In this chapter, the basic equations of fluid dynamics are derived and their physical significances are discussed in depth and in examples. Both integral and differential forms of the continuity equation, momentum equation, and energy equation are derived. In addition, Bernoulli’s equation, angular momentum equation, enthalpy equation and entropy equation are also introduced. Finally, several analytical solutions of these governing equations are shown, and the mathematical properties of the equations are discussed. Besides the fundamental equations, some important concepts are explained in this chapter, such as the shaft work in integral energy equation and its origin in differential equations, the viscous dissipation term in the differential energy equation and its relation with stress and deformation, and the method to increase total enthalpy of a fluid isentropically.

Empirical equations of downstream hydraulic geometry, entailing width, depth, velocity, and bed slope, can be derived using the scaling theory. The theory employs the momentum equation, a flow resistance formula, and continuity equation for gradually varied open channel flow. The scaling equations are expressed as power functions of water discharge and bed sediment size, and are applicable to alluvial, ice, and bedrock channels. These equations are valid for any value of water discharge as opposed to just mean or bank-full values that are used in empirical equations. This chapter discusses the use of scaling theory for the derivation of downstream hydraulic geometry. The scaling theory-based hydraulic geometry equations are also compared with those derived using the regime theory, threshold theory, and stability index theory, and the equations are found to be consistent.

Fluid dynamic principles that are fundamental to understanding the motion of fluids in radial compressors are highlighted. These include the continuity and the momentum equations in various forms. These equations are then used to delineate the effect of the fluid motion on pressure gradients on the flow. The simple radial equilibrium equation for a circumferentially averaged flow is introduced. Special features of the flow in radial compressors due to the radial motion are considered, such as the effects of the Coriolis and centrifugal forces. The relative eddy, which gives rise to the slip factor of a radial impeller, is explained. A short overview of boundary layer flows of relevance to radial compressors is provided. The flow in radial compressor impellers is strongly affected by secondary flows and tip clearance flows, and an outline is provided of the current understanding of the physics related to these. The phenomenon of jet-wake flow in compressors is described.