Category Scope

34 Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Includes fluid dynamics and kinematics and all forms of heat transfer; boundary layer flow; hydrodynamics; hydraulics; fluidics; mass transfer and ablation cooling. For related information see also 02 Aerodynamics.

Definition

Fluid Mechanics – The experimental and mathematical study of the mechanical properties of gases and liquids at rest and in motion. NASA Thesaurus, Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Heat Transfer – The transfer or exchange of heat by radiation, conduction, or convection within a substance and between the substance and its surroundings. NASA Thesaurus, Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use. Wm. H. Allen, ed., 1965. NASA SP-7.

Thermodynamics – Study and application of principles describing the relation of heat transfer to various forms of energy, and the behaviors of physical systems where temperature is a significant feature. NASA Thesaurus, Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

NASA Interest

Exhaustive Interest : Theories, research, and studies on the forces, flow, mechanical properties and heat transfer of liquids or gases having specific relevance to aerospace interests or under conditions encountered in aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, space vehicles, propulsion systems, or support facilities. Theory, research, and development on heat transfer of relevance also to the thermodynamic properties of elements, compounds, materials, and substances found in aerospace science and technology. (Those subjects concerned with astronomical, solar, and stellar phenomena and their interactions should be included in 89 Astronomy; or 90 Astrophysics.)

Selective Interest : Research developments, and studies of liquids and gases and heat transfer of potential interest for aerospace applications or under unusual or extreme conditions.

Negative Interest : Heat transfer and flow of liquids and gases over wires, through channels, ducts, and pipes related to normal powerplant, reservoir, irrigation, and residential-business use unless related to remote sensing, Earth resources, or for other potential aerospace application.

Input Subjects of Specific Interest