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Ludwig Prandtl

A Life for Fluid Mechanics and Aeronautical Research

Authors:

  • A comprehensive biography of a pioneer in fluid mechanics
  • Provides fascinating insights into many facets of German science spanning two World Wars
  • Detailed and carefully referenced work by a leading historian of science

Part of the book series: Springer Biographies (SPRINGERBIOGS)

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xvi
  2. Childhood, Youth and University Studies

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 1-17
  3. A Professor with Industrial Experience

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 19-43
  4. A New Start in Göttingen

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 45-85
  5. The First World War

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 87-114
  6. A New Mission in Life

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 115-148
  7. Experts

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 149-185
  8. The Second World War

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 237-273
  9. The Final Years

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 275-304
  10. Prandtl’s Legacy

    • Michael Eckert
    Pages 305-325
  11. Back Matter

    Pages 327-360

About this book

This is a comprehensive biography of Ludwig Prandtl (1875-1953), the father of modern aerodynamics. His name is associated most famously with the boundary layer concept, but also with several other topics in 20th century fluid mechanics, particularly turbulence (Prandtl's mixing length). Among his disciples are pioneers of modern fluid mechanics such as Heinrich Blasius, Theodore von Kármán and Walter Tollmien. Furthermore, Prandtl founded the Aerodynamische Versuchsanstalt (AVA) and the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institut für Strömungsforschung in Göttingen, both of them seeds for the growth of fluid mechanics in Germany. Yet Prandtl was also a representative of aeronautical research - from Imperial Germany via the Weimar Republic to the "Third Reich". Although not a party member, he assumed the role of a goodwill ambassador for Nazi Germany. This objective treatment of his career will be of interest to all scientists and historians wanting to learn more about Prandtl's influence and the earlydevelopment of fluid- and aerodynamics.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany

    Michael Eckert

About the author

Michael Eckert, born 1949, graduated in physics and has subsequently devoted himself to the history of science and technology, as a member of the Deutsche Museum's Research Institute in Munich. He has published numerous articles and books, mainly about the history of modern physics. His special fields of interest include the history of atomic and quantum physics, and also the evolution of fluid mechanics.




Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access