Chapter 2 - Characteristics of a Fluid

Abstract

An important characteristic of a fluid from the viewpoint of fluid mechanics is its compressibility. Another characteristic is its viscosity. Whereas a solid shows its elasticity in tension, compression, or shearing stress, a fluid does so only for compression. In other words, a fluid increases its pressure against compression, trying to retain its original volume. This characteristic is called compressibility. Furthermore, a fluid shows resistance whenever two layers slide over each other. This characteristic is called viscosity.