Elementary Fluid Dynamics (Oxford Applied Mathematics & Computing Science Series) [Paperback]

D. J. Acheson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198596790 | ISBN-13: 978-0198596790 | Publication Date: August 9, 1990

The study of fluid dynamics is a central theme in 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 that is suitable for all undergraduates coming to the subject for the first time. Students need only a basic knowledge of vector calculus, complex analysis, and simple methods of solving differential equations. Numerous exercises (with hints and answers) illustrate the main ideas and serve to organize the reader's understanding. The wide range of topics discussed include inviscid and viscous flows, waves in fluids, boundary layer flow, and instability in flows, along with historical information and many references to important experiments. This is a comprehensive and absorbing introduction to the mathematical study of fluid behavior.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Much recent research is incorporated. This makes the book interesting to read,.... the writing is clear and careful, anticipating students' difficulties.' `I feel confident that it will be deservedly successful.' Times Higher Education Supplement

`in this excellent mathematical undergraduate text, the author has managed to discuss the major topics in inviscid and viscous fluid dynamics.' MATHEMATIKA

'a comprehensive and absorbing introduction to the mathematical study of fluid behaviour' Physics Briefs 1991

`Throughout, the author demonstrates his awareness of the relevance of his material, and conveys his enthusiasm for it. His book has its own particular flavour, contains a wealth of information, and is mathematically secure. It can be confidently recommended.' Journal of Fluid Mechanics

'a very readable book and the authors attractive style makes it an enjoyable exercise' Professor N. C. Freeman (University of Newcastle), Contemporary Physics, Volume 32, Number 2, March/April 1991

'The book is aimed at applied mathematicians, physicists, and engineers, but is carefully and clearly written and could cheerfully grace the shelves of any pure mathematician interested in the real world.' New Scientist

`Throughout he lovingly describes experiments and presents drawings of the results.' `Acheson's voice is almost conversational. He includes many good exercises (with hints and answers in the back).' `I really find this a very attractive book and am happy to recommend it for a first graduate course in fluid mechanics.' Physics Today

About the Author

D. J. Acheson is at Jesus College, Oxford.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 9, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198596790
• ISBN-13: 978-0198596790
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #68 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Mechanics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Fluid Book Ever, June 12, 2001

By 

M. Ward (Tallahassee, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elementary Fluid Dynamics (Oxford Applied Mathematics & Computing Science Series) (Paperback)

This is the clearest book on fluid dynamics that I've seen. It's perfect for physics students who need a quick review of the subject. It does an amazing job of relating the math to the reality. Many of the problems make reference to research as recent as the 1980's. This book isn't the last word on anything (for example the information on instability is only the beginning), but it's an amazing place to start. As for the down sides, the math requirements in my opinion are a little steeper than the back cover implies. It pretty much assumes that you know complex variables and the residue theorem, and although it avoids the more difficult PDEs, it might help to know some things about them. And this isn't really a down side, but a lot of interesting information is tied to the problems, which may bother some readers.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very pedagogical fluid dynamics book, September 3, 2000

By 

Hanno Essen (Stockholm Sweden) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elementary Fluid Dynamics (Oxford Applied Mathematics & Computing Science Series) (Paperback)

This book is one of the most stimulating books on fluid mechanics that I have come across. It is very carefully written and well organized. The physics behind the phenomena are vividly explained. The subject is, however, mathematically difficult and the book should not be attempted without advanced calculus and vector analysis.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good attempt at softening this frightening subject, August 7, 2009

By 

Luke Marney (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elementary Fluid Dynamics (Oxford Applied Mathematics & Computing Science Series) (Paperback)

First of all, there is nothing elementary about fluid dynamics. This book was recommended in a course I took as a first year Chemistry PhD student. If I didn't have a professor there to ask questions to, I would have never understood this subject just from this book. It is a good reference to this subject, but definitely has no sections that read like a cover-to-cover introductory textbook. Everything I needed to know and more is in there, I just have to read sections over and over to understand it!