This textbook covers essentials of traditional and modern fluid dynamics, i. e. , the fundamentals of and basic applications in fluid mechanics and convection heat transfer with brief excursions into fluid-particle dynamics and solid mechanics. Specifically, it is suggested that the book can be used to enhance the knowledge base and skill level of engineering and physics students in macro-scale fluid mechanics (see Chaps. 1–5 and 10), followed by an int- ductory excursion into micro-scale fluid dynamics (see Chaps. 6 to 9). These ten chapters are rather self-contained, i. e. , most of the material of Chaps. 1–10 (or selectively just certain chapters) could be taught in one course, based on the students’ background. Typically, serious seniors and first-year graduate students form a receptive audience (see sample syllabus). Such as target group of students would have had prerequisites in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics, where Part A would be a welcomed refresher. While introductory fluid mechanics books present the material in progressive order, i. e. , employing an inductive approach from the simple to the more difficult, the present text adopts more of a deductive approach. Indeed, understanding the derivation of the basic equations and then formulating the system-specific equations with suitable boundary conditions are two key steps for proper problem solutions.
This textbook covers the essentials of traditional and modern fluid dynamics, i.e., the fundamentals of and basic applications in fluid mechanics and convection heat transfer with brief excursions into fluid-particle dynamics and solid mechanics. Specifically, the book can be used to enhance the knowledge base and skill level of engineering and physics students in macro-scale fluid mechanics (see Chapters I-V), followed by an introductory excursion into micro-scale fluid dynamics (see Chapters VI-X). Clearly, most of Chapters I-X could be taught in one course to honours-level seniors and first-year graduates. A Solutions Manual to the assigned book problems will be provided.
This work evolved primarily out of industrial demands and post-graduate expectations, because a fine knowledge base in modern fluid dynamics is important, focusing on novel application areas such as microfluidics, mixture flows, fluid-structure interaction, biofluid dynamics, thermal flows, and fluid-particle transport. Building on courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics as prerequisites as well as on a junior-level math background, a differential approach is most insightful to teach the fundamentals in fluid mechanics, to explain traditional and modern applications on an intermediate level, and to provide sufficient physical insight to understand results, later on generated with useful CFD software.
Pedagogical elements include a consistent 50/50 physics-mathematics approach when introducing new material, illustrating concepts, showing flow visualizations, and solving problems. The problem solution format strictly follows the pattern of system sketch, assumptions, and concept/approach―before starting the solution phase which consists of symbolic math model development (Appendix A), numerical solution, graphs, and comments on "physical insight". After some illustrative examples, most solved text examples have the same level of difficulty assuggested homework, quiz, test, and/or exam problems. The ultimate goals are that the more serious student can solve basic fluid dynamics problems independently, can provide physical insight, and can suggest, via a course project, system design improvements.
