Fluid Mechanics and Its Applications in Biology and Medicine
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Daily Life
Fluid mechanics is the science that deals with the behavior of fluids (liquids and gases) under the influence of forces. It is a branch of physics that has many applications in engineering, biology, chemistry, meteorology, and even art. Fluid mechanics helps us to understand how fluids flow, how they interact with solid surfaces, how they transport heat and mass, how they produce sound and light, and how they can be harnessed to perform useful work.
Application Of Fluid Mechanics In Daily Life Pdf 8 keane episode dream
In this article, we will explore some of the most common and important applications of fluid mechanics in our daily life. We will see how fluid mechanics is involved in the functioning of various devices and systems that we use or encounter every day, such as automobiles, medical equipment, pipes, electric appliances, ships, aircraft, power plants, and fire safety. We will also learn some of the basic principles and concepts that govern the behavior of fluids in these situations.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Automobiles
One of the most obvious applications of fluid mechanics in our daily life is in automobiles. Most automobiles use an internal combustion engine to power themselves. An internal combustion engine is a device that converts the chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical energy by burning it with air inside a cylinder. The resulting hot gases expand rapidly and push a piston that moves a crankshaft that rotates a wheel. The process involves several aspects of fluid mechanics, such as fluid flow, pressure, temperature, density, viscosity, turbulence, compression, expansion, and combustion.
Another aspect of fluid mechanics that affects automobiles is aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the study of how fluids (especially air) flow around solid objects (such as cars) and how they exert forces on them. Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in determining the fuel efficiency and performance of automobiles. By reducing the drag force (the force that opposes the motion of an object through a fluid) and increasing the lift force (the force that acts perpendicular to the motion of an object through a fluid), aerodynamics can improve the speed, acceleration, stability, handling, and mileage of automobiles. Aerodynamics also influences the design and shape of automobiles, such as their body, windows, mirrors, spoilers, grills, etc.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Medical Sciences
Fluid mechanics also has many applications in medical sciences. One of the most important examples is blood flow. Blood is a complex fluid that circulates through our arteries and veins under the action of the heart and the blood pressure. Blood flow is regulated by several factors, such as the diameter of the blood vessels, the viscosity of the blood, the elasticity of the vessel walls, the presence of valves, and the external forces (such as gravity and body movements). Fluid mechanics helps us to understand how blood flow affects the transport of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It also helps us to diagnose and treat various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, aneurysms, strokes, and heart attacks.
Another example of fluid mechanics in medical sciences is medical devices. Many medical devices use fluid mechanics principles to perform their functions. For instance, syringes, catheters, needles, and IV drips use fluid mechanics to inject or withdraw fluids from the body. Stents, balloons, and artificial valves use fluid mechanics to open or close blood vessels or heart chambers. Ventilators, inhalers, and nebulizers use fluid mechanics to deliver air or medication to the lungs. Dialysis machines, artificial kidneys, and artificial hearts use fluid mechanics to filter or pump blood. Ultrasound machines, MRI scanners, and X-ray machines use fluid mechanics to generate or detect sound or electromagnetic waves in fluids.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Piping
Piping is another common application of fluid mechanics in our daily life. Piping is a system of pipes that carries fluids (such as water, gas, oil, etc.) from one place to another for various purposes (such as supply, distribution, drainage, irrigation, etc.). Piping involves several aspects of fluid mechanics, such as fluid flow, pressure, head loss, friction, viscosity, Reynolds number, laminar and turbulent flow, Bernoulli's principle, continuity equation, etc.
One of the main challenges in piping is to control the fluid flow and pressure according to the desired specifications and conditions. This is achieved by using various devices and components that manipulate the fluid flow and pressure in different ways. For example, valves are devices that regulate the fluid flow by opening or closing a passage in a pipe. Pumps are devices that increase the fluid pressure by adding mechanical energy to the fluid. Manometers are devices that measure the fluid pressure by comparing it with a reference pressure (such as atmospheric pressure). Barometers are devices that measure the atmospheric pressure by using a column of liquid (such as mercury) in a tube.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Electric Appliances
Fluid mechanics also plays a vital role in many electric appliances that we use in our daily life. One of the most common examples is fans and air conditioners. Fans and air conditioners are devices that cool the air by creating a flow of air over a surface (such as a blade or a coil) that has a lower temperature than the surrounding air. The flow of air transfers heat from the surrounding air to the surface by convection (the transfer of heat by the movement of fluids). The flow of air also creates a wind chill effect that makes us feel cooler by increasing the rate of evaporation of sweat from our skin.
Another example of fluid mechanics in electric appliances is refrigerators and heat pumps. Refrigerators and heat pumps are devices that transfer heat from one place to another by using a cycle of evaporation and condensation of a fluid (such as refrigerant) that changes its state from liquid to gas and vice versa. The cycle involves four main components: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas and increases its pressure and temperature. The condenser cools down the refrigerant gas and condenses it into liquid by releasing heat to the surroundings. The expansion valve reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant liquid by allowing it to expand into a low-pressure zone. The evaporator absorbs heat from the surroundings and evaporates the refrigerant liquid into gas by lowering its temperature below its boiling point.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Ships and Boats
Fluid mechanics is also essential for ships and boats that travel on water. One of the main principles that governs their motion is buoyancy. Buoyancy is the upward force that acts on an object immersed in a fluid due to the difference in pressure between its top and bottom surfaces. Buoyancy depends on the density of the fluid, the volume of the object, and the depth of immersion. Buoyancy is also related to Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Aircraft
Fluid mechanics is also essential for aircraft that fly in the air. One of the main principles that governs their motion is lift and drag. Lift and drag are the two components of the aerodynamic force that acts on an object moving through a fluid. Lift is the component that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion and tends to lift the object up. Drag is the component that acts parallel to the direction of motion and tends to slow the object down.
