This book covers the requisite theory for the basic study of fluid mechanics at low speeds. This book is unique in that it integrates engineering computation using the popular technical software MATLAB, and the free counterpart Octave. Programming is by example throughout the book. Prior knowledge of programming is not necessary. This book reviews prerequisite topics prior to teaching the subject matter. This book introduces the physics of fluid mechanics based on first principles. It develops the mathematical relations and model of fluid flow so that problems can be defined and solved.

The translation of natural laws into mathematical models includes two approaches. The integral approach is simple though limited. This approach uses assumptions and simplifications that makes it easy to apply and acquire a solution; however, that solutionwill lack detail and merely provide average or overall values. Thus, the integral approach is inadequate for understanding or designing complex fluid systems. On the other hand, it may provide an approximate value with limited effort. It may be able to establish bounds around the true value.

The differential approach is complex but expansive. The solution is established at every point in the flow domain, making it possible to include specific local effects and special properties of the flow.

The topics in this book are illustrated with examples, with most solved by computation. The premise of this book is that science and mathematical concepts are best understood through graphics; therefore, software illustrates solutions through graphical programming. Students are taught and encouraged to explore solutions through graphics.

Essential Fluids With MATLAB and Octave - Part 2 (Applications) will include design and applications based on simple parameterized models that rely mostly on algebra. These are input/output models which are infused with parameters based on empirical data that are read off charts or interpolated from tables.

Essential Mechanics - Statics and Strength of Materials with MATLAB and Octave
P. Venkataraman

Essential Mechanics - Statics and Strength of Materials with MATLAB and Octave combines two core engineering science courses - “Statics” and “Strength of Materials” - in mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering. It weaves together various essential topics from Statics and Strength of Materials to allow discussing structural design from the very beginning. The traditional content of these courses are reordered to make it convenient to cover rigid body equilibrium and extend it to deformable body mechanics.The e-book covers the most useful topics from both courses with computational support through MATLAB/Octave. The traditional approach for engineering content is emphasized and is rigorously supported through graphics and analysis. Prior knowledge of MATLAB is not necessary. Instructions for its use in context is provided and explained. It takes advantage of the numerical, symbolic, and graphical capability of MATLAB for effective problem solving. This computational ability provides a natural procedure for What if? exploration that is important for design. The book also emphasizes graphics to understand, learn, and explore design. The idea for this book, the organization, and the flow of content is original and new. The integration of computation, and the marriage of analytical and computational skills is a new valuable experience provided by this e-book. Most importantly the book is very interactive with respect to the code as it appears along with the analysis.