Understanding Fluid Flow

A short introduction to fluid mechanics that emphasises the importance of viscosity.

Grae Worster (Author)

9780521132893, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 December 2009

120 pages, 20 b/w illus.
21.1 x 14 x 1 cm, 0.16 kg

"I found the book a pleasant read, and I could imagine lecturers finding the exposition helpful in providing tips for class material or a different perspective. I enjoyed the tack taken by the author and his selection of topics. The book certainly gives an idea of the wide application of the methods of mathematics and physics to problems in areas ranging from geophysics to engineering."
Neil Balmforth, SIAM Review

Understanding Fluid Flow takes a fresh approach to introducing fluid dynamics, with physical reasoning and mathematical developments inextricably intertwined. The 'dry' fluid dynamics described by potential theory is set within the context of real viscous flows to give fundamental insight into how fluids behave. The book gives a flavour of theoretical, experimental and numerical approaches to analysing fluid flow, and implicitly develops skills in applied mathematical modelling of physical systems. It is supplemented by movies that are freely downloadable.

Preface
1. Building intuition
2. Parallel viscous flow
3. Viscous gravity currents
4. Equations of flow
5. Interactions between linear flows
6. Flows round rigid objects
7. Waves and instability
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Mechanics of fluids [TGMF], Fluid mechanics [PHDF]