Lift and drag depend on several factors, such as the shape, size, angle, and surface of the object, the speed, density, viscosity, and compressibility of the fluid, and the relative motion between the object and the fluid. Fluid mechanics helps us to understand how lift and drag are generated by the pressure difference and the friction between the fluid and the object. It also helps us to design and optimize the shape and performance of aircraft.
One of the most important parts of an aircraft that generates lift is the wing. A wing is a curved surface that deflects the airflow around it. The airflow over the top of the wing is faster than the airflow under the wing, creating a lower pressure over the wing than under it. This pressure difference results in a net upward force on the wing, which is called lift. The amount of lift depends on the shape, size, angle, and position of the wing, as well as on the speed and density of the air.
Another important part of an aircraft that controls its motion is the flap. A flap is a movable part of the wing that can be extended or retracted to change its shape and angle. By changing its shape and angle, a flap can increase or decrease the lift and drag forces on the wing. This allows the aircraft to adjust its speed, altitude, and direction during takeoff, landing, and flight.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Power Plants
Fluid mechanics also plays a vital role in power plants that generate electricity from various sources. One of the most common sources is fluid energy, such as water, steam, gas, or wind. Fluid energy can be converted into mechanical energy by using turbines and generators. A turbine is a device that rotates a shaft by using blades or vanes that are pushed by a moving fluid. A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by using magnets and coils that induce an electric current.
Fluid mechanics helps us to understand how turbines and generators work and how to design and optimize them for maximum efficiency and output. It also helps us to analyze and solve various problems related to fluid flow, pressure, temperature, heat transfer, friction, turbulence, cavitation, etc.
One of the main challenges in power plants is to reduce thermal pollution. Thermal pollution is the increase in temperature of a natural water body due to the discharge of waste heat from a power plant. Thermal pollution can have negative effects on aquatic life and ecosystems. One way to reduce thermal pollution is to use cooling towers and condensers. A cooling tower is a device that cools down hot water by evaporating some of it into air. A condenser is a device that condenses steam into water by transferring heat to a cooler fluid.
Application of Fluid Mechanics in Fire Safety
the temperature and oxygen level of the fire, making it harder for the fire to sustain itself. The water or fire retardant also creates a barrier between the fire and the combustible materials, preventing the fire from spreading. The amount and pressure of the water or fire retardant depends on the type and size of the fire, as well as on the design and installation of the sprinklers and fire hoses.
Another example of fluid mechanics in fire safety is smoke detectors and fire alarms. Smoke detectors and fire alarms are devices that detect and alert people of fires by sensing smoke or heat in the air. Smoke is a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in a gas (usually air). Smoke detectors use different methods to detect smoke, such as ionization, photoelectric, or optical methods. Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air inside a chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it reduces the ionization and lowers the electric current, triggering an alarm. Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light source and a sensor inside a chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters or blocks the light, changing the amount of light that reaches the sensor, triggering an alarm. Optical smoke detectors use a laser or an LED and a sensor outside a chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it scatters or reflects the light, increasing the amount of light that reaches the sensor, triggering an alarm.
Conclusion
In this article, we have seen some of the most common and important applications of fluid mechanics in our daily life. We have learned how fluid mechanics is involved in the functioning of various devices and systems that we use or encounter every day, such as automobiles, medical equipment, pipes, electric appliances, ships, aircraft, power plants, and fire safety. We have also learned some of the basic principles and concepts that govern the behavior of fluids in these situations.
Fluid mechanics is a fascinating and useful branch of physics that has many applications in engineering, biology, chemistry, meteorology, and even art. By understanding how fluids flow, how they interact with solid surfaces, how they transport heat and mass, how they produce sound and light, and how they can be harnessed to perform useful work, we can improve our lives and our environment.
If you are interested in learning more about fluid mechanics, you can check out some of these resources:
Fluid mechanics Definition, Equations, Types, & Facts Britannica
What Is Fluid Dynamics? Live Science
How do fire sprinklers work? - Explain that Stuff
Buoyancy Calculator
Sprinkler System Basics: Types of Sprinkler Systems NFPA
FAQs
What is fluid mechanics?
Fluid mechanics is the science that deals with the behavior of fluids (liquids and gases) under the influence of forces.
What are some applications of fluid mechanics in daily life?
Some applications of fluid mechanics in daily life are automobiles, medical equipment, pipes, electric appliances, ships, aircraft, power plants, and fire safety.
What are some principles and concepts that govern the behavior of fluids?
expansion, contraction, conservation of mass, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, Bernoulli's principle, Archimedes' principle, Pascal's principle, Poiseuille's law, etc.
What are some benefits of understanding fluid mechanics?
Some benefits of understanding fluid mechanics are improving our lives and our environment by designing and optimizing various devices and systems that use or encounter fluids, such as automobiles, medical equipment, pipes, electric appliances, ships, aircraft, power plants, and fire safety.
What are some challenges of studying fluid mechanics?
Some challenges of studying fluid mechanics are dealing with complex and nonlinear phenomena that involve multiple variables and factors, such as viscosity, turbulence, compressibility, surface tension, capillarity, etc., and applying mathematical and computational tools to model and solve fluid mechanics problems.
What are some resources to learn more about fluid mechanics?
Some resources to learn more about fluid mechanics are books, journals, websites, videos, courses, and experiments that cover the theory and practice of fluid mechanics.
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