Fluid Mechanics with Student Resources CD-ROM

Professor Frank M. White is one of the few double professors who is also an effective author and proficient teacher. As an undergrad I took an introductory fluids course taught by the author at the University of Rhode Island, and I found him to be an extraordinary teacher who could explain complex topics in a straightforward, unassuming manner. The same style of teaching is carried over to his written works, this book in particular. A relative of mine is enrolled in an engineering college which uses this book for the introductory fluid mechanics course. I had an opportunity to read the chapters on dimensional analysis as well as potential flow and turbomachinery, and I can say that the style remains the same, that is, it is written for students with ample examples and readable text. Most of the book is still very familiar to me since the text resided on my desk for 13 years when I worked as mechanical engineer for a major shipbuilder. As an engineer working in the marine design industry and later in computational fluid dynamics, I found the fundamentals presented in my earlier version of the book relevant for review and reference throughout my career. There are only four teachers I have encountered, while obtaining three degrees in two institutions, who are unconcerned with impressing their colleagues but instead possess a strong explicit enthusiasm for and absolute understanding of the topics that they teach. Professor White was the first of these educators, and I only wish that I had appreciated the scope and style of his teachings when I was an undergrad. I have over sixty textbooks which I have read for college level courses over a 25 year period. The most clear, comprehensive and understandable text unquestionably has been Professor White's fluid mechanics book.

I learned fluid mechanics from this book in college, tutored undergraduates with the help of this book in grad school, and used it as a reference for my advanced fluids class. In all cases, it was clearer and more understandable than other references I was recommended. I'm not saying this book is perfect - the description of the Navier Stokes equations, a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics, skips too many mathematical steps, as White is prone to do - but overall, if you are strong enough in math, this is a very good reference/first time book for fluid mehanics. White also has a good more advanced text on viscous fluid flow. If you are learning fluid mechanics for the first time, I would also recommend a Schaum's outline to supplement your textbook.

We used the White text as our introductory to Fluids course, and as an engineering student, I feel this is one of the most resourceful and informative texts I own. The material is broad and inclusive at the same time, with excellent example problems and relevant summary problems.It also is suited for some work in more advanced fluid courses, as it includes topics such as cavitation and shockwaves. I reference it all the time. Really made the coursework easier.

As a student of Aerospace Engineering, fluid mechanics is A-B-C. This is certainly the most useful book I have EVER used on the subject - It is easy to understand, user-friendly, and truly a treasure- cache for all engineers, as it covers every aspect of F. Mech. one could think up.

I was taught using this text book, and now, as an experience fluid process engineer, I highly recommend it for those who are starting into the field for Mechanical or Fluid Process Engineering and have a stong desire to learn about thermal processing and fluid systems! Great book! I refer to it daily in my work!