Journal
SYNTHESE
Volume 199, Issue 3-4, Pages 11667-11687Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s11229-021-03306-1
Keywords
Fluid dynamics; Explanation; Idealization; Model
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This paper discusses the scientific research process of experimental discovery, theoretical explanation, and further experimental discoveries using Poiseuille's law and the Navier-Stokes equations as examples. It emphasizes the importance of explanatory considerations in theoretical construction and experimental research.
This paper illustrates how an experimental discovery can prompt the search for a theoretical explanation and also how obtaining such an explanation can provide heuristic benefits for further experimental discoveries. The case considered begins with the discovery of Poiseuille's law for steady fluid flow through pipes. The law was originally supported by careful experiments, and was only later explained through a derivation from the more basic Navier-Stokes equations. However, this derivation employed a controversial boundary condition and also relied on a contentious approach to viscosity. By comparing two editions of Lamb's famous Hydrodynamics textbook, I argue that explanatory considerations were central to Lamb's claims about this sort of fluid flow. In addition, I argue that this treatment of Poiseuille's law played a heuristic role in Reynolds' treatment of turbulent flows, where Poiseuille's law fails to apply.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available