Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on properties of matter, specifically elasticity, and fluid mechanics, aimed at a first-year undergraduate physics student seeking a theoretical understanding of these topics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that elasticity is often covered in mechanical engineering courses, while fluid mechanics may be treated differently across disciplines.
- One participant mentions "Transport Phenomena" by Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot as a relevant resource encountered in a chemical engineering course.
- Another participant recommends "Elasticity, Fracture and Flow" by Jaeger and "Kundu and Cohen" for fluid mechanics, noting the latter's excellence.
- Landau and Lifshitz are mentioned as potential resources for both topics, but their density may be challenging for undergraduates.
- Concerns are raised about the lack of time spent on elasticity in typical physics curricula, with suggestions to check mechanical engineering resources for more comprehensive coverage.
- One participant shares a link to an introductory resource covering both elasticity and fluid mechanics, but notes it contains numerous errors.
- There is a request for clarification on the prerequisites for the course to better tailor textbook recommendations.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of opinions on suitable textbooks, with no consensus on a single best choice. There is acknowledgment that different educational backgrounds may lead to varying recommendations.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the importance of course prerequisites and the specific focus of the course, which may influence the appropriateness of different textbooks. The discussion reflects a mix of undergraduate and graduate-level resources, indicating a potential gap in accessible materials for first-year students.