Wave Motion

by J. Billingham, A. C. King

Overview

Waves are a ubiquitous and important feature of the physical world, and, throughout history, it has been a major challenge to understand them. This introduction to the mathematics of wave phenomena is aimed at advanced undergraduate courses for mathematicians, physicists or engineers. Some more advanced material on both linear and nonlinear waves is also included, making the book suitable for beginning graduate courses. The authors assume some familiarity with partial differential equations, integral transforms and asymptotic expansions as well as with fluid mechanics, elasticity, and electromagnetism. The context and physics that underlie the mathematics is clearly explained at the beginning of each chapter. Worked examples and exercises are supplied throughout, with solutions available to teachers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521632577
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/29/2001
Series:	Cambridge Texts in Applied Mathematics , #24
Pages:	476
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 1.18(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Linear Waves: 1. Basic ideas; 2. Waves on a stretched string; 3. Sound waves; 4. Linear water waves; 5. Waves in elastic solids; 6. Electromagnetic waves; Part II. Nonlinear Waves: 7. The formation and propagation of shock waves; 8. Nonlinear water waves; 9. Chemical and electrochemical waves; Part III. Advanced Topics: 10. Burgers' equation; 11. Diffraction and scattering; 12. Solitons and the inverse scattering transform; Appendix. Useful mathematical formulas and physical data; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This introduction to the mathematics of wave phenomena is aimed at advanced undergraduate courses on waves for mathematicians, physicists, or engineers. The first part addresses linear waves, including waves on a stretched string, sound waves, linear water waves, waves in elastic solids, and electromagnetic waves. The second part examines nonlinear waves, including the formation and propagation of shock waves, nonlinear water waves, and chemical and electrochemical waves. The third part considers advanced topics, including the Burger equation, diffraction and scattering, solitons, and the inverse scattering transform." International Aerospace Abstracts (IAA)

"The writing is clear, the references are adequate, and the book is a useful addition to the literature in this rapidly expanding field." Mathematical Review

From the Publisher