bookshelf


Ronald H. Aungier. ASME Press, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990. 2006. 420 pages. ASME members, $88; list, $110. ISBN 0-7918-0241-8.

Turbine Aerodynamics: Axial-flow and radial-inflow turbine design and analysis

In this book, Ronald Aungier provides a thorough description of actual working aerodynamic design and analysis systems, for both axial-flow and radial-inflow turbines. He describes the basic fluid dynamic and thermo-dynamic principles, empirical methods, and numerical methods used for the full range of procedures and analytical tools that an engineer needs for virtually any type of aerodynamic design or analysis activity for both types of turbine. The author includes sufficient detail for readers to implement all or part of the systems. He also provides practical and effective design strategies for applying both turbine types, which are illustrated by design examples. Comparisons with experimental results are included to demonstrate the prediction accuracy to be expected. This book is intended for practicing engineers concerned with the design and development of turbines and related machinery.

 

Gennady G. Kulikov and Haydn A. Thompson, editors. Springer-Verlag New York, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010. 2004. 309 pages. $109. ISBN 1-85233-784-2.

Dynamic Modelling of Gas Turbines: Identification, simulation, condition monitoring and optimal control

A survey of methods associated with the control and systems identification of gas turbines, this book reviews current methods and presents a number of new perspectives. It describes a total modeling and identification program for various classes of aeroengine, allowing the reader to deal with the engine's behavior over its complete life cycle. It also shows how this regimen can be applied to a real engine, balancing the theory with practical use. The editors offer a choice of controllers and models from the tried-and-trusted to the most up-to-date evolutionary optimization models. The editors say their intention is to present work in modeling, optimal control, and systems identification to help the reader get the most from his engine designs.

 

Tyler G. Hicks, P.E. McGraw-Hill, Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121. 2006. 1,757 pages. $150. ISBN 0-07-145886-7. Handbook of Mechanical Engineering Calculations. Second Edition.

A hefty compendium of calculation methods, this volume delivers fast, accurate solutions to the toughest day-to-day mechanical engineering problems, according to the publisher. Its readers will find numbered, step-by-step procedures for solving specific problems together with examples that give numerical results for the calculation. This new edition features methods for automatic and digital control, alternative and renewable energy sources, plastics in engineering design, and more. The book is divided into four parts: power generation, plant and facilities engineering, environmental control, and design engineering. Author Tyler G. Hicks, an ASME member, is a consulting engineer who has worked in plant design and operation in several industries.

Hiroshi Yamagata. CRC Press LLC, 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487. Published in England by Woodhead Publishing Limited. 2005. 318 pages. $245. ISBN 0-8493-2585-4. The Science and Technology of Materials in Automotive Engines

Author Hiroshi Yamagata is employed by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., Japan, so he is in position to discuss the nature of materials in automotive engines. He focuses on both two- and four-stroke reciprocating engines, with particular emphasis on their characteristics and the types of materials used in their construction. Each part of the engine is considered: the cylinder, piston, camshaft, valve, crankshaft, connecting rod, and catalytic converter. Materials used in car engines must fulfill many functions. There is a subtle balance among material properties, essential design, and high-performance characteristics. This book describes the metallurgy, chemical composition, manufacturing, heat treatment, and surface modification of these materials.

George J. Simitses and Dewey H. Hodges. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, 30 Corporate Dr., Suite 400, Burlington, MA 01803. 2006. 389 pages. $79.95. ISBN 0-7506-7875-5.

Fundamentals of Structural Stability

Written by two leading mechanical engineering researchers and professors, Fundamentals of Structural Stability introduces the reader to both a classical and an advanced understanding of the mechanical behavior of systems under load. It illustrates how modeling the resulting strains can predict the overall future performance—the stability—of a particular structural system. The book provides a focused study of how structures behave and perform when under stress loading, including plastic deformation and buckling. The authors cover traditional beam theory as well as modern approaches such as elastic theory.

Editors: B. Sundén and M. Faghri. Computational Mechanics Inc., 25 Bridge St., Billerica, MA 01821. Published by WIT Press, Southampton, U.K. 2005. 360 pages. $198. ISBN 1-85312-956-9.

Modelling and Simulation of Turbulent Heat Transfer

Providing useful information for both graduate researchers and research and development engineers in industry and consultancy, the book's overall objective is to present state-of-the-art knowledge in order to predict turbulent heat transfer processes in fundamental and idealized flows as well as in engineering applications. The chapters, which are invited contributions from some of the most prominent scientists in this field, cover a range of topics and follow a unified outline to aid accessibility.

John R. Brauer. John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030. 2006. 308 pages. $120. ISBN 0-471-73169-2.

Magnetic Actuators and Sensors

This book features computer-aided engineering methods that are used in the design and application of magnetic actuators and sensors, using the latest software tools. The text is divided into four distinct parts. Part One, "Magnetics," offers an introduction to magnetic actuators and sensors as well as basic electromagnetics followed by other magnetic performance parameters. Part Two, "Actuators," explores dc and ac actuators, and magnetic actuator transient operation. Part Three, "Sensors," details Hall effect and magnetoresistance as they apply to sensing position. Part Four, "Systems," covers aspects of systems common to both magnetic actuators and sensors, including coil design and temperature calculation, electromagnetic compatibility, electromechanical finite elements, and electromechanical analysis using system models.

 

Stephen R. Turns. Cambridge University Press, 40 W. 20th St., New York, NY 10011-4211. 2006. 736 pages. $95. ISBN 0-521-85042-8.

Thermodynamics: Concepts and Applications

The focus of this book is on traditional engineering thermodynamics topics. However, the structure provides a broader context for thermodynamics within the thermal-fluid sciences. The subject matter is also arranged hierarchically, rather than as a collection of assorted topics. Chapter 2 epitomizes this approach, with essentially all material related to thermodynamic properties, including property relationships and processes, contained within a single chapter. This arrangement allows students to connect topics in a logical manner, without necessarily proceeding through the chapter in a linear manner. Each chapter concludes with similar sections: summary, key concepts and definitions checklist, references, nomenclature, questions, and problems. The author is an ASME member.

 

Edited by Friedrich Pfeiffer and Teresa Zielinska. Springer-Verlag, 235 Spring St., New York, NY 10013. 2004. 191 pages. Softcover. $74.95. ISBN 3-211-22134-4.

Walking: Biological and Technical Aspects

This book is based on lectures, articles, and proceedings from the International Centre for Mechanical Sciences in Udine, Italy. Among the topics covered here are: "Biological Aspects of Locomotion," "Locomotion in Complex Terrain," "Evolution of Vertebrate Locomotory Systems," "Technological Aspects of Walking," and "Motion Synthesis." There are 141 illustrations and each article has an extensive bibliography to aid the reader.

 

 

 


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