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OverviewDimensional analysis is a powerful method to analyse complex physical phenomena, including those for which we cannot pose, much less solve governing equations. Its use in science and engineering is ubiquitous and has been central to the work of greats such as Lord Rayleigh, Bohr and Einstein. It offers a method for reducing complex physical problems to their simplest forms and provides a powerful tool for checking whether or not equations are dimensionally consistent and suggests plausible equations when we know which quantities are involved. Every scientist and engineer should have this tool at their command, and this book provides an accessible, modern, self-contained and systematic overview. It outlines the principles of similitude and presents the tools of dimensional analysis for both scientists and engineers and how it can be applied practically to aid not only a greater understanding of theoretical concepts but in designing experiments and analysing experimental data. With examples relevant to a wide range of students and not limited to the physical and engineering sciences, but encompasses the biological and life sciences. The technique has, for example, been used to estimate the running speed of a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex, a comparison of the flights of mosquitos and jet airliners, and the energy released by an atomic weapon. Key Features Draws on and presents examples across the physical, chemical and life sciences, as well as engineering applications Emphasises the technique as a tool and empowers readers to apply the method in developing their own experiments and theoretical understanding Includes methods, history and applications An engaging, accessible, self-contained and systematic resource. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Jeffrey H Williams (Formerly at Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Sèvres, France)Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing Imprint: Institute of Physics Publishing Dimensions: Width: 17.80cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 25.40cm Weight: 0.643kg ISBN: 9780750336536ISBN 10: 0750336536 Pages: 244 Publication Date: 14 December 2021 Audience: Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational Format: Hardback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print  This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsPrefaceDr Jeffrey Huw Williams (1956-2021) – an appreciationAuthor BiographyIntroduction: The language that is science1 The origin of units2 A brief history of dimensional analysis: A holistic approach to physics3 Introduction to dimensions4 Why, and how we play with variables5 The Buckingham Π-theorem and its application6 Scaling and similitude7 Rules of thumb, intuitive planning, and physical insight8 Continuum forces9 Why is the sky blue?10 The equilibrium between matter and energy11 Dimensions involving molecules and fields12 The dynamics of atoms and molecules13 Modelling phenomena14 The Great Principle of Similitude in Biology and Sport15 A miscellany of analyses by dimensionReviewsJeffrey Williams explains how dimensional methods can be used to investigate new phenomena and obtain trends and approximate results quickly and easily. The heart of the method is Buckingham's theorem, and this is clearly explained and illustrated, and the basic ideas of scaling and similitude and the importance of planning and physical insight are discussed, including the possibility of overcomplicating problems. The bulk of the book is taken up with examples from fluid mechanics, light scattering and radiation, atoms, molecules and fields. There are interesting illustrations of the issues which arise from applying the results of scale models (of submarines, for example) to real-life scale, as well as treatments of topics as diverse as sport, cookery, the Aeolian harp and Drake's equation. This is a well-written book, with some interesting insights from an author who was obviously an enthusiast for the subject. A.H. Harker, Contemporary Physics, 17 Oct 2022. Jeffrey Williams explains how dimensional methods can be used to investigate new phenomena and obtain trends and approximate results quickly and easily. The heart of the method is Buckingham’s theorem, and this is clearly explained and illustrated, and the basic ideas of scaling and similitude and the importance of planning and physical insight are discussed, including the possibility of overcomplicating problems. The bulk of the book is taken up with examples from fluid mechanics, light scattering and radiation, atoms, molecules and fields. There are interesting illustrations of the issues which arise from applying the results of scale models (of submarines, for example) to real-life scale, as well as treatments of topics as diverse as sport, cookery, the Aeolian harp and Drake’s equation. This is a well-written book, with some interesting insights from an author who was obviously an enthusiast for the subject. A.H. Harker, Contemporary Physics, 17 Oct 2022. -- A. H. Harker * Contemporary Physics * Author InformationFollowing a PhD in chemical physics from Cambridge University, Jeffrey worked as a research scientist in the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Illinois, and subsequently as a physicist at the Institute Laue-Langevin, France. Leaving research Jeffrey moved to the world of science publishing and the communication of science by becoming the European editor for the physical sciences for the AAAS's Science and subsequently, the Assistant Executive Secretary of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Most recently, 2003–2008, he was the head of publications at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Sèvres. It was during these years at the BIPM that he became interested in and familiar with the origin of the Metric System, its subsequent evolution into the SI, and the coming transformation into the Quantum-SI. At the BIPM, he was the editor of their journal Metrologia. Jeffrey has written widely about science, technology, the impact of science on society and the individual for general-interest magazines such as New Scientist and for more specialized magazines (Chemistry in Britain, Physics Today, Chemical & Engineering News, Physics World and Chemistry and Industry). Jeffrey passed away in July 2021. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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