This is the first text devoted exclusively to the subject of nonsteady, compressible, internal flow theory and the application of this theory to practical devices. The need for such a text has become apparent now that commerical equipment, the function of which depends upon nonsteady, compressible flow phenomena, is available. The book is dually usable as both a text for graduate level courses and an introduction for readers wishing to become familiar with nonsteady flow phenomena and their practical applications.The first and second chapters are introductory in nature, aiming to assist readers who are familiar only with the concepts of steady flow to adjust to unfamiliar events and circumstances while avoiding the finer details of algebraic manipulation. A generalized derivation of the classical method-of-characteristics as applied to one-dimensional, nonsteady, internal flows is included in chapter three. Chapter four is devoted to a study of the various boundary conditions necessary for handling a wide range of problems. Chapter five deals with methods of solution including both graphical and pipeline flows, dynamic pressure exchangers, pulse combusters and the tuning of the exhaust and induction systems of reciprocating, and Wankel type, internal combustion engines. Additional nonsteady flow devices are described in the last chapter. The final five chapters are overviews supported by appropriate references to available literature. A link is made, in each of the final five chapters, to the basic material presented in the first half of the book. When necessary, additional specialized theoretical material is included in each of the special- topics-applications-oriented chapters. In order to fulfill the needs of graduate students and their instructors, worked examples are included in addition to exercise problems.
