energy. These principles are typically expressed in the form of differential equations.

The most important equation in hydrodynamics is the Navier-Stokes equation, which describes the motion of fluid substances. These equations are based on the principles of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy.

Applications

Hydrodynamics has a wide range of applications, including in engineering, meteorology, oceanography, and medicine. In engineering, it is used in the design of hydraulic machinery and shipbuilding. In meteorology, it is used to predict weather patterns, while in oceanography, it is used to study ocean currents. In medicine, it is used in the study of blood flow in the human body.

See Also

• Fluid Mechanics
• Hydrostatics
• Hydraulics
• Bernoulli's Principle