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Reviews (1)

Just the Aeroelasticity
It's an useful book in order to learn the essence of Aeroelasticity. ... Read more

Book Description

The theory of dynamical systems has given rise to the vast new area variously called applied dynamics, nonlinear science, or chaos theory. This introductory text covers the central topological and probabilistic notions in dynamics ranging from Newtonian mechanics to coding theory. The only prerequisite is a basic undergraduate analysis course. The authors use a progression of examples to present the concepts and tools for describing asymptotic behavior in dynamical systems, gradually increasing the level of complexity. Subjects include contractions, logistic maps, equidistribution, symbolic dynamics, mechanics, hyperbolic dynamics, strange attractors, twist maps, and KAM-theory. ... Read more

Book Description

This concise textbook develops step by step the fundamental principles of continuum mechanics. Emphasis is on mathematical clarity, and an extended appendix provides the required background knowledge in linear algebra and tensor calculus. After introducing the basic notions about general kinematics, balance equations, material objectivity and constitutive functions, the book turns to the presentation of rational thermodynamics by stressing the role of Lagrange multipliers in deriving constitutive funcitions from the underlying entropy principle. A brief lecture on extended thermodynamics closes the book. Many examples and exercises round off the material presented in the chapters. The book addresses primarily advanced undergraduate students in theoretical physics, applied mathematics and materials sciences. ... Read more

Book Description

This graduate-level meteorology text and reference provides a scientifically rigorous description of the many types of convective circulations in the Earth's atmosphere.These range from small-scale, convectively driven turbulences in the boundary layer to precipitating systems covering many thousands of square kilometers.The text introduces the principal techniques used in understanding and predicting convective motion: theory, field experiment, and numerical modelling. Part I explores dry convection, including turbulent plumes and thermals from isolated buoyancy sources, Raleigh-Benard convection, and turbulent convection in the planetary boundary layer.Emphasis is placed on applying theoretical understanding and lessons from experiments.Part II offers a complete treatment of the thermodynamics of moist and cloudy air, including fundamental laws, conserved quantities, graphical techniques, and stability.Part III explores the characteristics of individual convective clouds, thunderstorms, squall lines, mesoscale convective systems, and slantwise convection.Part IV studies the ensemble effects of convective clouds, including stratocumulus at trade cumulus boundary layers and the representation of convective clouds in numerical models.Each chapter is followed by a set of exercises. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides professionals in the field of fluid dynamics with a comprehensive guide and resource. The book balances three traditional areas of fluid mechanics - theoretical, computational, and experimental - and expounds on basic science and engineering techniques.Each chapter introduces a topic, discusses the primary issues related to this subject, outlines approaches taken by experts, and supplies references for further information.Topics discussed include: obasic engineering fluid dynamicsoclassical fluid dynamicsoturbulence modelingoreacting flowsomultiphase flowsoflow and porous mediaohigh Reynolds number asymptotic theoriesofinite difference methodofinite volume methodofinite element methodospectral element methods for incompressible flowsoexperimental methods, such as hot-wire anemometry, laser-Doppler velocimetry, and flow visualizationoapplications, such as axial-flow compressor and fan aerodynamics, turbomachinery, airfoils and wings, atmospheric flows, and mesoscale oceanic flowsThe text enables experts in particular areas to become familiar with useful information from outside their specialization, providing a broad reference for the significant areas within fluid dynamics. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Too good
I really like this book. It is a good reference material. If you are involved in fluid flow research (theoretical, experimental and numerical) or fluid engineering practice, this book is for you. It can also be used as a reference for teaching advanced undergraduate or graduate level courses. The chapters are concise and straight to the points.

