The Life and Legacy of G. I. Taylor
The Life and Legacy of G. I. Taylor
$55.99
USDG. I. Taylor was one of the most distinguished physical scientists of the last century, using his deep insight and originality and mathematical skill to increase greatly our understanding of phenomena such as the turbulent flow of fluids. His interest in the science of fluid flow was not confined to theory; he was one of the early pioneers of aeronautics, and designed a new type of anchor, now widely used in small boats throughout the world, that came about through his passion for sailing. Taylor spent most of his working life in the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where he investigated the mechanics of fluid and solid materials; his discoveries and ideas have had application throughout mechanical, civil and chemical engineering, meteorology, oceanography and material science. He was also a noted research leader, and his group in Cambridge became one of the most productive centres for the study of fluid mechanics. How was Taylor able to be innovative in so many different ways? This interesting and unusual mix of science and biography, first published in 1996, helps us to answer that question.
- One of the greatest physical scientists of the century
- Best-placed person to write this biography, himself a distinguished author and scientist in his own right
- First biography of Taylor
Reviews & endorsements
"Because turbulence is Batchelor's field, the reader with a background in fluid mechanics will benefit expecially from a close review of Chapter 12 on Taylor's turbulence research." Cyril Galvin, Earth Science History
"Scientists who have encountered any of the remarkable number of Taylor's ideas in classical physics will find this book interesting to read and will be able to make their own judgment on Batchelor's claim that Taylor was more original than Rayleigh, Kelvin, or Reynolds--and a better experimentalist, too." Carl Wunsch, Science
"...a most enjoyable book...This is a splendid book and it needed to be written by Batchelor, Taylor's great admirer and interpreter." J.C.R. Hunt, Nature
"George Batchelor has written a fascinating and affectionate scientific and personal biography, drawing on personal contacts extending over thirty years....This excellent biography, written by the acknowledged authority on the subject, should provide enjoyment and food for thought, not only to those working directly in one of the broad range of fields which G.I. Taylor made his own, but indeed to all physical scientists." Stewart Turner, Physics World
"...a splendid biography....a wonderful representation..." F. Potter, Choice
"The book is an interesting blend....it provides brief and useful overviews of the content and significance of most of Taylor's 266 recorded publications....Batchelor's new biography of G.I. Taylor would be a fine complement to the study of some of the original papers themselves." F.W. Niedenfuhr, Applied Mechanics Review
"To read George Batchelor's book is the easiest and pleasantest way of finding out about this unfashionable truth." J.R. Ockendon, Mathematical Reviews
"...its wealth of anecdotal and other material will appeal to historians and a general audience...it is indeed worth buying." ISIS
Product details
July 2008Paperback
9780521002318
304 pages
229 × 152 × 17 mm
0.45kg
47 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Chronology
- 1. An introduction to G. I. Taylor
- 2. Taylor's family
- 3. Childhood, school and university
- 4. First steps in research
- 5. The Scotia expedition
- 6. Participation in the birth of aeronautics
- 7. Return to Cambridge after World War I
- 8. Sailing
- 9. The golden years as Yarrow Research Prof. between the wars
- 10. Tour in the Far East
- 11. Plasticity of crystalline materials
- 12. Turbulence: a challenge
- 13. Taylor's foreign peers in mechanics
- 14. The universal defence consultant during World War II
- 15. The aftermath of Taylor's war work
- 16. The second golden period 1951–72
- 17. The closing years
- 18. The scientific legacy of G. I. Taylor
- Appendix A. An applied mathematician's apology
- Appendix B. G. I. Taylor: Honours
- Appendix C. Articles about G. I. Taylor
- Appendix D. Bibliography of works by G. I. Taylor
- Index.
