Research trends in fluid dynamics

de John L. Lumley

Research in fluid dynamics is leading to a new understanding of the motion of fluids and gases in the environment, in industrial processes, in vehicles, and in living organisms. A wealth of new ideas, challenges, and applications permeates the field, resulting in everything from more efficient aircraft engines to more effective pollution control to better understanding of human respiratory processes. Research Trends in Fluid Dynamics brings these remarkable developments together in one state-of-the-art volume, focusing on the scientific questions determining research directions across the broad spectrum of fluid mechanics. To provide the most useful overview possible, an editorial committee appointed by the U.S. National Committee for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics identified research areas that are developing rapidly or are of particular commercial or environmental significance. The trends and developments are described here by the eminent scientists whose work made them possible. For specialists in areas related to contemporary fluid mechanics, and for graduate students wanting a broad overview of the field, Research Trends in Fluid Dynamics is an essential volume. For the nonspecialist, the Executive Summary which begins the book describes key trends in fluid motion research, measuring their influence on public policy and U.S. economic competitiveness.