I am particularly impressed with Section IV: Numerical Solution of the Equations of Fluid Dynamics. Chapter 28 of Section IV written by Jerry Baker is excellent and the wide coverage of Finite Element Method is worth thorough reading. Chapter 30 of Section IV, titled Computer Science, provides a good comparison of programming languages for computation. The explanation of OOP (object-oriented programming) is commendable. A better title for this chapter should have been "Computer Programming for Fluid Dynamics". The chapter covers overview of software engineering, programming, operating system and parallel computation with no orientation towards fluid dynamics problems. As a general overview of computer system, the chapter is okay but with regards to gearing the contents specifically towards fluid dynamics, more work should have been done. Probably such work will be added in subsequent editions.

In all, this is an excellent book that is worth the cover price.

An all-inclusive handbook on all facets of fluid dynamics.
Finally a single reference that acts as an inclusive handbook on all areas on theoretical and applied fluid dynamics, including modern concepts and application.Well written and edited with each chapter covering a specificarea, and written by recignized leaders in their respective area.Also,the authors recognize the fact that it is impossible to have a completestudy of the topic in one text, and give many references to give a deeperdive in any one particular area.Definitely worth the money. ... Read more

Book Description

From agricultural soils to the foods we eat to the structure of biological cells, most of our world is made up of heterogeneous mixtures of particles.Authored by a leading expert in the field, Introduction to Modern Colloid Science offers an up-to-date, interdisciplinary introduction to the processes that govern the behavior of such colloidal systems.Throughout, the book emphasizes basic principles and does not require significant expertise in chemistry or mathematics. Topics include the characterization of colloidal dispersions, flow behavior, thermodynamics of surfaces, and applications of colloid and surface science.The book will be welcomed by students in physical chemistry and chemical engineering as well as by people in industry wanting an introduction to the applications of colloid science in the processing, waste treatment, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and agriculture fields. ... Read more

Book Description

The concepts and relations pertinent to the solution of many thermodynamic problems encountered in multi-phase, multi-component systems are developed in this volume. Emphasis is placed on a comprehension and development of general expressions for solving such problems, rather than ready-made equations for particular applications. The first half of the book is devoted to defining the thermodynamic functions and to generating the fundamental relations relevant to chemical systems at equilibrium.The second half concentrates on the application of these relations to real systems and the methods which can be used to obtain additional connections.Throughout, the methods of Gibbs are used with emphasis on the chemical potential. ... Read more

Book Description

Filled with careful explanations, step-by-step instructions, and useful examples, this handbook focuses on real-world considerations and applications of thermal measurement methods in electronics cooling. Fifteen experts in thermal engineering combine their expertise to create a complete guide to this complex topic.This practical reference covers all aspects of thermal characterization in electronics cooling and thermal management. The first part of the book introduces the concept of electronics cooling and its associated thermal phenomenon and explains why experimental investigation is required. Subsequent chapters explain methods of measuring different parameters and introduce relevant examples. Sources for locating needed equipment, tables, checklists, and to-do lists are included. Sample calculations and methodologies for error analysis ensure that you can put this valuable information to use in your work. ... Read more

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Reviews (1)

An excellent guide in statistical thermodynamics
This book is an excellent guide in statistical thermodynamics. It's started with the theoretical justification of phenomenological thermodynamics and its system of concepts. In principle the methods of statistical mechanics are applicable to non-equilibrium states as well as to equilibrium properties. The author (Nobel prize,1933) treats only the theory of equilibrium properties for which the destination "Statistical Thermodynamics" has been adopted. As a consequence of the structure of phenomenological thermodynamic, statistical thermodynamics developed in this book separates into two principal parts: the derivation of thermodynamic principles and the calculation of thermodynamic functions for concrete systems. This text seems especially good for teaching basic thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. I recommend this book especially for students, because it's highest quality is the clarity of the exposed physical ideas. ... Read more

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A wide and good review but only for specialists
The LBM methods are widely reviewed in all their relevant aspects.
The only lacking of this book is the poor description of the mathematical/physical background needed by non-specialists for a complete undertanding of the book's topics (e.g. the link between statistical mechanics and fluid dynamics). ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive review of detonation explores the "simple theory" and experimental tests of the theory; flow in a reactive medium; steady detonation; the nonsteady solution; and the structure of the detonation front. Many simple cases are worked out for illustration.
... Read more

