Ludwig Prandtl: A Life for Fluid Mechanics and Aeronautical Research

Description

This is a comprehensive biography of Ludwig Prandtl (1875-1953), the father of modern aerodynamics. His name is associated most famously with the boundary layer concept, but also with several other topics in 20th century fluid mechanics, particularly turbulence (Prandtl's mixing length). Among his disciples are pioneers of modern fluid mechanics such as Heinrich Blasius, Theodore von Kármán and Walter Tollmien. Furthermore, Prandtl founded the Aerodynamische Versuchsanstalt (AVA) and the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institut für Strömungsforschung in Göttingen, both of them seeds for the growth of fluid mechanics in Germany. Yet Prandtl was also a representative of aeronautical research - from Imperial Germany via the Weimar Republic to the "Third Reich". Although not a party member, he assumed the role of a goodwill ambassador for Nazi Germany. This objective treatment of his career will be of interest to all scientists and historians wanting to learn more about Prandtl's influence and the early development of fluid- and aerodynamics. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvi Childhood, Youth and University Studies (Michael Eckert)....Pages 1-17 A Professor with Industrial Experience (Michael Eckert)....Pages 19-43 A New Start in Göttingen (Michael Eckert)....Pages 45-85 The First World War (Michael Eckert)....Pages 87-114 A New Mission in Life (Michael Eckert)....Pages 115-148 Experts (Michael Eckert)....Pages 149-185 “Prof. Prandtl Is Totally Uninterested in Politics …” (Michael Eckert)....Pages 187-235 The Second World War (Michael Eckert)....Pages 237-273 The Final Years (Michael Eckert)....Pages 275-304 Prandtl’s Legacy (Michael Eckert)....Pages 305-325 Back Matter ....Pages 327-360