Fluid Mechanics book question

In summary, fluid mechanics is the study of fluids and the forces acting on them, including liquids and gases. A fluid mechanics book typically covers topics such as fluid properties, dynamics, and applications. It is used in fields such as aerospace, weather prediction, and biomedical engineering. There are two main types of fluids: liquids and gases, but there are also plasmas and non-Newtonian fluids. While knowledge of calculus is helpful, it is not always necessary to understand fluid mechanics. Basic algebra and trigonometry can also be used to understand many concepts in this field.
  • #1
tomcenjerrym
37
0
Hi,

Does anyone know which of the following 2 Fluid Mechanics books the best is for beginner?

FIRST
Title: Elements of Fluid Mechanics
Author: David C. Wilcox
ISBN: 1928729177
Publisher: DCW Industries

SECOND
Title: A Physical Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
Author: Alexander J. Smits
ISBN: 0471253499
Publisher: John-Wiley

Please advance

Tom
 
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  • #2
I actually use Fluid Mechanics by Frank M. White, as do many of my colleagues, and it's been pretty useful (except for the lack of HT coverage).

However, of the two, I always recommend Wiley as a publisher because they always have extra examples on their website and other references.
 
  • #3


Hi Tom,

Both of these books are highly recommended for beginners in Fluid Mechanics. It ultimately depends on your personal learning style and preferences.

The first book, "Elements of Fluid Mechanics" by David C. Wilcox, is a comprehensive and well-organized text that covers all the fundamentals of fluid mechanics. It is praised for its clear explanations and examples, making it a great choice for beginners. However, some readers may find it to be more technical and may prefer a more visual approach to learning.

The second book, "A Physical Introduction to Fluid Mechanics" by Alexander J. Smits, is known for its use of visual aids and hands-on experiments to explain concepts. It also includes real-world applications and examples, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more interactive approach to learning. However, it may not cover all the topics in as much depth as the first book.

In summary, both books are excellent resources for beginners in Fluid Mechanics. I would suggest looking at the table of contents and a few sample pages from each book to see which one aligns better with your learning style. Good luck with your studies!
 

1. What is fluid mechanics?

Fluid mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of fluids, including liquids and gases, and the forces acting on them. It involves the study of how fluids behave under different conditions and how they interact with their surroundings.

2. What topics are typically covered in a fluid mechanics book?

A fluid mechanics book usually covers topics such as fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli's equation, conservation of mass, energy, and momentum, laminar and turbulent flow, and applications of fluid mechanics in engineering and everyday life.

3. How is fluid mechanics used in real life?

Fluid mechanics has many real-life applications, including designing aircraft and ships, predicting weather patterns, understanding blood flow in the human body, designing water distribution systems, and optimizing the performance of engines and pumps.

4. What are the different types of fluids?

There are two main types of fluids: liquids and gases. Liquids have a definite volume and take the shape of their container, while gases have no fixed volume or shape and expand to fill their container. Other types of fluids include plasmas and non-Newtonian fluids, which do not follow traditional fluid mechanics equations.

5. Is knowledge of calculus necessary to understand fluid mechanics?

While a basic understanding of calculus is helpful in understanding fluid mechanics, it is not always necessary. Many concepts in fluid mechanics can be understood using basic algebra and trigonometry. However, more advanced topics and equations may require knowledge of calculus.

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