The Life and Legacy of G. I. Taylor [Hardcover]

G. K. Batchelor (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521461219 | ISBN-13: 978-0521461214 | Publication Date: July 13, 1996

G.I. Taylor, one of the most distinguished physical scientists of this century, used his deep insight and originality to increase our understanding of phenomena such as the turbulent flow of fluids. His interest in the science of fluid flow was not confined to theory; he was one of the early pioneers of aeronautics, and designed a new type of anchor that was inspired by his passion for sailing. Taylor spent most of his working life in the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where he investigated the mechanics of fluid and solid materials; his discoveries and ideas have had application throughout mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering, meteorology, oceanography and materials science. He was also a noted research leader, and his group in Cambridge became one of the most productive centers for the study of fluid mechanics. How was Taylor able to be innovative in so many different ways? This interesting and unusual biography helps answer that question. Professor Batchelor, himself a student and close collaborator of Taylor, is ideally placed to describe Taylor's life, achievements and background. He does so without introducing any mathematical details, making this book enjoyable reading for a wide range of people--and especially those whose own interests have brought them into contact with the legacy of Taylor.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Because turbulence is Batchelor's field, the reader with a background in fluid mechanics will benefit expecially from a close review of Chapter 12 on Taylor's turbulence research." Cyril Galvin, Earth Science History

"Scientists who have encountered any of the remarkable number of Taylor's ideas in classical physics will find this book interesting to read and will be able to make their own judgment on Batchelor's claim that Taylor was more original than Rayleigh, Kelvin, or Reynolds--and a better experimentalist, too." Carl Wunsch, Science

"...a most enjoyable book...This is a splendid book and it needed to be written by Batchelor, Taylor's great admirer and interpreter." J.C.R. Hunt, Nature

"George Batchelor has written a fascinating and affectionate scientific and personal biography, drawing on personal contacts extending over thirty years....This excellent biography, written by the acknowledged authority on the subject, should provide enjoyment and food for thought, not only to those working directly in one of the broad range of fields which G.I. Taylor made his own, but indeed to all physical scientists." Stewart Turner, Physics World

"...a splendid biography....a wonderful representation..." F. Potter, Choice

"The book is an interesting blend....it provides brief and useful overviews of the content and significance of most of Taylor's 266 recorded publications....Batchelor's new biography of G.I. Taylor would be a fine complement to the study of some of the original papers themselves." F.W. Niedenfuhr, Applied Mechanics Review

"To read George Batchelor's book is the easiest and pleasantest way of finding out about this unfashionable truth." J.R. Ockendon, Mathematical Reviews

"...its wealth of anecdotal and other material will appeal to historians and a general audience...it is indeed worth buying." ISIS

Book Description

G.I. Taylor was one of the most distinguished physical scientists of this century, using his deep insight and great mathematical skill to increase greatly our understanding of the science of solids and liquids. His discoveries and ideas have had application since throughout engineering, meteorology, oceanography and material science. How was Taylor able to be innovative in so many different ways? This interesting and unusual mix of science and biography helps us to answer that question. Professor Batchelor describes Taylor's life, achievements and background. He does so without using mathematics, making this enjoyable reading for a wide range of people, but especially those whose own interests have brought them into contact with the scientific legacy of G.I. Taylor.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 13, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521461219
• ISBN-13: 978-0521461214
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,897,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars G. I. our hero, August 22, 2001

By 

James (Cambridge, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life and Legacy of G. I. Taylor (Hardcover)

G. I. Taylor was a classical physicist/applied mathematician who made seminal contributions to wide-ranging areas of fluid and solid mechanics. Using unparalleled physical insights, he answered many important and fundamental scientific questions using rather simplistic methods. The importance of his work can be seen by the number of phenomena named in his honor.

As a student and a long-time colleague of G. I., Batchelor is in a good position to give a vivid account of G. I.'s life. Behind the gentle appearance and manners, G. I. had a sharp and original mind. Never going with the crowd, G. I. research problems were highly individualistic. Batchelor attributes qualitities of naturalness as one of the reasons for his resounding success.

This is a highly recommended scientific biography for anyone interested in fluid/solid mechanics and applied mathematics. Not only is G. I's personality captured vividly, but also the scientific work well explained to the non-expert. In fact, a great way to delve into fluid/solid mechanics is by reading G. I.'s works on the subjects.