Nobels neglect fluid dynamics

I was surprised to see that Philip Anderson’s obituary (Physics Today, June 2020, page 59) did not mention how he viewed the belief held by some in particle physics their field deserves more funding than other areas. Anderson had said, “There is a great arrogance and immodesty about whole field.” The sidelining of disciplines preference contemporary, exotic fields, especially when it comes awards like Nobel Prize, new.Since 19th-century publication Navier–Stokes equations, governing equations fluid dynamics, many scientists have attempted solve them. And well-known physicists worked different aspects mechanics. Arnold Sommerfeld, noted theoretical physicist, passion for it, his “school” well known work it.11. M. Eckert, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. 47, 1 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-fluid-010814-014534 Much related stability, transition turbulence, lubrication.Sommerfeld supposed said before died wanted understand two phenomena—quantum mechanics turbulence. Theodore von Kármán recalled autobiography Sommerfeld somewhat nearer an understanding quantum but no closer meaning turbulence.22. T. Kármán, L. Edson, Wind Beyond: Pioneer Aviation Pathfinder Space, Little, Brown Co (1967), p. 134. Wake created ferry Fanø, Denmark. Fluids are important processes, nature human actions. Yet study seems garner few accolades. (Photo Malene Thyssen, CC BY-SA 3.0.) PPT|High-resolutionWerner Heisenberg, star mechanics, 1924 PhD thesis, “On stability turbulence flow,” under Sommerfeld. After World War II, while interned at Farm Hall UK, Heisenberg contemplated problem turbulence.11. Three papers published 1948 cover from time period.Outstanding efforts stalwarts Ludwig Prandtl, G. I. Taylor provided methodology examine flow, including boundary layers. They thus laid foundations aerodynamics, led rapid development aeronautics astronautics.The has been routinely neglected considerations Prize. importance advances mentioned above benefit society underscores field. 1935 privately complained Committee’s “atomic physics,” owing nominations being made previous recipients. Believing Prandtl should awarded Nobel, wrote prize needed be opened up “non-atomic physicists.”33. Batchelor, Life Legacy Taylor, Cambridge U. Press (1996), 185. Von expressed similar thoughts regarding Prandtl’s deservedness.44. Ref. 2, 40. dismissive attitude toward continues this day.Although innovative techniques progress addressing general solution remains elusive. difficulty solving highlighted fact Clay Mathematics Institute lists existence smoothness solutions as one its unsolved millennium problems. Let us hope who solves will win only $1 million reward also Prize Physics.ReferencesSection:ChooseTop pageReferences <<CITING ARTICLES1. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-fluid-010814-014534, Google ScholarCrossref2. Scholar3. Scholar4. Scholar© 2021 American Physics.