journal of

applied book reviews

mechanics

Orbital Mechanics the basic equations of the linear classical theory. T h e method
of derivation is essentially the one used by E. Reissner (American
Theory of Orbifs: The Restricted Problem of Three Bodies. B y V . Journal of Mathematics, 1941). Furthermore, a brief discussion
Szebehely. A c a d e m i c Press, N e w Y o r k , 1967. x v i a n d 663 p p . of some improvements proposed for the classical theory is given,
S25. and P a r t I is terminated by an account of E. Reissner's version of
REVIEWED BY F. T. GEYL1NG 1
a large deflection and rotation theory for an axisymmetricallv
loaded shell of revolution.
D n . SZEBEHELY'S book will probably rank among t h e most P a r t s I I and I I I contain a discussion of the methods of analysis
useful texts on orbital mechanics t h a t have appeared in recent

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for various special cases, such as membrane shells and some shells
years; expecially so, since it covers a subject t h a t has not been of revolution. Some approximate methods of solution are also
overworked by modern textbook authors: the restricted three- given. P a r t I V presents the latest numerical methods for the
body problem. static and dynamic analysis of arbitrary shells of revolution.
This treatise goes well beyond t h e obligator)' treatments of Solutions obtained by various methods are discussed and com-
Jacobi integrals, zero-velocity curves, and earth-moon transfer pared.
trajectories which prevail in current texts on space flight. While T h e strength of this book lies not so much in the presentation
t h e author encourages applications of his material to aerospace of the theory, but rather in the excellent treatment of the availa-
trajectory work and cosmogony, he devotes the m a j o r p a r t of the ble methods of analysis. T h e comparisons given in P a r t s I I and
text to a thorough exposition of classical astronomical theories I V of actual solutions obtained by various methods will give the
and the related mathematical techniques, including some modern reader a good idea of the applicability of the methods. T h e
efforts in topological dynamics. book can be strongly recommended to a teacher of a graduate
His expository style, in approaching new topics, follows the course on shells as well as to an analyst who is concerned with
time-tested stratagem: Be specific first and generalize later. obtaining solutions of shell problems.
Thus, the discussion usually opens with very simple analytic
models and specific numerical examples to fix ideas. T h e more
advanced material reflects in m a n y places the philosophy t h a t
qualitative and formalistie dynamics, on one hand, m u s t be com- Fluid Mechanics
plemented by quantitative dynamics on the other. T h e former
A n Introduction to Fluid Mechanics. By G. K . Batchelor. Cam-
includes regularization, classical series expansions, and canonical
b r i d g e U n i v e r s i t y P r e s s , C a m b r i d g e , E n g l a n d , 1967. xviii a n d 6 1 3
transformations and must describe the general character of per- pp. S13.50.
missible motions, including their bounds, dependence on initial
conditions, and the existence of periodic solutions. Complement- REVIEWED BY A . D. Y O U N G 3

ing this, the quantitative results obtainable with high-speed T H E AUTHOR, as editor of the Journal of Fluid Mechanics, m u s t
computing techniques lend practical significance to various be well aware of the recent spate of books on fluid mechanics and
classes of orbits, exhibiting their evolution with changing initial the growing difficulty of justifying yet one more book. Neverthe-
conditions and mass ratio among the primaries. E a c h chapter less, he need have no qualms; this is a magnificent book which
concludes with a detailed commentary on numerous references. will readily find a place with the other great classics of the subject.
T h u s , in style and content, the book effects a successful compro- I t s scope is indeed classical although there is much t h a t is new
mise between the needs of students, engineers, and research and illuminating; its outstanding qualities are an acute physical
workers in orbital mechanics. insight and a thorough and logical development. I t is designed
for applied mathematics students, b u t it is the physics that is con-
sistently stressed and the mathematics is well within the scope of
scientists and engineers. Even established fluid dynamicists will
Shells find this book a great stimulus.
T h e first three chapters provide a general foundation applicable
Thin Elastic Shells. B y H . K r a u s . J o h n Wiley & Sons, Inc., New to all developments and the relationships between molecular be-
Y o r k , N . Y . , 1967. x v i a n d 4 7 6 p p . 318.95. havior and macroscopic properties are rightly stressed. T h e re-
maining four chapters concentrate on the laminar flow of an in-
REVIEWED BY A . K A L N I N S 2
compressible fluid. Viscous effects take pride of place, the de-
THIS HOOK p r e s e n t s a modern up-to-date treatment of the velopment moving logically from flows at small to large Reynolds
theory of thin elastic shells and its applications. It is divided in numbers; then come irrotational flows and finally rotational flows
four parts: (I) geometry and basic equations, (II) static analysis and vortex systems. T h e text is strikingly illustrated by a mag-
( I I I ) dynamic analysis, and (IV) numerical methods of static and nificent collection of plates. Professor Batchelor pleads t h a t
dynamic analysis. lack of room has caused him to omit such topics as turbulence,
P a r t I gives the necessary concepts of geometry and develops heat and mass transfer, and magneto-fluid dynamics, b u t he prom-
ises a f u r t h e r volume if the reception of this one is encouraging.
1
H e a d , Analytical M e c h a n i c s D e p a r t m e n t , Bell T e l e p h o n e L a b o r a - I t is to be hoped t h a t he will be so encouraged.
t o r i e s , W l i i p p a n y , N . J.
2 3
P r o f e s s o r , D e p a r t m e n t of M e c h a n i c s , L e h i g h U n i v e r s i t y , B e t h l e - P r o f e s s o r , Q u e e n M a r y C o l l e g e ( U n i v e r s i t y of L o n d o n ) , London,
hem, Pa. Mem. ASME. England.

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