Modern Fluid Dynamics for Physics and Astrophysics (eBook)

This book grew out of the need to attain a good command of modern fluid dynamics, as the majority of the bodies in the universe are made of fluids. By 'modern' we mean that relatively recent discoveries, methods and techniques are included. For example, new ideas on transition to turbulence (via transiently growing stable linear modes and perhaps linear, or non-linear, secondary instabilities), new approaches to turbulence (which, however, still remains, despite intensive research efforts, to be the enigma of fluid dynamics), the use of asymptotic approximation methods, which can give analytical or semi-analytical results and complement fully numerical treatments. We also briefly discuss some important considerations, to be taken into account when one develops a numerical code in an attempt to simulate astrophysical flows on a computer (an ever increasing modern practice).

Another special feature of this book is the focus of the text on fluid dynamics, per se. The astrophysics is mainly given in the examples and exercises. We believe that a good and broad command of fluid dynamics can be more fruitful in approaching outstanding astrophysical problems than a review of known classical problems.

It is assumed that the students are mathematically equipped with a reasonable knowledge in analysis, including basics of ordinary and partial differential equations a good command of vector calculus and linear algebra.

Each chapter is concluded by a 'Bibliographical

note,' in which we discuss briefly and cite the essential literature used and give recommendations for further, deeper reading. In an effort to make this book useful as a course textbook we have included in each chapter a number of exercises, most (but not all) of them on problems relevant to astrophysics.

Oded Regev, Technion, Haifa, Israel, regev@phsyics.technion.ac.il Orkrant Umurhan, University of California, Merced, USA, oumurhan@ucmerced.edu

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This book grew out of the need to provide students with a solid introduction to modern fluid dynamics.  It offers a broad grounding in the underlying principles and techniques used, with some emphasis on applications in astrophysics and planetary science.        The book comprehensively covers recent developments, methods and techniques, including, for example, new ideas on transitions to turbulence (via transiently growing stable linear modes), new approaches to turbulence (which remains the enigma of fluid dynamics), and the use of asymptotic approximation methods, which can give analytical or semi-analytical results and complement fully numerical treatments. The authors also briefly discuss some important considerations to be taken into account when developing a numerical code for computer simulation of fluid flows.       Although the text is populated throughout with examples and problems from the field of astrophysics and planetary science, the text is eminently suitable as a general introduction to fluid dynamics.   It is assumed that the readers are mathematically equipped with a reasonable knowledge in analysis, including basics of ordinary and partial differential equations and a good command of vector calculus and linear algebra.       Each chapter concludes with  bibliographical notes in which the authors briefly discuss the chapter's essential literature and give recommendations for further, deeper reading.  Included in each chapter are a number of problems, some of them relevant to astrophysics and planetary science. The book is written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, but will also prove a valuable source of reference for established researchers.