Fluid mechanics is a branch of continuum mechanics that relies on the approximation of molecular fluids claimed in the continuum postulate (not to be confused with the continuum hypothesis) to describe the deformation of gases and liquids. Alternate derivation via statistical mechanics justifies, for example, the use of fluid dynamic models and terminology in traffic engineering.
See also
- Navier-Stokes equations,
- compressible flow -- incompressible flow -- Newtonian fluid -- non-Newtonian fluid -- laminar flow -- turbulence -- rheology -- potential flow,
- Poiseuille's law -- Reynolds number -- Darcy-Weisbach equation,
- hydromechanics,
- surface tension -- vapor pressure,
- acoustic theory largely derives from fluid mechanics.
- flow measurement