PHYS 7601

Foundations of Fluid Mechanics I

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Foundations of fluid mechanics from an advanced viewpoint, including formulation of continuum fluid dynamics; kinematic descriptions of fluid flow, derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations and energy equation for compressible fluids; and sound waves, viscous flows, boundary layers, and potential flows.

Prerequisites MAE 3230 or higher, in addition to basic knowledge in vector calculus, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, and complex variable analysis.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: Graduate students.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2024FA, 2023FA, 2022FA

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify important fluid properties and physical processes in fluid flows.
• Students will be able to formulate mathematical models for fluid flows.
• Students will be able to select methods of analysis and computation.
• Students will be able to develop solutions and interpret them in physical terms.
• Students will be able to explain what was learned in written and oral form.

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