A Pragmatic Approach To Turbulence : A Short Course In Fluid Mechanics

Intended for senior undergraduate students of mechanical, civil and aeronautical engineering and for postgraduate students of applied mathematics and physics for an advanced course in Fluid Mechanics focusing on the physics of turbulent fluid flow, this systematically organized text shows the fundamental difference between the conventional approach and the pragmatic approach discussed in the book. Professor Persen, with his wealth of experience and expertise, skilfully explains the concept of virtual velocities replacing the concept of Reynolds stresses.

In addition, the book analyses free jet flow and shows that the discrepancies that originate from the concept of Reynolds stresses are nonexistent with the new interpretation of the fluctuation terms. Professor Persen also provides a detailed account of his own approach to the turbulent boundary layer problem as the approach, originally given along with the Reynolds stress concept, is even more representative of the reality with the introduction of the new concept of virtual velocities. Finally, the book demonstrates the possibility of finding the regions of similarity conditions in energy transfer in complex situations.

Illustrated with cases and large number of diagrams, the book emphasizes the importance of proper understanding of the physics of the flow based on logic and mathematical interpretation of experimental data.