Methods in computational physics

Book Reviews I?epartment of Geological Sciences, and James J. Morgan, Professor of Environmental Engineering Science at California Institute of Technology and the editor of Environmental Science and Technology. The book is clearly written and should present little difficulty to a student who has successfully completed a year’s course in introductory chemistry. It should be of interest to students and practitioners of environmental or sanitary engineering, geochemistry, oceanography, limnology and to anyone who would understand, improve or control the composition of the waters of lakes, rivers, estuaries, the ocean or of groundwater or soil water. The pertinent chemical thermodynamic principles are introduced in Chap. 2, and used throughout the book. Although natural systems may not be in thermodynamic equilibrium, the discrepancies between the real system and the thermodynamic model give valuable insight into the natural system and its stability. In succeeding chapters acid-base equilibria are explained, including the construction and interpretation of equilibrium diagrams, a detailed discussion of carbonate equilibria, dissolution and precipitation equilibria, metal ion complexes. Redox equilibria and reactions are discussed in Chap. 7. Stability field diagrams are constructed in which concentrations are plotted against PE ( PE is a dimensionless intensity factor which measures oxidizing intensity). Rates of approach to equilibria and the modification of the environment by biota are discussed. Chemical weathering of rocks, biological activity, photosynthesis and respiration, pollution and eutrophication all affect the composition of natural waters. Interfacial and colloidal properties are significant in the transport and distribution of clays, wastes and other suspended particles. The concluding chapter uses the information presented earlier for case studies in the transportation, accumulation and distribution in water systems of phosphorus, iron and manganese. Numerical examples are worked to show the application of the theory to problems of aquatic chemistry. At the ends of

Vol. 295. No. 1,January1973

chapters are practice problems (with answers given) and abundant “Reading Suggestions” for the amplification and extension of the text. Aquatic Chemistry is an informative, interesting and authoritative textbook. The cost of the book may restrict its use as a textbook. However, diamonds are also high priced, and like the diamond this book is one-of-a-kind and distinguished for its quality and clarity. WALTER B. KEIGHTON Department of Chemistry Swarthmore College Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

METHODS IN COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS, VOL. 9 in the PLASMA PWSICS SERIES, by Berni Alder, Sidney Fernbach and Manuel Rotenberg (Eds.). 498 pages, diagrams, 6 x 9 in. New York, Academic Press, 1970. Price, $23.00. Methods in Computational Physics, Vol. 9 in the Plasma Physics Series, consists of ten articles by various authors. The individual chapters contain descriptions of plasma properties, computations based on various physical and mathematical models. The computation methods represent a logical link-up. At the beginning are discussed particle plasma models. In the setting-up of those models the authors assumed that the plasma is formed by a set of charged particles grouped according to a certain rule. The only disadvantage of these methods is the high time requirements for computing the plasma properties by solving simultaneous equations of motion of charged particles in an electric and magnetic field, even when using a computer. However, the results obtained are versatile. The “Continuum Methods” in the second part of the book make possible a relatively rapid determination of the plasma properties by solving the relevent equation on a computer. The suitability of those procedures is illustrated in the final chapters of the book, which deal with the application of the Hamilton principle to the numerical analysis of Vlasov plasmas, magnetohydrodynamics calculations and

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Book Reviews thesolutionoftheFokker--Planckequation for plasmas contined in vessels with walls formed by magnetic mirrors. The publication of this book is a praiseworthy action. The methods discussed will facilitate the work of scientists dealing with plasmas, and will to the same degree contribute to improving the quality of results obtained by research and development workers in fields which require the application of plasmas and the knowledge of their properties. The book closes a gap in plasma literature ; its publication is a great contribution to the theoretical knowledge of plasmas. In a future edition it would be useful to include a chapter about the properties of a periodically variable plasma appearing in low- and highfrequency discharges. BOLESLAV GROSS Institute of Electronics Czechoslovakia Academy of Science8 Prague, Czechoslovakia

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FATIGUE DESIGN, by Carl C.’ Osgood. 523 pages, diagrams, 6 x 9 in. New York, John Wiley, 1970. Price, $25.00. Osgood’s book is a comprehensive survey of the majority of fatigue problems associated with machine and structural design. The major emphasis is directed towards solution of a variety of practical engineering problems. The text is divided in two major areas. The first is an overview of fatigue prediction techniques, safe-life and fail-safe design pra,ctice and 8 discussion of factors of safety and reliability. The second portion of the text concentrates on the solution of engineering fatigue problems for both structural and machine designs. This work is not intended as a text, but rather as a treatment of practical problems. It accomplishes this objective and provides a concise study and reference source for fatigue design. LESLIE J. COHEN McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company Huntington Beach, California

Journal of The Franklin Institute