Book Description

This book is intended to serve as an in-depth analysis of thermoelectric theory, an overview of present day thermoelectric materials and devices, and as an updated source of information on the most studied recent thermoelectric materials developments. The main emphasis is on a basic understanding of the concepts and experimental techniques needed to propel researchers towards new and novel classes of thermoelectric materials with enhanced properties. The aim is to assist researchers in the field. The text is an expanded edition of a previous text "Electronic Refrigeration" by one of the authors, Julian Goldsmid. Half of the text is devoted to research that has taken place since the publication of that text. In addition, emphasis is placed on new materials research and developments. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive textbook and reference for the study of the physics of ionized gases
The intent of this book is to provide deep physical insight into the behavior of gases containing atoms and molecules from which one or more electrons have been ionized. The study of these so-called plasmas begins with an overview of plasmas as they are found in nature and created in the laboratory. This serves as a prelude to a comprehensive study of plasmas, beginning with low temperature and "ideal" plasmas and extending to radiation and particle transport phenomena, the response of plasmas to external fields, and an insightful treatment of plasma waves, plasma instabilities, nonlinear phenomena in plasmas, and the study of plasma interactions with surfaces.
In all cases, the emphasis is on a clear and unified understanding of the basic physics that underlies all plasma phenomena. Thus, there are chapters on plasma behavior from the viewpoint of atomic and molecular physics, as well as on the macroscopic phenomena involved in physical kinetics of plasmas and the transport of radiation and of charged particles within plasmas. With this grounding in the fundamental physics of plasmas, the notoriously difficult subjects of nonlinear phenomena and of instabilities in plasmas are then treated with comprehensive clarity. ... Read more

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Reviews (2)

Solid, comprehensive
Systematic and comprehensive introduction to linear non-equilibrium thermodynamics. After an extensive description of the fundamentals, a variety of examples is given. As the authors indicate in their preface, the book only deals with linear NET, which means that the more exciting modern examples of non-linear NET are not covered. This does not mean, however, that this book would be obsolete; a lot of physics happens to be linear, and the classics of linear NET (Wiener-Khinchine, Onsager) are certainly worth studying. I would even say, that linear NET should first be appreciated before venturing in the more modern aspect of non-linear NET.

A classic reference text
Not meant as a modern textbook, but highly useful for anyone who's already somewhat familiar with N.E.T. This book has a certain historical value, and it is rather obligatory for people who work with N.E.T. and/or are highly interested in it. Mathematically, it is quite rigorous. Knowledge of fluid dynamics, tensor calculus and other rather advanced mathematical concepts is definitely helpful, but not outright necessary.

You will find the title of this book in many 'further reading' lists. That alone is proof enough that this is a book worth having. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides a solid introduction to the classical and statistical theories of thermodynamics while assuming no background beyond general physics and advanced calculus. Though an acquaintance with probability and statistics is helpful, it is not necessary.Providing a thorough, yet concise treatment of the phenomenological basis of thermal physics followed by a presentation of the statistical theory, this book presupposes no exposure to statistics or quantum mechanics. It covers several important topics, including a mathematically sound presentation of classical thermodynamics; the kinetic theory of gases including transport processes; and thorough, modern treatment of the thermodynamics of magnetism. It includes up-to-date examples of applications of the statistical theory, such as Bose-Einstein condensation, population inversions, and white dwarf stars. And, it also includes a chapter on the connection between thermodynamics and information theory. Standard International units are used throughout. An important reference book for every professional whose work requires and understanding of thermodynamics: from engineers to industrial designers.ÿ ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not for those new to the subject
We used this book in a undergrad thermo course, it was almost of no use. It covered a fair amount of material, though I have seen books that cover more (Look at the dimensions, it is small and only about 400 pages.) It moved quickly, skipping details, especially in the proofs. I feel it would be a good summary for grad students who have studied thermodynamics before, but there are many better books out there for students seeking a first course.

