What does fluid mechanics primarily study?

Fluid mechanics primarily focuses on the study of fluids, which includes both liquids and gases, and the forces that act upon them. This field encompasses various phenomena such as fluid flow, pressure variations, and the interactions between fluids and solid boundaries. By analyzing how fluids behave under different conditions, such as varying temperatures and pressures, fluid mechanics can be applied in numerous engineering applications—ranging from designing efficient piping systems to understanding aerodynamic flows over aircraft wings.

Understanding fluid dynamics is crucial for various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, aerospace, and chemical engineering. This makes fluid mechanics a fundamental area of study within the broader context of engineering and technology. The other options pertain to different areas of study within engineering—solid mechanics for structures, electrical engineering for circuits, and thermal dynamics for heat transfer—none of which align with the primary focus of fluid mechanics.