Fundamentals of Gas Dynamics
Chapter One
Review of
Elementary
Principles
1.1 INTRODUCTION
It is assumed that before entering the world of gas dynamics you have had a reasonable
background in mathematics (through calculus) together with a course in elementary
thermodynamics. An exposure to basic fluid mechanics would be helpful
but is not absolutely essential. The concepts used in fluid mechanics are relatively
straightforward and can be developed as we need them. On the other hand, some of
the concepts of thermodynamics are more abstract and we must assume that you already
understand the fundamental laws of thermodynamics as they apply to stationary
systems. The extension of these laws to flow systems is so vital that we cover these
systems in depth in Chapters 2 and 3.
This chapter is not intended to be a ... read full excerpt from Fundamentals of Gas Dynamics ebook
