This book provides an engaging and descriptive introduction to the extensive and wide-ranging world of fluid flows in nature and engineering, exploring their critical role in our lives. The diverse mechanisms behind observable phenomena and the properties of fluid motion are illuminated and linked to a wide variety of flows, laying a solid foundation for a deeper appreciation of fluid dynamics.

While the science underpinning these phenomena is inherently mathematical, this book intentionally avoids all but the most easily understood general principles. Instead, it provides a descriptive coverage of the subject without trivialising or infantilising it. The text is richly illustrated with photos, diagrams and sketches, each paired with explanations of the key features within each figure. Supporting the discussion of these fundamental and overarching mechanisms, numerous real-world examples are showcased, including environmental flows, weather phenomena, physiological flows and engineering applications. Individual sections cover flows related to aircraft, cars, jet engines, wind turbines, propellers, cyclones, water-distribution networks, water waves, sailing boats, heat exchangers, nuclear reactors, artificial heart valves, urban fluid dynamics and even competitive sports like cycling and skiing.

This book is a perfect first exposure to fluid flows and fluid mechanics for the scientifically curious non-specialists, as well as for prospective and beginner science and engineering students.