Foundations and Applications of Mechanics

Starting from the kinematics and governing equations for a Newtonian fluid, this book shows how suitable approximations can help solve problems of practical importance. It derives various approximations such as ideal fluid flow theory, boundary layer theory, the acoustic approximation, and more.

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Starting from the kinematics and governing equations for a Newtonian fluid, this book shows how suitable approximations can help solve problems of practical importance. Various approximations such as ideal fluid flow theory, boundary layer theory, the acoustic approximation, and so on, are derived. In its discussion of compressible fluids, this book deviates from the practice of using gas tables, and presents an approach more amenable to solution using computers. The control volume and differential equation forms of the governing equations are dealt with in detail, and the advantages and shortcomings of each approach are discussed by means of examples, the implications of frame-indifference and the laws of thermodynamics are also discussed in detail. Numerous examples are presented to illustrate the theory at each stage of the development. New to the second edition: a more detailed discussion on problems pertaining to surface tension; analytical solutions to problems of determining the radial growth or collapse of a bubble, the flow over an infinite rotating disc etc.
New methods for determining the shape of a bubble in ideal flow using Legendre polynomials, and for solving unidirectional transient flows through circular pipes under arbitrarily prescribed pressure gradients or volume flow rates using the Laplace transform method.