Principles of Fluid Mechanics [Paperback]

Andreas N. Alexandrou (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 013801762X | ISBN-13: 978-0138017620 | Publication Date: January 28, 2001 | Edition: 1

This book provides a comprehensive and wide-ranging introduction to fluid mechanics, assuming only a basic knowledge of calculus and physics. Introduces fluid mechanics within the context of a broad range of topics and disciplines by combining elements and concepts from different disciplines as is often found in solutions to engineering problems. The book integrates a discussion of fluid flow phenomena with that of other subjects, such as Solid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and others. It also includes discussions of other fields of specialization often used to solve engineering problems, such as chemistry, biology, economics, sociology, and others. And, it integrates the use of computers and modern experimental techniques. The first edition of Introduction to Fluid Mechanics provides a unique thematic organization and divides the material into three sections: Theory. This section is divided into four categories: Introduction, Conservation Laws, Fluid Kinematics, and Fluid Dynamics. Analysis. In this section, procedures such as Dimensionless Analysis, Analytics, Experimental and Numerical Solutions are introduced and applied to fundamental problems. Special Topics. Topics such as ideal, invisicid flow, compressible flow, and dynamics of rotating fluids are reserved for separate chapters. The book also introduces ideas from computational and experimental fluid mechanics. An essential reference for all engineering professionals.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Preface

This textbook is an introduction to fluid dynamics. The first nine chapters form the basis for the first sophomore level course in fluid dynamics. In addition, Chapters 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 form the basis for a second course in fluid dynamics. The main prerequisite for the book is a basic knowledge of calculus and physics.

Physical phenomena, and by extension fluid flow, are governed by the same basic laws. Therefore, particular topics can be deduced from the more general framework provided by the laws of nature. For this reason, whenever possible the material in this textbook is presented from a general, deductive viewpoint. This approach is also consistent with the needs of modern engineering analysis and design, and is achieved without sacrificing the quality or quantity of the discussion of "classical" fluid flow phenomena.

Traditionally, students consider fluid dynamics to be a difficult topic because of its mathematical nature and the apparent complexity of its concepts. Often, whether in class or textbooks, the material is presented as a collection of seemingly unrelated concepts, thus making it more difficult for students to fully comprehend the material. Here, the material is organized in a manner that avoids this confusion; similar themes are grouped and discussed together.

Some of the unique features of this book include (a) the point of view of the presentation, (b) the thematic organization of the material, and (c) the introduction of ideas from computational and experimental fluid dynamics. The material and concepts are demonstrated and reinforced through examples and problems for each section and chapter.

Since most concepts in fluid dynamics are quite mathematical, one of the appendixes reviews the basic mathematics required for the study of fluid dynamics. In my experience, this chapter prepares students for the more mathematically rigorous parts of the material.

The book is divided into three parts: Theory

The material in this part is divided into the following categories: (a) introduction, (b) conservation laws (c) fluid kinematics, and (d) fluid dynamics (for finite and differential control volumes). Since the material is presented from a general point of view, in which the universality of the laws of nature is stressed, Hydrostatics is not discussed in a separate chapter but is presented as a special case of the momentum equation in Chapter 2.

Irrespective of the driving forces or dynamic conditions that induce flow, the motion and deformation of fluid particles are characterized by simple kinematic principles. Therefore, in Chapter 4, fluid flow is defined using purely kinematic arguments without reference to the dynamic effects.

Following the kinematics of fluid flow, Chapter 5 introduces and emphasizes the governing laws and constitutive relations. The concept of the constitutive behavior of fluids and therefore of the viscosity of fluids follows naturally from the discussion. Concepts such as laminar flow, turbulent flow, and non-Newtonian fluids are also presented within this framework. An entirely new section on boundary conditions completes the theoretical description of fluid systems. Analysis

Following the theoretical and mathematical description of fluid systems, this part deals with the analysis of fluid problems. This step is also consistent with engineering design methodology. In Chapters 6, 7, and 8 and in Chapters 12 and 13, various solution procedures such as dimensionless analysis, analytic, experimental, and numerical solutions are introduced and applied to fundamental problems. Traditional concepts such as internal and external flows are presented in a separate chapter under a common theme dealing with the use of combined analytical and experimental methods in fluid dynamics. Special Topics

Finally, special topics such as ideal, inviscid flow, compressible flow, and dynamics of rotating fluids are reserved for separate chapters. This avoids unnecessary confusion about the relation of these topics to the fundamental theory of fluid dynamics. Instructors can select, at will, the topics to cover in their course.

I would like to express my thanks to my colleagues Nikos Gatsonis, David Olinger, Hamid Johari, Jim Hermanson, and David Watt, who have helped me in the preparation of this manuscript by providing not only advice and encouragement, but also original problems and pictures from their work. Particular mention is reserved for Mark Richman, whose unfailing intuition and keen mathematical insight have helped me throughout the writing of the manuscript. I would also like to thank Nadeem Majaj and Professor Marios Soteriou for providing problems, and Lisa Majaj for her editing prior to submission of the manuscript.

ANA
WPI

From the Back Cover

A DEDUCTIVE APPROACH TO FLUID MECHANICS

By following a concise thematic organization, Principles of Fluid Mechanics covers the basic theory, physics, and applications of fluid flow from a general viewpoint that makes it easy for students to follow and understand.

• Introduces fluid mechanic concepts using the universality—and simplicity—of the conservation laws
• Covers the material in a deductive manner by following a systematic, step-by-step approach
• Reinforces the discussion and concepts through numerous example problems
• Stresses the combined use of mathematical analysis and experimental and computer modeling in solving problems
• Promotes an overall educational approach required by current engineering problems that are open-ended and multidisciplinary in nature

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Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (January 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 013801762X
• ISBN-13: 978-0138017620
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #601,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good introduction to fluids, March 25, 2004

By 

Dorn W. Peterson (James Madison University, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Paperback)

The clarity of the writing and the step by step progression from general conservation laws, to integral and differential equations, to solvable problems, make this a great introduction to fluid mechanics for physicists and engineers. In addition to learning about fluids the reader will get lots of practice analyzing problems and applying mathematics that they have "learned" elsewhere. If you didn't learn it then, you will have to figure it out now, but luckily this material is exactly the kind of stuff you need to connect those abstract mathematical skills to the real world.

The first printing of this first edition, has too many errors, but most of them have obvious corrections. Hopefully, later printings will correct most of these.

I just asked the students in my class for which this is the text and they all agreed that they like the text, really liked the example problems and were sometimes confused by things that later turn out to be misprints.

1.0 out of 5 stars Knock-off book printed in black & white on low grade paper., April 7, 2011

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S1 (Quantico, VA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Paperback)

My rating refers to the quality of the item delivered, not the content of the textbook itself, read on for details.

I ordered this book through Amazon.com, LLC hoping to avoid the many low quality counterfeit textbooks shipped by many third party sellers. When I opened the box, the packing slip said "Principles of Fluid Mechanics, [Hardcover]" but the textbook was just what I wanted to avoid. The cover was flimsy paper, the entire content of the textbook was printed in black and white on what looked like extremely cheap recycled paper.

I thought it had to be an error, so I called Amazon and requested an exchange. Lo and behold, the replacement item was the exact same low quality item. I ended up paying $50 LESS to get an actual hardcover from a third party seller on the site. I hope Amazon.com, LLC will look into their supplier and fix the issue soon. Until then, they are charging $150 for a product that is NOT as described.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good choice, December 17, 2010

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new3ngineer - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Paperback)

This book walks you through the process with theoretical and example based lessons. It gets a little sparse on the examples in the later chapters though. Good all around though