Physics – Geophysics
Scientific paper
Apr 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004eostr..85..148b&link_type=abstract
EOS Transactions, AGU, Volume 85, Issue 15, p. 148-148
Physics
Geophysics
Forum, History Of Geophysics, History Of Geophysics: Hydrology
Scientific paper
T. N. Narasimhan's article, ``Maxwell, Electromagnetism, and Fluid Flow in Resistive Media'', has raised an interesting ``what if'' question concerning the history of the theoretical development of flow in porous media. Citing an early work of James Clerk Maxwell's, the author states, ``It is hoped that Maxwell's contributions to the foundations of fluids in porous media will receive due attention and that his novel approach will lead to new insights.'' Unfortunately, a careful reading of Maxwell and a thorough understanding of the state of the science in the mid 19th century do not support the claims presented. Maxwell's publication was not referenced, but the writer believes the author was referring to ``On Faraday's Lines of Force,''. Review of the manuscript shows two facts. First, Maxwell was a brilliant scientist with a strong mathematical bent. He appears well read in the contemporary theories of electromagnetism and knowledgeable on the experimental data. It also appears that he had a reasonable understanding of both heat transport and fluid mechanics. The paper presents a remarkably clear derivation for the electromagnetic equations in three dimensions with variable resistance. It is a truly great publication. Second, Maxwell did not consider his equations to actually represent fluid flow. Anyone reading the paper would, in fact, be left with the impression that his equations would not be suitable for fluids. He explains electrical fluxes and potentials with the analogy of fluid flow and pressures. However, this was simply a convenience to help the audience focus on his theory instead of the competing theories of the day, such as the ``two fluid model.'' To this point, it is informative to read his words.
No associations
LandOfFree
Comment on ``Maxwell, Electromagnetism, and Fluid Flow in Resistive Media'' does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Comment on ``Maxwell, Electromagnetism, and Fluid Flow in Resistive Media'', we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Comment on ``Maxwell, Electromagnetism, and Fluid Flow in Resistive Media'' will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-733540