18.355 Fluid Mechanics

Mathematical methods applied to problems in fluid dynamics. Particular attention will be given to the power of dimensional analysis and scaling arguments. Topics will include: particle motion (e.g. the dynamics of sports balls); animal locomotion (swimming and flying); viscous flows (e.g. geological fluid dynamics); rotating and stratified flows (geophysical fluid dynamics); gravity currents and plumes (environmental fluid mechanics); drops, bubbles and films. Course material will be supplemented by classroom and laboratory demonstrations.

Prerequisite: undergraduate fluids course or permission of Instructor.

COURSE SYLLABUS

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