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202. Advances in Geometry : Volume 1
- Author
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Jean-Luc Brylinski, Ranee Brylinski, Victor Nistor, Jean-Luc Brylinski, Ranee Brylinski, and Victor Nistor
- Subjects
- Geometry, Differential, Geometry, Mathematical physics, Mathematics
- Abstract
This book is an outgrowth of the activities of the Center for Geometry and Mathematical Physics (CGMP) at Penn State from 1996 to 1998. The Center was created in the Mathematics Department at Penn State in the fall of 1996 for the purpose of promoting and supporting the activities of researchers and students in and around geometry and physics at the university. The CGMP brings many visitors to Penn State and has ties with other research groups; it organizes weekly seminars as well as annual workshops The book contains 17 contributed articles on current research topics in a variety of fields: symplectic geometry, quantization, quantum groups, algebraic geometry, algebraic groups and invariant theory, and character istic classes. Most of the 20 authors have talked at Penn State about their research. Their articles present new results or discuss interesting perspec tives on recent work. All the articles have been refereed in the regular fashion of excellent scientific journals. Symplectic geometry, quantization and quantum groups is one main theme of the book. Several authors study deformation quantization. As tashkevich generalizes Karabegov's deformation quantization of Kahler manifolds to symplectic manifolds admitting two transverse polarizations, and studies the moment map in the case of semisimple coadjoint orbits. Bieliavsky constructs an explicit star-product on holonomy reducible sym metric coadjoint orbits of a simple Lie group, and he shows how to con struct a star-representation which has interesting holomorphic properties.
- Published
- 2012
203. Fractional Analysis : Methods of Motion Decomposition
- Author
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I.V. Novozhilov and I.V. Novozhilov
- Subjects
- Fourier analysis, Mathematics, Mechanical engineering, Mathematical physics, Functions of real variables, Mathematical analysis
- Abstract
This book considers methods of approximate analysis of mechanical, elec tromechanical, and other systems described by ordinary differential equa tions. Modern mathematical modeling of sophisticated mechanical systems consists of several stages: first, construction of a mechanical model, and then writing appropriate equations and their analytical or numerical ex amination. Usually, this procedure is repeated several times. Even if an initial model correctly reflects the main properties of a phenomenon, it de scribes, as a rule, many unnecessary details that make equations of motion too complicated. As experience and experimental data are accumulated, the researcher considers simpler models and simplifies the equations. Thus some terms are discarded, the order of the equations is lowered, and so on. This process requires time, experimentation, and the researcher's intu ition. A good example of such a semi-experimental way of simplifying is a gyroscopic precession equation. Formal mathematical proofs of its admis sibility appeared some several decades after its successful introduction in engineering calculations. Applied mathematics now has at its disposal many methods of approxi mate analysis of differential equations. Application of these methods could shorten and formalize the procedure of simplifying the equations and, thus, of constructing approximate motion models. Wide application of the methods into practice is hindered by the fol lowing. 1. Descriptions of various approximate methods are scattered over the mathematical literature. The researcher, as a rule, does not know what method is most suitable for a specific case. 2.
- Published
- 2012
204. The Language of Physics : The Calculus and the Development of Theoretical Physics in Europe, 1750–1914
- Author
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Elizabeth Garber and Elizabeth Garber
- Subjects
- Physics, Astronomy, Science—History, Physics—Philosophy, Historical linguistics, Mathematics, History, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
This study began as an attempt to understand mechanics in the nineteenth century. The terms mechanics and mechanical world view were being used as general descriptions of nineteenth-century physicists'assumptions and interpretations of nature. However, there were no studies of the particulars of these assumptions or the range and content of these interpretations. Rene Dugas'work on classical mechanics focused on France. The search for the particulars of these forms of'mechanics'led me to explore precisely what mechanics meant to physicists of a century and more ago. However, none of Lagrange's, Hamilton's, or Jacobi's'mechanics,'while ele gant, fits easily within the history of physics. Lagrange reduced mechanics to an exercise in analysis; Hamilton and Jacobi used mechanics to explore solutions to partial differential equations. They were mathematicians doing mathematics. As I went deeper into the matter it became obvious that, in the nineteenth century, there were two kinds of mechanics, each containing a variety of forms, one physical, the other mathematical. There were a group of men using mechanics to understand nature and another group using the equations of mechanics to explore the calcu lus. However, when tracing these two traditions back into the eighteenth century, physics disappeared altogether.
