Hydrodynamics and Sound

There is a certain body of knowledge and methods that finds application in most branches of fluid mechanics. This 2007 book aims to supply a proper theoretical understanding that will permit sensible simplifications to be made in the formulation of problems, and enable the reader to develop analytical models of practical significance. Such analyses can be used to guide more detailed experimental and numerical investigations. As in most technical subjects, such understanding is acquired by detailed study of highly simplified 'model problems'. The first part (Chapters 1 - 4) is concerned entirely with the incompressible flow of a homogeneous fluid. It was written for the Boston University introductory graduate level course 'Advanced Fluid Mechanics'. The remaining Chapters 5 and 6 deal with dispersive waves and acoustics, and are unashamedly inspired by James Lighthill's masterpiece, Waves in Fluids. Review of the hardback: 'Researchers and advanced students of unsteady high-speed flow, particularly those concerned with the sound waves that are generated in such flows, will learn a lot by studying this book ... Michael Howe succeeds throughout the book in maintaining the lively style pioneered by his mentor to whom the book is dedicated, and in doing so will have made some readers understand this subject much better than they ever thought possible.' Journal of Fluid Mechanics Review of the hardback: 'Professor Howe is not only a well-established researcher but also an excellent pedagogue. He succeeded in explaining in a comprehensive manner complex topics of hydrodynamics and in making the reading a fascinating scientific journey. This book has all the chances to become a classical textbook on this subject. ... Howe's book should be recommended to all students willing to discover the wonderful world of hydrodynamics.' European Journal of Mechanics B/FluidsPreface; 1. Equations of motion; 2. Potential flow of an incompressible fluid; 3. Ideal flow in two dimensions; 4. Rotational incompressible flow; 5. Surface gravity waves; 6. Introduction to acoustics; Bibliography.