Entropy Theory in Hydraulic Engineering: An Introduction

Entropy Theory in Hydraulic Engineering: An Introduction is the first book to explain the basic concepts of entropy theory from a hydraulic perspective and demonstrate the theorys application in solving practical engineering problems. In the hydraulic context, entropy is valuable as a way of measuring uncertainty or surpriseor even disorder or chaosas a type of information. As hydraulic systems become more complex, entropy theory enables hydraulic engineers to quantify uncertainty, determine risk and reliability, estimate parameters, model processes, and design more robust and dependable water hydraulic systems. Drawing on many years of experience applying and teaching hydraulics, Vijay Singh provides a clear introduction to the fundamentals of entropy theory as it has evolved over the past 40 years. He explores its application in five areas important to hydraulic engineers: velocity distributions, sediment concentration and discharge, hydraulic geometry, channel design, and water distribution systems. More than 170 solved examples illustrate these applications, and each chapter concludes with problem sets and plentiful references. By illustrating the power, usefulness, and versatility of entropy theory, this book puts a valuable tool in the hands of practitioners. Graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and their professors will benefit from the lucid explanation of a complex theory and its applications.