This is the first text devoted exclusively to the subject of nonsteady, compressible, internal flow theory and the application of this theory to practical devices. The need for such a text has become apparent with the availability of commercial equipment dependent upon this type of flow phenomena. The book is usable both as a text for graduate level courses and as an introduction for readers wishing to become familiar with nonsteady flow phenomena and their practical applications. This audience consists of mechanical, chemical, and aerospace engineers; and specialists in fluid mechanics. The first and second chapters are introductory in nature, aiming to assist readers conversant with the concepts of steady flow to adjust to unfamiliar events and circumstances while avoiding the finer details of algebraic manipulation. A generalized derivation of the classical method-of-characteristics as applied to one-dimensional, nonsteady, internal flows is included in chapter three. Chapter four is devoted to a study of the various boundary conditions necessary for handling a wide range of problems. Chapter five deals with methods of solution including both graphical and numerical procedures. The remaining five chapters explore specific fields of application. These include pipeline flows, dynamic pressure exchangers, pulse combusters and the tuning of the exhaust and induction systems of reciprocating, and Wankel type, internal combustion engines. Additional nonsteady flow devices are described in the last chapter. All the latter chapters are supported by appropriate references to available literature, including the basic material presented in the first half of the book. When necessary, additional specialized theoretical material is included in each of the special-topics applications-oriented chapters. In order to fulfill the needs of graduate students and their instructors, worked examples are included in addition to exercise problems.

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John A. C. Kentfield is at University of Calgary.

"A valuable, accessible addition to the literature in the field of unsteady, 1D, internal, compressable flows. . . . very thorough in its presentation of applications. . . . a valuable addition to a fluid dynamics library." --Applied Mechanics Review

"Gives attention to practical applications of this theory." --International Aerospace Abstracts

This is the first text devoted exclusively to the subject of nonsteady, compressible, internal flow theory and the application of this theory to practical devices.