Useful and challenging book
This is a challenging book to use if you are studying thermodynamics. It is concise; the theory and notation used were well done. There were some formulation mistakes in the Maxwell relations table and other little formulation mistakes. The author uses well known classical and statistical formulae well and good derivations (I liked that). Some of the problem sets were inconsistent with areas covered in a few chapters and some were oversimplified. Overall a decent book to use if your taking statistical thermo. ... Read more

Book Description

The book is associated with a week long Forum, held in the USA in April 1999 to discuss the current status and the future directions of the subject of Structural Dynamics. The book will contain a set of essays which describe and analyze the current technology of Structural Dynamics.It will also contain a series of authoritative reviews of all the major areas within the subject, aimed at presenting the state-of-the-art of the whole field.These papers will then be followed by a critical assessment of the outcome of the discussion and debate at the Forum concerning the future directions which the subject and its community should follow.The outcome of discussions will serve to provide researchers and sponsors alike with a set of highly developed and cogent arguments which justify the work which will be planned in future years.

It will help to prioritize the most critical tasks to be undertaken within the structural dynamic field, and it will help to raise the priority of structural dynamics alongside other disciplines which might be competing for the same funds. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Outstanding!
Excellent Resource for the new trends in Structural Dyanamics. ... Read more

Book Description

Thermodynamics is a core part of most science and engineering curricula. However, most texts that are currently available to students still treat thermodynamics very much as it was presented in the 19th century, generally for historical rather than pedagogical reasons. Modern Thermodynamics takes a different approach, and deals with the relationship between irreversible processes and entropy.The relationship between irreversible processes and entropy is introduced early on, enabling the reader to benefit from seeing the relationship in such processes as heat conduction and chemical reactions. This text presents thermodynamics in a contemporary and exciting manner, with a wide range of applications, and many exercises and examples. Students are also encouraged to use computers through the provision of Mathematica code and Internet / WWW addresses where real data and additional information can be found.

FEATURES

· A truly modern approach to thermodynamics, presenting it as a science of irreversible processes whilst avoiding dividing the subject into equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics.

· An extensive range of applications drawn from science and engineering, along with many real world examples, and exercises.

· Written by two well-known authors, of whom Professor llya Prigogine was awarded the Nobel Prize for his

research into thermodynamics.

CONTENTS: Part I: Historical Roots: From Heat Engines to Cosmology: Basic Concepts; First Law of Thermodynamics; Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Arrow of Time; Entropy in the Realm of Chemical Reactions; Part ll: Equilibrium Thermodynamics: Extremum Principles and General Thermodynamic Relations; Basic Thermodynamics of Gases, Liquids and Solids; Thermodynamics of Phase Change; Thermodynamics of Solutions; Thermodynamics of Chemical Transformations; Fields and Internal Degrees of Freedom; Thermodynamics of Radiation; Part III: Fluctuations and Stability: The Gibbs' Theory of Stability; Critical Phenomena and Configurational Heat Capacity; Theory of Stability and Fluctuations Based on Entropy Production; Part IV: Linear Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics: Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics: The Foundations; Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics: The Linear Regime; Nonequilibrium Stationary States and their Stability: Linear Regime; Part V: Order Through Fluctuations: Nonlinear Thermodynamics; Dissipative Structures; Postface: Where do we go from here? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent
This is an excellent book, simple, rational, with the relevant historical context...
I was teaching a thermodynamics course for biologists and was quite tired of the standard stuff when a collegue recommend this book to me, he had the impression that it was a good book and was about to review it for his own course (physics students).
We decidded to adopt the book for both courses (we use only the first part with is intended for this use).

