Osbourne Reynolds: The Sub-mechanics of the Universe

In summary, Osbourne Reynolds published a very long paper called The Sub-mechanics of the Universe, which discusses a complete theory involving small particles of diameter 10^{-18} cm. The paper is described as "nutty" but also interesting. It is unclear if there is validity to the paper or if it is intended as a model rather than an explanation. There has been minimal response to this topic.
  • #1
jasc15
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Osbourne Reynolds: "The Sub-mechanics of the Universe"

While reading a very interesting article/lecture called http://jilawww.colorado.edu/perkinsgroup/Purcell_life_at_low_reynolds_number.pdf, there was a reference to a publication by Osbourne Reynolds called The Sub-mechanics of the Universe. The author/speaker says "[Reynolds] published a very long paper on the details of the sub mechanical universe , and he had a complete theory which involved small particles of diameter 10^{-18} cm. It gets very nutty from there on."

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1418181897/?tag=pfamazon01-20, with a preview of some of the text. It is indeed very nutty, but also very interesting. Can anyone shed some light on this? Is there validity to this paper? Is it intended to be a model of the sub-mechanical universe rather than an explanation?
 
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  • #2


Bump.

I really thought this would get a few responses, so i figured i'd give it another chance.
 
  • #3


Nobody is going to buy the book, or even read dozens of pages, particularly when it's described as "nutty".
 

What is Osbourne Reynolds' contribution to science?

Osbourne Reynolds was a British scientist who made significant contributions to fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and engineering. He is best known for his work on the dimensionless quantity known as the Reynolds number, which describes the relationship between inertial forces and viscous forces in a fluid flow.

What is the Reynolds number?

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity that describes the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in a fluid flow. It is named after Osbourne Reynolds and is widely used in fluid mechanics to predict the behavior of fluids, such as air and water, in various situations.

What is the significance of Reynolds number in fluid mechanics?

The Reynolds number is an important tool in fluid mechanics as it helps to predict the type of flow (laminar or turbulent) that will occur in a given situation. It also helps to determine the drag force on an object moving through a fluid and is used in the design of various engineering systems, such as pipes and aircraft wings.

What is the sub-mechanics of the universe according to Osbourne Reynolds?

Osbourne Reynolds believed that there was a fundamental underlying principle or "sub-mechanics" that governed the behavior of all physical systems in the universe. This principle was based on the relationship between inertial forces and viscous forces, as described by the Reynolds number, and could be applied to various fields such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and even human physiology.

How did Osbourne Reynolds' work impact modern science?

Osbourne Reynolds' contributions to science, particularly in the field of fluid mechanics, have had a significant impact on modern science and engineering. His research on the Reynolds number has led to a better understanding of fluid flow and has applications in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and energy. His concept of a universal sub-mechanics has also influenced the study of complex systems and has opened up new avenues for research in various fields.

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