Unlike conventional textbooks that present fluid mechanics as a mere branch of applied calculus with a collection of equations to memorise, this book develops the subject from first principles, connecting undergraduate concepts of hydrostatics and flow kinematics to advanced topics such as governing flow equations, vorticity transport, boundary layer theory, potential flow, and steady and transient fluid flow analysis.
Written to make fluid mechanics accessible rather than intimidating, the book provides clear mathematical derivations, explains the essential mathematical foundations, and emphasises the underlying physical concepts. With over 190 solved numerical problems and 180 chapter-end exercises, it offers a comprehensive, practice-oriented approach that builds both understanding and confidence.
The book is complemented by a freely accessible video lecture series by Prof. Suman Chakraborty (Creative Commons Attribution), available through its digital database to enhance visual and conceptual understanding of the core topics.
Autorentext
Dr. Sofen Kumar Jena is an Advanced Modelling Specialist with over eleven years of experience in global industrial R& D and academic research. He earned his PhD in Thermo-Fluid Sciences from Jadavpur University, and his professional career has been defined by a unique fusion of advanced academic inquiry and practical industrial innovation at organisations such as Bosch, Whirlpool, and Faurecia. His core expertise lies in deciphering complex physical phenomena through high-fidelity computational modelling, with a specialisation in Multiphase Flow and Turbulence (RANS/LES). Dr Jena is particularly focused on applying these skills to sustainable energy challenges, including the high-fidelity modelling of green hydrogen production through water electrolysis. His research has leveraged international supercomputing facilities, including GENCI-IDRIS in France and DelftBlue in the Netherlands, where he has orchestrated large-scale parallel simulations to advance the understanding of thermal-fluid systems.
Prof. Suman Chakraborty is a Distinguished Sir J. C. Bose National Fellow and currently serves as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. He completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at Jadavpur University before obtaining his M.E. and PhD from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. His research interests lie at the intersection of microfluidics, nanofluidics, and interfacial transport phenomena, with a focus on developing sustainable healthcare technologies. Professor Chakraborty is renowned for pioneering the 'Paper and Pencil Microfluidics' technology and inventing the COVIRAP molecular diagnostic platform. He has published over 525 articles in prestigious international journals and has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and the Infosys Prize in Engineering and Computer Science. His work consistently seeks to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into affordable, impactful solutions that benefit society, particularly underserved populations.