The best book on thermodynamics I have seen so far.

Textbook is distinguishable by a link between eq. and no-eq.
Kondepudi and Prigogine's textbook is distinguishable by a link between the books of equilibrium non-statistical thermodynamics and the monographs in non-equilibrium non-statistical thermodynamics. A minor lack of generality on the development of the whole formal system is apparent, but an advantage in that the text is practical and complete. In my opinion, there is no clear logic connection between subjects in equilibrium and non- equilibrium. For example, the derivation of the Clausius' inequality from the entropic balance equation is lacking. The historic references and the portraits of the pioneers in the field of thermodynamics are remarkable. The chapter dedicated to the dissipative structures is basic, but this is compensated with a very good introduction to the linear and non-linear non-equilibrium regimes. The treatment of affinity is admirable, more so by the way it sticks out with the influence of the Brussels school! A noteworthy criticism is the confusion created by the inter-use of the terms "current density" and "flux" in the study of non-equilibrium processes. I like the statement of the third law. The footnote discussion of the local character of the balance equations with regards to Einstein's relativistic theory is also very interesting.

One of the best thermodynamics textbooks...
Prigogine and Kondepudi have done an excellent job developing the basic concepts of thermodynamics through an overview of the historical developments - very postmodern for a science textbook! They present all relevant material to then develop non-equilibrium thermodynamics through the use of many examples.

I found their manner of developing the concepts and equations to be very clear and concise. The mathematics are well-developed although a thorough background in engineering calculus is required. In fact, for many of the classical equilibrium concepts they have the clearest development I have ever read; certainly the section on Maxwell's relations is far superior to my old book by Callen.

Many different applications including chemical and electro-optic, are developed for non-equilibrium methods. For all sections the authors have listed references and suggested readings to make it easy for further explorations.

I wished this textbook had been around when I went through engineering...

This books certainly fills a void
Until now, books on non-equilibrium thermodynamics were quite advanced, courses on the subject were given separately from other thermodynamics courses, and thermodynamics in general was viewed as a collection of three -more or less individual- subfields: classical thermodynamics, statistical thermodynamics and finally non-equilibrium thermodynamics. I've waited a long time for an introductory text that presented a unified and modern approach to the field.

Kondepudi and Prigogine come close in writing such a book. It is very accessible, well written, and it tries very hard to present thermodynamics as one unified discipline.

Points are scored with the attention given to historical developments, the incorporation of non-equilibrium concepts right from the start (the 'unified' approach), the clear presentations of the various notions (some of which are conceptually quite difficult, such as the classical description of entropy), and the quality of the problems.

Weaknesses are the somewhat cheap looking lay-out, the absence of key ideas from statistical thermodynamics (which are really helpful in understanding non-equilibrium concepts, and are essential to anyone who needs to learn thermodynamics; this omission is unforgivable) and the poor editing job (many typos, sentences constructed in a weird way).

All in all, this is probably the first affordable introductory text of thermodynamics that incorporates non-equilibrium ideas from the very start, and it certainly does justice to what is known as 'classical' thermodynamics or 'non-equilibrium' thermodynamics. The lack of 'statistical' thermodynamics is a severe error of judgement by the authors; as a consequence, the book -good as it is- does NOT describe thermodynamics as a whole; students will still need to follow a separate course in statistical thermodynamics. Given the importance of the topic, the instructiveness of its reasoning and its power to make the various thermodynamic pieces fall together, the omission of 'statistical' thermodynamics is a mystery.

Other than that, the book is a delight. For the missing statistical info, I recommend the excellent book by Frederi ... Read more

Book Description

Reissued in the Cambridge Mathematical Library, this classic book outlines the theory of thermodynamic formalism which was developed to describe the properties of certain physical systems consisting of a large number of subunits. Background material on physics has been collected in appendices to help the reader. Supplementary work is provided in the form of exercises and problems that were "open" at the original time of writing. ... Read more