Engineering Fluid Mechanics

Abstract

9R37. Engineering Fluid Mechanics. - WP Graebel (Dept of Mech Eng and Appl Mech, Univ of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI). Taylor & Francis Publ, New York NY. 2001. 676 pp. ISBN 1-560-32711-1. $89.95.Reviewed by AS Paintal (Eng Dept, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, 100 E Erie St, Chicago IL 60611).This is a text for an introductory course in engineering fluid mechanics. Fluid mechanics is one of the basic courses required for an undergraduate degree in engineering. The purpose of the book is to provide basic theory as well as to develop analytical skills in the engineering students. The book helps the students to get a feel for flow patterns; pressure variations; and continuity, energy, and momentum principles. The book is organized into 12 chapters and seven appendices. The chapters provide orderly development of the subject. Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction of the subject. Fluid properties are defined and procedures for solving engineering problems are suggested. Chapter 2 deals with hydrostatics and pressure variations and distributions in fluids subjected to rigid body accelerations. Chapter 3 is devoted to fluid dynamics. The ideas of control volume and control surface are introduced, and concepts of incompressibility and discharge are defined. The fundamental equations of fluid mechanics in one dimension are formulated using the concepts of conservation of mass, linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy. Application of these equations for problem solving is emphasized. In Chapter 4, the differential equations using the continuity, energy, and momentum concepts are derived in two- and three-dimensions. The concepts of potential flow are also introduced. Chapter 5 deals with the dimensional analysis and model-prototype relationships. Chapters 6 and 7 concern laminar and turbulent flows. The equation for laminar flows between parallel plates and circular tubes are formulated, and the concept of boundary layer is introduced in Chapter 6. The concept is further developed for turbulent boundary layers in Chapter 7. Turbulent flow in pipes is thoroughly analyzed. The chapter also covers drag and lift forces. Chapter 8 considers the hydraulics of open channel, and the effect of gravity on flow is analyzed. Chapter 9 deals with the compressible flow problems and the effect of Mach Number on the flow. In Chapter 10, various flow, pressure, and velocity measurement techniques are evaluated. Chapter 11 is devoted to hydraulic machines. In Chapter 12, suggestions are made for additional study of various engineering disciplines involving the principles of fluid mechanics. There are a number of solved problems included in every chapter to explain the principles involved. At the end of each chapter, a set of unsolved problems is provided for practice. The answers to even-numbered problems are given at the end of the book. There are seven appendices. Appendix A deals with conversion of units and gives useful constants. Appendix B summarizes the fluid properties of water air and other common fluids in British (US) and SI units. Appendix C covers mathematical aids used for solving fluid mechanics problems. Appendix D provides compressible flow tables for air k=1.4. A brief history of fluid mechanics is given in Appendix E. Appendix F’s focus is on the design of a pump system. The purpose is to demonstrate how the design and other broader issues are considered in the design. Engineering Fluid Mechanics provides a balanced treatment of engineering fluid mechanics. The theory as well as problem solving skills are emphasized. The book should be considered for adoption as a text for an introductory undergraduate course in fluid mechanics. It will be useful for engineers working in the area of fluid mechanics or preparing for the examination leading to a professional engineer license.