Description
Book SynopsisThe first of its kind, this book is an in-depth history of hydrodynamics from its eighteenth-century foundations to its first major successes in twentieth-century hydraulics and aeronautics. It documents the foundational role of fluid mechanics in developing a new mathematical physics. It gives full and clear accounts of the conceptual breakthroughs of physicists and engineers who tried to meet challenges in the practical worlds of hydraulics, navigation, blood circulation, meteorology, and aeronautics, and it shows how hydrodynamics at last began to fulfill its early promise to unify the different worlds of flow. Richly illustrated, technically thorough, and sensitive to cross-cultural effects, this history should attract a broad range of historians, scientists, engineers, and philosophers and be a standard reference for anyone interested in fluid mechanics.
Trade ReviewThis book deserves a place in every university library, and it will surely be read with much interest, and some surprise, by many applied mathematicians. * Alex D.D. Craik, University of St Andrews, The London Mathematical Society Newsletter 2006 *
The book is a valuable contribution to its subject and is likely to provide new and perhaps useful insights to those studying fluid dynamics. It is well written and produced. * D.H. Peregrine, Mathematical Reviews *
By presenting in detail the interactions between many mathematicians and engineers, and by emphasizing the different styles characteristic of scientists in different countries, Darrigol has provided a fascinating insight into the development of hydrodynamics. * J. Stewart Turner, Australian National University, Canberra, August 2006, Physics World 2006 *
A fascinating and well written book. * Meccanica 2007 *
Table of Contents1. The dynamical equations ; 2. Water waves ; 3. Viscosity ; 4. Vortices ; 5. Instability ; 6. Turbulence ; 7. Drag and lift
