SUMMARY
The Navier-Stokes equations were first introduced by Claude-Louis Navier in 1821 and further developed by George Gabriel Stokes in 1846. Navier's foundational work focused on the laws of fluid motion, incorporating viscosity into the equations of Euler. Over the years, numerous mathematicians, including Cauchy and Lagrange, attempted to refine these equations, but no simpler alternative has emerged. The core formulation has remained consistent since its inception, despite various rederivations and modifications by subsequent researchers.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
- Familiarity with the Euler equations of motion
- Knowledge of viscosity and its mathematical representation
- Basic comprehension of historical mathematical notation
NEXT STEPS
- Research the historical context of the Navier-Stokes equations and their evolution
- Study the contributions of mathematicians like Cauchy and Lagrange to fluid dynamics
- Examine modern interpretations and applications of the Navier-Stokes equations
- Explore the differences in notation and formulation between Navier's original papers and modern texts
USEFUL FOR
Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers interested in fluid dynamics, as well as historians of science examining the development of mathematical equations in physics.