Fluid mechanics self-studying book

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The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a mechanical engineering undergraduate in studying fluid mechanics, specifically the inadequacy of several textbooks. The individual expresses frustration with the lack of connection between topics and insufficient explanations for the derivations presented in "Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications" by Cengel and Cimbala, "Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics" by Munson, and "Fluid Mechanics" by White. Participants suggest "Introduction to Fluid Mechanics" by G.K. Batchelor as a potential solution, highlighting its thorough derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations and detailed examination of fluid behavior under constant density and viscosity. However, it is noted that Batchelor's text may not cover scenarios involving significant temperature variations or compressibility, and it requires a solid understanding of vector calculus and tensor analysis.
Tommy99
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I am a mechanical engineering undergrad and i am currently trying to study fluid mechanics but the books i tried are not sufficient enough in my opinion. I read the first three chapters of Fluid Mechanics : Fundamentals and applications by Cengel and Cimbala, and Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics by Munson, and Fluid Mechanics by White. In these books i don't feel any connection between the topics, and equations are just thrown and derived without any explanation on why this particular derivation is useful, or on what basis it is done. If anyone could suggest a book that fully explains the topics, and makes justifications and clear derivation of the concepts and ideas i would be very thankful.
 
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You can have a look at Kundu, Pijush K.. Fluid Mechanics (4th Edition), Academic Press.
 
Tommy99 said:
I am a mechanical engineering undergrad and i am currently trying to study fluid mechanics but the books i tried are not sufficient enough in my opinion. I read the first three chapters of Fluid Mechanics : Fundamentals and applications by Cengel and Cimbala, and Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics by Munson, and Fluid Mechanics by White. In these books i don't feel any connection between the topics, and equations are just thrown and derived without any explanation on why this particular derivation is useful, or on what basis it is done. If anyone could suggest a book that fully explains the topics, and makes justifications and clear derivation of the concepts and ideas i would be very thankful.

Batchelor, G. K., (1967) Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, Cambridge University Press (amazon).

The first three chapters explain at length how the Navier-Stokes equations are derived and the assumptions behind them; the next four chapters examine the behaviour of fluids with constant density and viscosity in detail. Anything involving significant temperature variations or compressibility is, aside from in the first three chapters which derive the governing equations of fluid mechanics in complete generality, beyond the scope of Batchelor, and you will have to look elsewhere.

The mathematical prerequisites for the first three chapters are vector calculus and cartesian tensors on the level of Bourne & Kendall; subsequent chapters require some knowledge of complex variable theory.
 
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