INTRODUCTION TO FLUID DYNAMICS IN PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS (PB 2024) Paperback

This textbook offers a clear and self-contained introduction to the physics of fluid dynamics, covering the fundamental laws that describe three of the four main states of matter—liquids, gases, and plasmas. Developed from years of teaching fluid dynamics theory and computation at the advanced undergraduate level, it equips readers with the necessary tools to understand and model fluid dynamical systems in a variety of contexts, ranging from dense liquids to the dilute plasmas found in space. The book is designed for readers with no prior background in fluid dynamics, and includes discussions on vector algebra, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism to ensure accessibility for both beginners and those with some knowledge of these subjects. Real-world applications are drawn from both astrophysics and general physics, including cutting-edge topics like relativistic blast waves from neutron star mergers and the plasma characteristics of the atmosphere affecting current and future radio observatories. These examples are balanced with more general physics scenarios, such as comparing the incompressible nature of water to the dilute interstellar medium. This book is an ideal resource for advanced undergraduates studying fluid dynamics and serves as a solid foundation for further postgraduate studies in fluid dynamics, physics, or astrophysics.