A First Course in Fluid Dynamics

This book introduces the subject of fluid dynamics from the first principles.

A. R. Paterson (Author)

9780521274241, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 10 November 1983

540 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.1 cm, 0.79 kg

"It is interesting to browse through the book and see from the selection and arrangement of the material the skeleton of an interesting course evolving..." Physics in Canada

How can the drag coefficient of a car be reduced? What factors govern the variation in the shape of the Earth's magnetosphere? What is the basis of weather prediction? These are examples of problems that can only be tackled with a sound knowledge of the principles and methods of fluid dynamics. This important discipline has applications which range from the study of the large-scale properties of the galaxies to the design of high precision engineering components. This book introduces the subject of fluid dynamics from the first principles. The first eleven chapters cover all the basic ideas of fluid mechanics, explaining carefully the modelling and mathematics needed. The last six chapters illustrate applications of this material to linearised sound and water waves, to high speed flow of air, to non-linear water waves on channels, and to aerofoil theory. Over 350 diagrams have been used to illustrate key points. Exercises are included to help develop and reinforce the reader's understanding of the material presented. References at the ends of each chapter serve not only to guide readers to more detailed texts, but also list where alternative descriptions of the salient points in the chapter may be found. This book is an undergraduate text for second or third year students of mathematics or mathematical physics, who are taking a first course in fluid dynamics.

Preface
Introduction
1. Mathematical preliminaries
2. Physical preliminaries
3. Observational preliminaries
4. Massconservation and stream functions
5. Vorticity
6. Hydrostatics
7. Thermodynamics
8. The equation of motion
9. Solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations
10. Inviscid flow
11. Potential theory
12. Sound waves in fluids
13. Water waves
14. High speed flow of air
15. Steady surface waves in channels
16. The complex potential
17. Conformal mappings and aerofoils
Hints for exercises
Answers for exercises
Books for reference
Index.

Subject Areas: Applied mathematics [PBW]