Introduction to Transport Phenomena [Paperback]

William J. Thomson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0134548280 | ISBN-13: 978-0134548289 | Publication Date: September 30, 2000 | Edition: 1

45482-7 * Transport phenomena: Fundamental concepts and problem solving * Transport phenomena: basic principles and laws * Molecular and convective transport * Similarity analysis, transfer coefficients, and other key concepts * Use differential equation solvers to solve complex transport problems This book is a true introduction to transport phenomena that presents all basic principles with a minimum of mathematical complexity. Readers will only need to know the basics of differential equations, and how to use a differential equation solver such as Matlab or ACSL. Professor William J. Thomson emphasizes the formulation of differential equations to describe physical problems, helping readers understand what they are doing-and why. The solutions are either simple (separable, linear second order) or derivable with a differential equation solver. Thomson begins with a detailed introduction to molecular transport, including the basic underlying laws, one-dimensional molecular energy transport, molecular mass and momentum transport principles, and transport coefficients. Each major similarity analysis technique is covered, including dimensionless groups in molecular transport, dimensionless differential transforms, and similarity transforms. In Part II, Thomson reviews convective transport, presenting a straightforward description of turbulence, and introducing the fundamental concept of transfer coefficients. Building on previous coverage, he then addresses the macroscopic calculation issues associated with momentum, heat, and mass transfer-enabling readers to solve even complex gas absorption and cooling tower problems.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

45482-7

• Transport phenomena: Fundamental concepts and problem solving
• Transport phenomena: basic principles and laws
• Molecular and convective transport
• Similarity analysis, transfer coefficients, and other key concepts
• Use differential equation solvers to solve complex transport problems

This book is a true introduction to transport phenomena that presents all basic principles with a minimum of mathematical complexity. Readers will only need to know the basics of differential equations, and how to use a differential equation solver such as Matlab or ACSL.

Professor William J. Thomson emphasizes the formulation of differential equations to describe physical problems, helping readers understand what they are doing-and why. The solutions are either simple (separable, linear second order) or derivable with a differential equation solver.

Thomson begins with a detailed introduction to molecular transport, including the basic underlying laws, one-dimensional molecular energy transport, molecular mass and momentum transport principles, and transport coefficients. Each major similarity analysis technique is covered, including dimensionless groups in molecular transport, dimensionless differential transforms, and similarity transforms.

In Part II, Thomson reviews convective transport, presenting a straightforward description of turbulence, and introducing the fundamental concept of transfer coefficients. Building on previous coverage, he then addresses the macroscopic calculation issues associated with momentum, heat, and mass transfer-enabling readers to solve even complex gas absorption and cooling tower problems.

About the Author

WILLIAM J. THOMSON is Professor of Chemical Engineering at Washington State University, Pullman, WA. He has published widely in chemical engineering research and trade journals, and is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE), American Chemical Society (ACS), and American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE).

Product Details

• Paperback: 509 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (September 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0134548280
• ISBN-13: 978-0134548289
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #777,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is the condensed essence of Bird Stewart & Lightfoot, December 31, 2004

By 

Professional Engineer (Pittsburgh USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Transport Phenomena (Paperback)

I'm a professional chemical engineer who studied under Dr. Thomson 25+ years ago. Transport Phenomena by Bird Stewart & Lightfoot was the standard then. Chemical engineering students had a heck of a time relating to the material. As a subject, transport phenomena is a lot of math applied to practical problems. Fledgling chemical engineers have tended to need a primer that is more grounded in practical matters.

Introduction to Transport Phenomena provides a matter of fact, grounded (as grounded, I suppose, as theoretical chemical engineering can be) approach that the student and the old fud looking for a refresher alike can use. A word of caution for the person looking for the one book to answer all Transport Phenomena woes: This subject is taught throughout academia, regardless of the specific text, by providing several examples that are intended to show the reader the correct approach and 'tricks' for a particular set of problems. Although Introduction to Transport Phenomena by Dr. Thomson is a great primer, and Transport Phenomena by Bird Stewart & Lightfoot is the "Bible," I suggest that one maintains a 'living library' of reference material that helps understanding in this subject area. I'm currently saving for Transport Phenomena: Equations and Numerical Solutions by Esteban Saatdjiian, to round out my reference materials on the subject.

In conclusion, Introduction to Transport Phenomena by William Thomson is a very well written, easy to follow primer that provides the reader with excellent guidance and understandable reasoning for the approach to solving most transport phenomena problems. This book will readily show the correct approach in solving the vast majority of transport phenomena problems the chemical engineer tends to need solved in industry.

Side note: All books have typos and a few missed errors. Dr. Thomson is a professor at Washington State University. I found the errata for Introduction to Transport Phenomena there.

1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible shipping time, January 15, 2012

By 

Kyle - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Transport Phenomena (Paperback)

As a student chemical engineer I found the book somewhat helpful, but not really. My teacher taught the same material but in a different way and his way seemed much simpler than the books. I returned the book at the end of the semester because none of my classes 'needed' the book. Surprise! I now need the book and amazon apparently takes 1 to 3 months to ship this book...aka I'll get the book at the end of the semester.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars For Better or Worse..., January 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction to Transport Phenomena (Paperback)

I have had Dr. Thomson as an instructor and have used his book for three separate classes. I find the book difficult to follow at times. The end of chapter problems are confusing and seldom can be completed by following the material covered in the text. The book, which is not on its first edition, is filled with "minor errors" (for example, constants and/or exponents in presented equations are incorrect). On the plus side, the unit conversions in the appendices are very useful.