The third edition of this easy-to-understand text continues to provide students with a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of various physical phenomena of science of fluid mechanics. It adds a new chapter (Vortex Theory) which presents a vivid interpretation of vortex motions that are of fundamental importance in aerodynamics and in the performance of many other engineering devices. It elaborately explains the dynamics of vortex motion with the help of Helmholtz's theorems and provides illustrations of how the manifestations of Helmholtz's theorems can be observed in daily life.

Several new problems along with answers are added at the end of Chapter 4 on Boundary Layer.

The book is suitable for a one-semester course in fluid mechanics for undergraduate students of mechanical, aerospace, civil and chemical engineering students.

A Solutions Manual containing solutions to end-of-chapter problems is available for use by instructors.About the Author

ETHIRAJAN RATHAKRISHNAN, Ph.D., is Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He is well known internationally for his research in the area of high-speed jets. The limit for the passive control of jets, called Rathakrishnan Limit, is his contribution to the field of jet research. The concept of breathing blunt nose (BBN), which reduces the positive pressure at the nose and increases the low pressure at the base simultaneously, is his contribution to drag reduction at hypersonic speeds. He has published a large number of research articles in many reputed international journals. He is a Fellow of many professional societies, including the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Professor Rathakrishnan serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Review of Aerospace Engineering (IREASE) journal. He has authored two books, Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, 2nd ed. and Fluid Mechanics: An Introduction, 3rd ed., published by PHI Learning, Delhi. Besides, he has also authored eight other books, namely, Gas Tables; Instrumentation, Measurements, and Experiments in Fluids; Theory of Compressible Flows; Gas Dynamics Work Book; Applied Gas Dynamics; Elements of Heat Transfer; Theoretical Aerodynamics; High Enthalpy
Gas Dynamics.