A Student's Guide to Dimensional Analysis

This introduction to dimensional analysis covers the methods, history and formalisation of the field, and provides physics and engineering applications.

Don S. Lemons (Author)

9781107161153, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 March 2017

112 pages, 16 b/w illus. 39 tables
23.5 x 15.6 x 1.1 cm, 0.32 kg

'A short introduction that can stimulate students' interest, broaden their analytical toolbox, and enhance their understanding of the subject.' Misha Prepelitsa, SIAM Review

This introduction to dimensional analysis covers the methods, history and formalisation of the field, and provides physics and engineering applications. Covering topics from mechanics, hydro- and electrodynamics to thermal and quantum physics, it illustrates the possibilities and limitations of dimensional analysis. Introducing basic physics and fluid engineering topics through the mathematical methods of dimensional analysis, this book is perfect for students in physics, engineering and mathematics. Explaining potentially unfamiliar concepts such as viscosity and diffusivity, the text includes worked examples and end-of-chapter problems with answers provided in an accompanying appendix, which help make it ideal for self-study. Long-standing methodological problems arising in popular presentations of dimensional analysis are also identified and solved, making the book a useful text for advanced students and professionals.

Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
2. Mechanics
3. Hydrodynamics
4. Temperature and heat
5. Electrodynamics and plasma physics
6. Quantum physics
7. Dimensional cosmology
8. Appendix. Answers to problems
Index.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Physics [PH]