Fluid mechanics is an important branch of physics concerned with the way in which fluids, such as liquids and gases, behave when in motion and at rest. A quintessential interdisciplinary field of science, it interacts with many other scientific disciplines, from chemistry and biology to mathematics and engineering.
　　　
This Very Short Introduction introduces readers to the field of fluid mechanics by focusing on the fundamental physical ideas underlying it, and using everyday phenomena from daily life to demonstrate them, from dripping taps to swimming ducks. Following this set of core physical concepts, it shows how these underlying principles can be applied to a wide range of flow behaviours. Eric Lauga also highlights the role of fluid motion in both the natural and industrial world, and considers future applications of fluid mechanics in science.