Introduction to Gas Dynamics:
Gas Dynamics is a branch of fluid mechanics that deals with the study of the motion of gases under the influence of various forces and thermodynamic conditions. It is a fundamental field of study for understanding the behavior of gases in different applications, such as in aircrafts, rockets, turbines, and internal combustion engines.
One of the pioneers in the field of Gas Dynamics is James E. A. John, a British mathematician and physicist who is known for his contributions to the development of supersonic flow theory. He was born in 1918 and obtained his PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1940. John’s work on compressible fluid dynamics laid the foundation for modern research in this field.
Another prominent figure in Gas Dynamics is Theo G. Keith, an American engineer who is known for his work on hypersonic flow and computational fluid dynamics. He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1948 and went on to work for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and later the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
John and Keith collaborated on several research projects, and their work has greatly influenced the field of Gas Dynamics. In particular, they developed theories and methods for studying the complex flow patterns of high-speed gases, including shock waves and rarefaction waves. They also contributed significantly to the understanding of the aerodynamics of reentry and space flight.
Some of their major contributions include the John
