Incompressible Fluid Dynamics is a textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students of engineering, applied mathematics, and geophysics. The text comprises topics that establish the broad conceptual framework of the subject, expose key phenomena, and play an important role in the myriad of applications that exist in both nature and technology. The first half of the book covers topics that include the inviscid equations of Euler and Bernoulli, the Navier-Stokes equation and some of its simpler exact solutions, laminar boundary layers and jets, potential flow theory with its various applications to aerodynamics, the theory of surface gravity waves, and flows with negligible inertia, such as suspensions, lubrication layers, and swimming micro-organisms. The second half is more specialised. Vortex dynamics, which is so essential to many natural phenomena in fluid mechanics, is developed in detail. This is followed by chapters on stratified fluids and flows subject to a strong background rotation, both topics being central to our understanding of atmospheric and oceanic flows. Fluid instabilities and the transition to turbulence are also covered, followed by two chapters on fully developed turbulence. The text is largely self-contained, and aims to combine mathematical precision with a breadth of engineering and geophysical applications. Throughout, physical insight is given priority over mathematical detail.
Reviews
Davidson provides a specialized text on fluid dynamics. The first six chapters are devoted to basic fluid mechanics topics covered in standard undergraduate textbooks, but Davidson approaches these with a level of rigor suitable to more advanced students and readers. Chapters 7-10 cover topics mostly related to geophysical flows such as waves, stratified flows, and rotating flows. The last four chapters are devoted to instability and turbulence. Overall, this is an excellent book on the topic. The text is carefully written and insightful and reads easily. A suitable number of figures support Davidson's explanation of particular concepts. A strong point of this work is Davidson's emphasis on physical insights. The text will be helpful to senior undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers in the general area of fluid dynamics, particularly those interested in geophysical applications. * M. Reza Alam, University of California, Berkeley, Professor of Mechanical Engineering *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198869122
Author P. A. Davidson
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 239mm * 156mm * 20mm