Product Description

The study of the dynamics of fluids is a central theme of modern applied mathematics. It is used to model a vast range of physical phenomena and plays a vital role in science and engineering. This textbook provides a clear introduction to both the theory and application of fluid dynamics, and will be suitable for all undergraduates coming to the subject for the first time. Prerequisites are few: a basic knowledge of vector calculus, complex analysis, and simple methods for solving differential equations are all that is needed. Throughout, numerous exercises (with hints and answers) illustrate the main ideas and serve to consolidate the reader's understanding of the subject. The book's wide scope (including inviscid and viscous flows, waves in fluids, boundary layer flow, and instability in flow) and frequent references to experiments and the history of the subject, ensures that this book provides a comprehensive and absorbing introduction to the mathematical study of fluid behaviour.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27376 in Books
• Published on: 1990-03-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 408 pages

Synopsis
The study of the dynamics of fluids is a central theme of modern applied mathematics. It is used to model a vast range of physical phenomena and plays a vital role in science and engineering. This textbook provides a clear introduction to both the theory and application of fluid dynamics, and will be suitable for all undergraduates coming to the subject for the first time. Prerequisites are few: a basic knowledge of vector calculus, complex analysis, and simple methods for solving differential equations are all that is needed. Throughout, numerous exercises (with hints and answers) illustrate the main ideas and serve to consolidate the reader's understanding of the subject. The book's wide scope (including inviscid and viscous flows, waves in fluids, boundary layer flow, and instability in flow) and frequent references to experiments and the history of the subject, ensures that this book provides a comprehensive and absorbing introduction to the mathematical study of fluid behaviour.

Customer Reviews

Clear, concise and useful for self-teaching
I found this book vital in plugging a hole in my knowledge in the step up from undergraduate maths to post-graduate applied maths - the book's approach pleased me very much as it is rooted in the mathematics of the subject. No equation is plucked from the air - the fluid dynamics is described from first principles, for both viscous and non-viscous flows, with some investigation into boundary layers.

The exercises are particularly useful, and the answers given are detailed. Probably a good working knowledge of vector calculus is needed, although the method for calculating divergence and curl in curvilinear coords is well explained in appendices. The chapter on waves is a good read - some rather paradoxical results there.