Mechanical and Thermodynamical Modeling of Fluid Interfaces. Advances in Mathematics for Applied Sciences Series, Vol 58

Abstract

11R2. Mechanical and Thermodynamical Modeling of Fluid Interfaces. Advances in Mathematics for Applied Sciences Series, Vol 58. - R Gatignol and R Prud’homme (Lab de Modelisation en Mecanique, Univ Pierre et Marie Curie & CNRS, France). World Sci Publ, Singapore. 2001. 248 pp. ISBN 981-02-4305-7. $58.00.Reviewed by SA Sherif (Dept of Mech Eng, Univ of Florida, 228 MEB, PO Box 116300, Gainesville FL 32611-6300).This book falls into the category of reference books. It deals with an advanced subject area that is beyond the scope of most traditional undergraduate courses in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. The subject of fluid interfaces is extremely important, but equally complex to understand, and hence the publication of such a book should add good value to the reference shelf of researchers in this field. The book comprises seven chapters. Chapter 1 provides a fundamental analysis of interface and interfacial layers in a thermo-mechanical context. The chapter serves as a nice introduction to readers who would like to get a slow start on the subject and not jump too quickly into the heart of the subject matter. Chapter 2 deals with surface quantities which belong to either a transition layer in which large gradients of densities are present, or a zero-thickness surface. Chapter 3 deals with interfacial balance laws for species, mass, momentum, and energy, as well as interfacial entropy production laws.In Chapter 4, the constitutive relations are derived for two-dimensional interfaces employing linear irreversible thermodynamical relations. Of special interest in this chapter is the coverage of problems related to evaporation and condensation. Chapter 5 introduces the reader to classical three-dimensional constitutive relations. Topics covered include premixed flames with high activation energy as well as shock waves and relaxation zones behind shock waves. Here the gaseous shock wave is treated as an interface. Chapter 6 discusses the application of second gradient theory to interfacial media. Main topics covered in this chapter include the internal capillarity problem in a variety of application areas. Finally, Chapter 7 discusses typical problems involving surface tension and other surface properties. Of particular interest in the chapter is the discussion pertaining to the growth of a bubble, vapor recoil, and diffusive interfaces. The book concludes with three appendices, one dealing with tensor notation, the second dealing with geometry of interfaces and interfacial layers in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, and the third covering the topic of kinematics of the interface. In general, Mechanical and Thermodynamical Modeling of Fluid Interfaces is well written and should be relatively reader friendly to the scientifically literate individual. The addition of numerical examples on how to apply the different methods could provide additional value to the book and perhaps make the book more useable in the graduate textbook market. Nevertheless, the book serves its stated purpose in its current form in being a solid reference in the area of fluid interfaces.