The Genesis of Fluid Mechanics 1640-1780

Fluid Mechanics, as a scientific discipline in a modern sense, was established between the last third of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th one. This book analyses its genesis, following its evolution along two basic lines of research, which have been named the “problem of resistance” and the “problem of discharge”. This approach highlights the existence of a remarkable experimental aspect in the aforementioned research lines, together with their link with problems of a practical nature, such as ballistics, hydraulics, fluid-using machines or naval theory. On the other hand, although previous studies usually present fluid mechanics from the point of view of mathematics, this is complemented here by an engineering viewpoint; gathering attempts made in the beginnings of fluid mechanics to see if the theory was capable of productive application in practical terms. This is nothing unusual in a time where the quality of knowledge and skill is measured largely by its usefulness.

(c) Universidad Nacional de Education a Distancia, La Génesis de la Mecanica de los Fluidos (1640-1780) ISBN 84-362-3439-1

• History
• Resistance/discharge
• Theorization
• dynamics
• education
• fluid dynamics
• fluid mechanics
• hydraulics
• fluid- and aerodynamics

“The book describes the genesis of fluid dynamics for the years 1640–1780. … This is a book to read for everyone involved in hydrodynamics. The engineers, mathematicians and historians will benefit from this book.” (Willi-Hans Steeb, zbMATH 1362.76002, 2017)

“This book … welcomed as a valuable addition to the critical literature on the history of science in fluid mechanics. ... book in summary presents a valuable study on the early history of fluid mechanics as a scientific discipline. … Thus it is helpful to those with historical interest as well as those who seek a deeper physical understanding of the origins of fluid mechanics. … The style is precise and clear, requiring a basic knowledge in calculus and analysis.” (Horst Nowacki, Theoria, Vol. 69, 2010)

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