A Survey of Fluid Mechanics Education of Mechanical Engineers

Abstract

Results are presented from a national survey of fluid mechanics courses taught in Mechanical Engineering Departments of U. S. institutions for the academic year 1975–1976. The respondent sample included 91 institutions of widely varying character. Data from five groups of fluids courses are discussed: required undergraduate courses including basic and advanced level; advanced level undergraduate elective courses; graduate level courses; and continuing education courses. Primary educational features reviewed include subject area, textbook used, relative emphasis between theory and applications, credit hours, relative use of multiple course sequence, and amount of laboratory instruction. Guidelines for future surveys are also included.