This is a subject, a knowledge of which is useful in ahnost every kind of engineering. It is rapidly becoming a "must" subject to the engineer. Modern fluid mechanics is based upon a healthy combination of physical analysis and experimental observations, which should be the background of every engineer. The general objective is to provide dependable practical results and a thorough understanding of fundamental flow features. The book at hand has for its aim the introduction to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics.
The work opens with a discussion of some fluid properties, a foundation upon which the rest is built. It is here that a definite distinction is made between force and mass, specific weight and density, which is maintained throughout. Statics is the first topic of the treatment proper. This is followed by kinematics and dynamics. That powerful, easily applied and useful tool of the engineer, the energy equation for the steady flow of any fluid, is discussed and indication is made of its generality and usefulness. Other tools, dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity, are explained.
An important and widely applicable part of the book is that on the flow of incompressible fluids in pipes and of like importance is the later treatment of flow in open channels. Likewise is the coverage on fluid measuring instruments, and the discussion of forces acting on a body completely immersed in a relatively large expanse of fluid. Under the heading of dynamics of compressible flow an introduction is made to compressibility effects of practical importance.
The latter chapters of the book deal with more or less specialized topics. They include lubrication, covering the mechanism for different types of bearings, properties of oils, and types of flow; fluid machinery, including the general features and performance characteristics of pumps, turbines, fluid couplings, and torque converters, and there is also a review of basic fluid power and control systems. The last chapter is devoted to a discussion in brief form of some of the fundamental relations useful in making a mathematical analysis of fluid motion.
The treatment is a practical one with a logical approach from the standpoint of the student. "I he presentation is one which involves work to follow but there is an indication of no insurmountable difficulties. At the end of each chapter is a list of selected references and a number of practical problems. A very important feature of this text is the list of answers to the problems to be found in the back. This inclusion widens the usefulness and value of the book to include its use not only as a text in the classroom, but for the home study student and practicing engineer as well.
R. H. OPPERMANN.