Mechanical Properties of Fluids
13 topics · 13 interactive simulations
Pressure vs Depth
P = P₀ + ρgh — see pressure grow linearly with depth in any fluid.
Pascal's Law (Hydraulic Lift)
F₁/A₁ = F₂/A₂ — small input force lifts a heavy load via large piston.
Archimedes' Principle
F_b = ρ_fluid V_disp g — sink, float, suspend depending on density.
Floating vs Sinking
Compare 4 materials in one fluid — see who floats by density rule.
Streamline vs Turbulent (Re)
Re = ρvD/η — sweep velocity to cross from laminar to turbulent flow.
Equation of Continuity
A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ — pipe narrows; particles speed up. Live volume flow rate.
Bernoulli's Principle
P + ½ρv² + ρgh = const — manometers show pressure drop where speed is high.
Venturi Effect
Pipe with throat — flow accelerates, pressure plummets. Used in flow meters.
Airplane Lift
Curved airfoil — air on top is faster, pressure lower → net upward force.
Stokes' Law
F_drag = 6πηrv — viscous drag on a sphere through fluid.
Terminal Velocity
Sphere in viscous fluid — accelerates until weight = buoyancy + drag at v_t.
Capillary Rise
h = 2T cosθ/(ρgr) — narrow tube pulls liquid up by surface tension.
Surface Tension
Excess pressure inside drops/bubbles — ΔP = 2T/R (drop), 4T/R (bubble).