This monograph presents a geometric theory for incompressible flow and its applications to fluid dynamics. The main objective is to study the stability and transitions of the structure of incompressible flows and its applications to fluid dynamics and geophysical fluid dynamics. The development of the theory and its applications goes well beyond its original motivation of the study of oceanic dynamics. The authors present a substantial advance in the use of geometric and topological methods to analyze and classify incompressible fluid flows. The approach introduces genuinely innovative ideas to the study of the partial differential equations of fluid dynamics. One particularly useful development is a rigorous theory for boundary layer separation of incompressible fluids. The study of incompressible flows has two major interconnected parts. The first is the development of a global geometric theory of divergence-free fields on general two-dimensional compact manifolds. The second is the study of the structure of velocity fields for two-dimensional incompressible fluid flows governed by the Navier-Stokes equations or the Euler equations. Motivated by the study of problems in geophysical fluid dynamics, the program of research in this book seeks to develop a new mathematical theory, maintaining close links to physics along the way. In return, the theory is applied to physical problems, with more problems yet to be explored. The material is suitable for researchers and advanced graduate students interested in nonlinear PDEs and fluid dynamics.

This book closes the gap between standard undergraduate texts on fluid mechanics and monographical publications devoted to specific aspects of viscous fluid flows. Each chapter serves as an introduction to a special topic that will facilitate later application by readers in their research work.

From the reviews: "Researchers in fluid dynamics and applied mathematics will enjoy this book for its breadth of coverage, hands-on treatment of important ideas, many references, and historical and philosophical remarks." Mathematical Reviews

The most teachable book on incompressible flow— now fully revised, updated, and expanded Incompressible Flow, Fourth Edition is the updated and revised edition of Ronald Panton's classic text. It continues a respected tradition of providing the most comprehensive coverage of the subject in an exceptionally clear, unified, and carefully paced introduction to advanced concepts in fluid mechanics. Beginning with basic principles, this Fourth Edition patiently develops the math and physics leading to major theories. Throughout, the book provides a unified presentation of physics, mathematics, and engineering applications, liberally supplemented with helpful exercises and example problems. Revised to reflect students' ready access to mathematical computer programs that have advanced features and are easy to use, Incompressible Flow, Fourth Edition includes: Several more exact solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations Classic-style Fortran programs for the Hiemenz flow, the Psi-Omega method for entrance flow, and the laminar boundary layer program, all revised into MATLAB A new discussion of the global vorticity boundary restriction A revised vorticity dynamics chapter with new examples, including the ring line vortex and the Fraenkel-Norbury vortex solutions A discussion of the different behaviors that occur in subsonic and supersonic steady flows Additional emphasis on composite asymptotic expansions Incompressible Flow, Fourth Edition is the ideal coursebook for classes in fluid dynamics offered in mechanical, aerospace, and chemical engineering programs.

Incompressible Fluid Dynamics is a textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students of engineering, applied mathematics, and geophysics. The text comprises topics that establish the broad conceptual framework of the subject, expose key phenomena, and play an important role in the myriad of applications that exist in both nature and technology. The first half of the book covers topics that include the inviscid equations of Euler and Bernoulli, the Navier-Stokes equation and some of its simpler exact solutions, laminar boundary layers and jets, potential flow theory with its various applications to aerodynamics, the theory of surface gravity waves, and flows with negligible inertia, such as suspensions, lubrication layers, and swimming micro-organisms. The second half is more specialised. Vortex dynamics, which is so essential to many natural phenomena in fluid mechanics, is developed in detail. This is followed by chapters on stratified fluids and flows subject to a strong background rotation, both topics being central to our understanding of atmospheric and oceanic flows. Fluid instabilities and the transition to turbulence are also covered, followed by two chapters on fully developed turbulence. The text is largely self-contained, and aims to combine mathematical precision with a breadth of engineering and geophysical applications. Throughout, physical insight is given priority over mathematical detail.

"This is an introductory textbook on the geometrical theory of dynamical systems, fluid flows and certain integrable systems. The topics are interdisciplinary and extend from mathematics, mechanics and physics to mechanical engineering, and the approach is very fundamental. The main theme of this book is a unified formulation to understand dynamical evolutions of physical systems within mathematical ideas of Riemannian geometry and Lie groups by using well-known examples. Underlying mathematical concepts include transformation invariance, covariant derivative, geodesic equation and curvature tensors on the basis of differential geometry, theory of Lie groups and integrability. These mathematical theories are applied to physical systems such as free rotation of a top, surface wave of shallow water, action principle in mechanics, diffeomorphic flow of fluids, vortex motions and some integrable systems. In the latest edition, a new formulation of fluid flows is also presented in a unified fashion on the basis of the gauge principle of theoretical physics and principle of least action along with new type of Lagrangians. A great deal of effort has been directed toward making the description elementary, clear and concise, to provide beginners easy access to the topics."-

Leading experts present a unique, invaluable introduction to the study of the geometry and typology of fluid flows. From basic motions on curves and surfaces to the recent developments in knots and links, the reader is gradually led to explore the fascinating world of geometric and topological fluid mechanics. Geodesics and chaotic orbits, magnetic knots and vortex links, continual flows and singularities become alive with more than 160 figures and examples. In the opening article, H. K. Moffatt sets the pace, proposing eight outstanding problems for the 21st century. The book goes on to provide concepts and techniques for tackling these and many other interesting open problems.