About this course
Fluid mechanics studies the behavior of liquids and gases, how they interact with their surroundings, and how they respond to forces, pressure gradients, and boundary conditions. Fluid mechanics plays a central role in understanding natural systems, such as blood flow patterns in our circulatory system and its alterations during cardiovascular disease. It is also instrumental in the design of engineering solutions, such as hydroelectric dams that efficiently harness the flow of water, or aircrafts with optimal aerodynamic performance.
This course will cover fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics, including fluid statics, fluid kinematics, fluid dynamics, dimensional analysis and similitude, laminar and turbulent flows, pipe flow, and boundary layers.
Syllabus
Fall 2025
Go to syllabusThis is a draft syllabus. The final syllabus will be available here a few days prior to the new course’s first start date.
Pre-requisites
One course in multivariate calculus, one course in differential equations, a physics or engineering course covering statics and dynamics, all at university level. It is recommended to have taken Thermodynamics or to enroll in Thermodynamics the same term.
Faculty
Mackay Salley
Professor of Physics at Wofford College (2002–present). Previously Visiting Scientist in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington (2021), Visiting Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (2019) and Erskine Fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Canterbury (2017). Ph.D. in Physics, The University of Georgia (2000). With DIS since 2025.