Units Systems, Dimensions & Dimensional Analysis Overview

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of units, unit systems, dimensions, and dimensional analysis. Participants are seeking resources that provide a comprehensive overview or introduction to these concepts, particularly materials that are not aimed at complete beginners.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests online resources for dimensional analysis and related topics, specifying a preference for materials that are not too basic.
  • Another participant provides a link to a historical text on dimensional analysis by Bridgman from 1922.
  • A participant expresses skepticism about the need for a comprehensive textbook on dimensional analysis, suggesting that the topic could be summarized succinctly.
  • Another participant mentions a chapter from "Mechanics" by Landau and Lifgarbagez that discusses the relationship between dimensional analysis and mechanical similarity, indicating that such discussions may not be found in introductory texts.
  • One participant reiterates their preference for online materials, specifically looking for a concise PDF rather than a full book.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and scope of textbooks on dimensional analysis, with some believing it can be summarized briefly while others suggest more in-depth discussions are valuable. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best resources available.

Contextual Notes

There are varying assumptions about the depth and complexity of dimensional analysis, as well as the appropriateness of different types of resources (books vs. online materials). The discussion reflects differing perspectives on what constitutes sufficient coverage of the topic.

kexue
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I'm searching for an online text on units, units systems, dimensions, dimensional analysis and so forth. A nice overview or summary, or an introduction not geared to the complete beginner. Has anybody a good link?

thank you
 
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Thanks, Robby!

Anybody else?
 
I don't see how one could write a whole textbook on dimensional analysis. It seems to me that you could summarize the whole thing in 10 pages or so. Regardless, I've never heard of such a book but I'd just see the first chapter of any introductory physics book
 
There's a nice chapter in Mechanics by Landau and Lifgarbagez
that discusses how one can deduce the form of some physics formulas
using "mechanical similarity", which is related to dimensional analysis and scaling arguments.
It is unlikely that such a discussion would be in an introductory text.
 
Well, that's why I'm not looking for a book, but for some material on the net, some 20 pages pdf or so.
 

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