Experimental Fluid Mechanics

Experimental Fluid Mechanics, Second Edition, discusses the fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics. The book begins with a discussion of the use of dimensional analysis, in particular the way in which it can be used to relate the results of model tests to flows at full scale. A chapter on wind tunnels follows; because tunnels and other test rigs with similar features are the basic test facilities of laboratory fluid mechanics, and because most of the physical and mathematical features of the subject are well illustrated by the flow in wind tunnels. Subsequent chapters discuss techniques of measurements—fluid velocity and shear stress measurements, pressure measurements, force and position measurements, and flow visualization; the conduct of experiments and the writing of reports; and the last chapter is a survey of specialized branches of fluid mechanics. This book is intended for students of the theory of fluid mechanics, who must also learn about the physical situations which the theory represents, and especially for those who contemplate specializing in the experimental side of the subject rather than the theoretical side.