Fluid Dynamics

Fluid dynamics, one branch of fluid mechanics, entails study of fluids, such as liquid, gas and plasma, and the impact of outside forces (e.g., movement) upon fluids. This offshoot of applied science focuses on liquid and gas movement. It involves the interaction of fluids as they are exposed to one another. Fluid dynamics come into play with development of rocket engines and oil pipelines, among other examples. As a macroscopic, statistical method to assessing how fluids relate to each other on a large scale, fluids are observed as a matter continuum even though liquid and gas are made up of single atoms. Flow of liquids or gases relies on the inherent characteristics of matter. These include density, viscosity and compressibility. An example of fluid dynamics at work might include air traveling across an airplane wing. Fluid dynamics includes such secondary disciplines as aerodynamics (study of gases) and hydrodynamics (liquids study).