Introduction to the Physics of Fluids and Solids

by James S. Trefil, Physics

Written by a well-known science author, this introductory text explores the physics of solids and the field of hydrodynamics. It focuses on modern applications, rather than mathematical formalism, with particular emphasis on geophysics, astrophysics, and medical physics. Suitable for a one-semester course, it is geared toward advanced undergraduate physics students and graduate science students. It also serves as a helpful reference for professional astronomers, chemists, and engineers.
Geophysical topics include the circulation of the atmosphere, vibrations of the earth, and underground nuclear tests. Subjects related to medicine include the urinary system and blood flow, and miscellaneous topics of interest include tides, Saturn's rings, the rotation of the galaxy, and nuclear fission. Each chapter offers many vivid examples of current interest, along with 10 to 15 problems that amplify the text and apply its teachings to new situations.

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2010

About the author

James S. Trefil (born 9/10/1938) is an American physicist (Ph.D. in Physics at Stanford University in 1966) and author of more than thirty books. Much of his published work focuses on science for the general audience. Dr. Trefil has previously served as Professor of Physics at the University of Virginia and he now teaches as Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. Among Trefil's books is Are We Unique?, an argument for human uniqueness in which he questions the comparisons between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. Trefil also regularly gives presentations to judges and public officials about the intersections between science and the law.

Reviews

[Philip Mancino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worked through the first 12 chapters—Trefil is an excellent communicator in so far as distilling the dense field of fluids to the reader. His account is clearly tailored toward the physicist, which is welcomed with open arms considering the lack of fluid dynamics in the standard physics curriculum. The problems are well posed and the only true fault of the book is that it doesn’t cover as much as the physicist interested in fluids might want—topics like lift, turbulence, and other topics in statics are surprisingly absent. In any case, the book is extremely readable and serves as a great introduction to fluids for a physicist that is unfamiliar.