Introduction to Transport Phenomena

by William J. Thomson

Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR
ISBN: 0134548280

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An introduction to transport phenomena, presenting all basic principles with a minimum of mathematical complexity. Emphasis is on the formulation of differential equations to describe physical problems, helping readers understand what they are doing and why. Solutions are either simple or derivable with a differential equation solver. Coverage progresses from molecular transport through transport coefficients and macroscopic calculation issues associated with momentum, heat, and mass transfer. Includes extensive chapter problems. Requires knowledge of basic differential equations and how to use a differential equation solver such as MATLAB. The author is professor of chemical engineering at Washington State University.

From the Back Cover

• Transport phenomena: Fundamental concepts and problem solving
• Transport phenomena: basic principles and laws
• Molecular and convective transport
• Similarity analysis, transfer coefficients, and other key concepts
• Use differential equation solvers to solve complex transport problems

This book is a true introduction to transport phenomena that presents all basic principles with a minimum of mathematical complexity. Readers will only need to know the basics of differential equations, and how to use a differential equation solver such as Matlab or ACSL.

Professor William J. Thomson emphasizes the formulation of differential equations to describe physical problems, helping readers understand what they are doing-and why. The solutions are either simple (separable, linear second order) or derivable with a differential equation solver.

Thomson begins with a detailed introduction to molecular transport, including the basic underlying laws, one-dimensional molecular energy transport, molecular mass and momentum transport principles, and transport coefficients. Each major similarity analysis technique is covered, including dimensionless groups in molecular transport, dimensionless differential transforms, and similarity transforms.

In Part II, Thomson reviews convective transport, presenting a straightforward description of turbulence, and introducing the fundamental concept of transfer coefficients. Building on previous coverage, he then addresses the macroscopic calculation issues associated with momentum, heat, and mass transfer-enabling readers to solve even complex gas absorption and cooling tower problems.

About the Author

WILLIAM J. THOMSON is Professor of Chemical Engineering at Washington State University, Pullman, WA. He has published widely in chemical engineering research and trade journals, and is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE), American Chemical Society (ACS), and American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE).

Customer Reviews

I have had Dr. Thomson as an instructor and have used his book for three separate classes. I find the book difficult to follow at times. The end of chapter problems are confusing and seldom can be completed by following the material covered in the text. The book, which is not on its first edition, is filled with "minor errors" (for example, constants and/or exponents in presented equations are incorrect). On the plus side, the unit conversions in the appendices are very useful.