ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the several concepts fundamental to an understanding of fluid mechanics. It considers the characteristics of liquids and gases, and what it is that distinguishes them from solids. Fluids may be sub-divided into liquids and gases. The different characteristics of solids, liquids and gases result from differences in their molecular structure. The mechanics of fluids is the field of study in which the fundamental principles of general mechanics are applied to liquids and gases. The chapter presents the ability to measure and quantify fluid and flow properties are of fundamental importance in engineering, and so at an early stage the related topics of units and dimensions. It describes the properties of fluids, such as density, pressure, compressibility and viscosity. The chapter discusses the terminology used to describe different flow patterns and types of fluid motion of interest to engineers. It concludes with remarks on the roles of experimentation and mathematical analysis in the study of fluid mechanics.
