Essential highlights of the history of fluid mechanics

Abstract

To achieve accreditation, engineering and technology programs throughout the United States must meet guidelines established by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). One of these requirements is that departments demonstrate that they provide students with an understanding of engineering in a broad, societal context. Examination of engineering history can be an essential element to this endeavor, because the development of modern theories and practices have diverse and complex evolutions which are often intimately intertwined with the development of societies themselves. Fluid mechanics is a key field of engineering, whose body of knowledge has had a significant influence on the design and operation of many products and systems over the centuries. Because of this, fluid mechanics coursework is often required for many engineering and technology majors and can, in fact, represent a key component to these programs. Toward these ends, this paper will discuss highlights from the history of fluid mechanics, and will provide several timelines that summarize key scientists, theories, events, equipment and machines. Considering fluid mechanics in this manner can achieve the goal of placing this branch of engineering in an appropriate societal context. It is always a challenge for educators to find useful and interesting material on history; therefore, a summary list of conventional and online resources will also be included. As such, this paper can be used as a resource for both engineering as well as history educators to supplement existing coursework.