Very Short Introductionsb: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Fluid mechanics is an important branch of physics concerned with the way in which fluids, such as liquids and gases, behave when in motion and at rest. A quintessential interdisciplinary field of science, it interacts with many other scientific disciplines, from chemistry and biology to mathematics and engineering. This Very Short Introduction introduces readers to the field of fluid mechanics by focusing on the fundamental physical ideas underlying it, and using everyday phenomena from daily life to demonstrate them, from dripping taps to swimming ducks. Following this set of core physical concepts, it shows how these underlying principles can be applied to a wide range of flow behaviours. Eric Lauga also highlights the role of fluid motion in both the natural and industrial world, and considers future applications of fluid mechanics in science. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. 1. Fluids 2. Viscosity 3. Pipes 4. Dimensions 5. Boundary layers 6. Vortices 7. Instabilities 8. Researching fluids and flows Further Reading Index Eric Lauga is Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Trinity College. He is the author of over 180 publications in fluid mechanics, biophysics and soft matter, as well as The Fluid Dynamics of Cell Motility (2020). Lauga currently serves as Lead Editor for the APS journal Physical Review Fluids, is a Fellow of the APS, and is a recipient of the APS Andreas Acrivos Dissertation Award (2006), the APS François Frenkiel Award (2015), and the APS Early Career Award for Soft Matter Research (2018).