Title: A First Course in Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineers Author: Dr. Donald D. Gray, Ph.D. Specifications: Hard Cover, 487 pp, ISBN 1-887201-11-4 Price: US $75 Cat No: FCFM An excellent textbook for teaching introductory courses in fluid mechanics for civil engineering students REVIEWS -- From the TABLE OF CONTENTS

Based on over twenty years of classroom experience, this book is intended as a text for a one semester introduction to fluid mechanics for students of civil engineering and related fields such as environmental and agricultural engineering. Although intentionally shorter than most other introductory fluid mechanics textbooks, this book is characterized by distinctive features which make it particularly suitable for its intended audience. Among these are:

-> Emphasis on the head concept throughout the text. -> Use of the Euler equation in natural coordinates to demonstrate the importance and limitations of the parallel flow assumption. -> Development of the conservation equations using an easily understood balance principle rather than the needlessly abstract Reynolds Transport Theorem. -> Careful distinction between the ideal Bernoulli equation and the mechanical energy equation with loss terms. -> Use of the total and piezometric head lines for the qualitative analysis of pipe flows. -> Use of the latest Crane techniques for minor losses in pipe flows. -> Clarification of when it is permissible to use gage pressure rather than absolute pressure in the momentum equation.

-> Use of three dimensional plots of the specific head function to clarify the concepts of alternate and critical depths in open channels. -> Use of the Henderson criterion to determine when the Manning equation is valid and when the friction factor must be used in open channel computations. -> Use of the easily understood Ipsen method for dimensional analysis. -> Interpretation of dimensionless numbers as time ratios as well as the traditional force ratios. -> Chapter devoted to physical hydraulic models, including distorted models. -> Full use of the mathematics normally covered in prerequisite courses as a descriptive language and as a problem solving tool, without introducing new mathematical techniques. -> The book contains many examples worked in detail as well as numerous homework problems, some requiring the use of the computer. A solutions manual is available to instructors.

"A civil engineering student who reads this textbook in his or her first course in fluid mechanics will indeed find it readabale and exciting." and "This book is also to be recommended for teaching fluid mechanics for civil engineers."

Hector R. Bravo, Review Published in Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 127, No. 1, January 2001

"Overall, the book is well written and should be considered for adoption in civil engineering programs." Also,

"The separation of topics into multiple chapters may make it easier to organize the material for classes of different levels." And,

"Overall, Gray's text is a welcome addition to a civil engineering faculty member's bookshelf. Students will appreciate the easy-to-read style with civil engineering applications."

Richard H. McCuen, AWRA Book Reviews, Oct. 20, 00, see:http: //www.awra.org/books/0010awra/book3.html

1. Introduction 2. Fluid Properties 3. Hydrostatics 1 4. Hydrostatics 2 5. Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics 6. The Principle of Balance and the Continuity Equation 7. Laminar Flow 8. The Mechanical Energy Equation

9. Pipe Flow 1 10. Dimensional Analysis 11. Pipe Flow 2 12. The Momentum Equation 13. Open Channel Flow 14. Hydrostatics 3 15. Physical Models and Similarity

If you are planning to teach an introductory course in fluid mechanics for civil engineering students we invite you to consider this book. To request an examination copy either send a request on your university letterhead to WRP, P.O. Box 260026, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80163-0026 or fax it to 800-616-1971. ISBN 1-887201-11-4, Publ. 2000 WRP.