Viscous and compressible fluid dynamics /

Intended as an introduction to the theoretical (mathematical) exposition of the Newtonian, incompressible fluid and the ideal, compressible fluid. Each chapter has worked examples and unworked, examination-type problems. The authors discuss vector and tensor methods; real fluid motion; exact solutions for incompressible flow; flow at low Reynolds number; flow at high Reynolds number; elements of thermodynamics and the dynamics of gas flows; shock waves; method of characteristics; and mathematical methods in gas dynamics. In the main the book accomplishes its goal, but it suffers from the point of view of practical fluid mechanical topics. For example, the chapter on flow at high Reynolds numbers deals exclusively with external flow fields; boundary layer analyses are sketchy, at best; friction factors are not mentioned and "drag" only in passing fashion. This book could serve as an introductory graduate text for the few topics covered, but it is not comprehensive. -J. W. Meader, Worcester Polytechnic Institute