- Published
- 2012
205. Computational Techniques for Fluid Dynamics 2 : Specific Techniques for Different Flow Categories
- Author
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Clive A.J. Fletcher and Clive A.J. Fletcher
- Subjects
- Physics, Engineering mathematics, Engineering—Data processing, Mathematics, Continuum mechanics, Mathematical physics, Mathematics—Data processing
- Abstract
The purpose and organisation of this book are described in the preface to the first edition (1988). In preparing this edition minor changes have been made, par ticularly to Chap. 1 (Vol. 1) to keep it reasonably current, and to upgrade the treatment of specific techniques, particularly in Chaps. 12-14 and 16-18. How ever, the rest of the book (Vols. 1 and 2) has required only minor modification to clarify the presentation and to modify or replace individual problems to make them more effective. The answers to the problems are available in Solutions Manual jor Computational Techniques jor Fluid Dynamics by K. Srinivas and C. A. J. Fletcher, published by Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, 1991. The computer programs have also been reviewed and tidied up. These are available on an IBM compatible floppy disc direct from the author. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many readers for their usually generous comments about the first edition and particularly those readers who went to the trouble of drawing specific errors to my attention. In this revised edi tion considerable effort has been made to remove a number of minor errors that had found their way into the original. I express the hope that no errors remain but welcome communication that will help me improve future editions. In preparing this revised edition I have received considerable help from Dr. K.
- Published
- 2012
206. Noncommutative Structures in Mathematics and Physics
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S. Duplij, Julius Wess, S. Duplij, and Julius Wess
- Subjects
- Elementary particles (Physics), Quantum field theory, Mathematical physics, Nonassociative rings, Group theory, Mathematics
- Abstract
A presentation of outstanding achievements and ideas, of both eastern and western scientists, both mathematicians and physicists. Their presentations of recent work on quantum field theory, supergravity, M-theory, black holes and quantum gravity, together with research into noncommutative geometry, Hopf algebras, representation theory, categories and quantum groups, take the reader to the forefront of the latest developments. Other topics covered include supergravity and branes, supersymmetric quantum mechanics and superparticles, (super) black holes, superalgebra representations, and SUSY GUT phenomenology. Essential reading for workers in the modern methods of theoretical and mathematical physics.
- Published
- 2012
207. Math Unlimited : Essays in Mathematics
- Author
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R. Sujatha, H. N. Ramaswamy, C. S. Yogananda, R. Sujatha, H. N. Ramaswamy, and C. S. Yogananda
- Subjects
- Mathematics
- Abstract
This collection of essays spans pure and applied mathematics. Readers interested in mathematical research and historical aspects of mathematics will appreciate the enlightening content of the material. Highlighting the pervasive nature of mathematics today in a host of different areas, the book also covers the spread of mathematical ideas and techn
- Published
- 2012
208. Critical Point Theory for Lagrangian Systems
- Author
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Marco Mazzucchelli and Marco Mazzucchelli
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Lagrangian functions, Critical point theory (Mathematical analysis)
- Abstract
Lagrangian systems constitute a very important and old class in dynamics. Their origin dates back to the end of the eighteenth century, with Joseph-Louis Lagrange's reformulation of classical mechanics. The main feature of Lagrangian dynamics is its variational flavor: orbits are extremal points of an action functional. The development of critical point theory in the twentieth century provided a powerful machinery to investigate existence and multiplicity questions for orbits of Lagrangian systems. This monograph gives a modern account of the application of critical point theory, and more specifically Morse theory, to Lagrangian dynamics, with particular emphasis toward existence and multiplicity of periodic orbits of non-autonomous and time-periodic systems.
- Published
- 2012
209. Falling Liquid Films
- Author
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S. Kalliadasis, C. Ruyer-Quil, B. Scheid, M. G. Velarde, S. Kalliadasis, C. Ruyer-Quil, B. Scheid, and M. G. Velarde
- Subjects
- Fluid dynamics, Mathematics, Liquid films--Mathematical models, Hydrodynamics--Mathematical models
- Abstract
Falling Liquid Films gives a detailed review of state-of-the-art theoretical, analytical and numerical methodologies, for the analysis of dissipative wave dynamics and pattern formation on the surface of a film falling down a planar inclined substrate. This prototype is an open-flow hydrodynamic instability, that represents an excellent paradigm for the study of complexity in active nonlinear media with energy supply, dissipation and dispersion. It will also be of use for a more general understanding of specific events characterizing the transition to spatio-temporal chaos and weak/dissipative turbulence. Particular emphasis is given to low-dimensional approximations for such flows through a hierarchy of modeling approaches, including equations of the boundary-layer type, averaged formulations based on weighted residuals approaches and long-wave expansions. Whenever possible the link between theory and experiment is illustrated, and, as a further bridge between the two, the development of order-of-magnitude estimates and scaling arguments is used to facilitate the understanding of basic, underlying physics. This monograph will appeal to advanced graduate students in applied mathematics, science or engineering undertaking research on interfacial fluid mechanics or studying fluid mechanics as part of their program. It will also be of use to researchers working on both applied, fundamental theoretical and experimental aspects of thin film flows, as well as engineers and technologists dealing with processes involving isothermal or heated films. This monograph is largely self-contained and no background on interfacial fluid mechanics is assumed.
- Published
- 2012
210. Finsler Geometry : An Approach Via Randers Spaces
- Author
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Xinyue Cheng, Zhongmin Shen, Xinyue Cheng, and Zhongmin Shen
- Subjects
- Finsler spaces, Mathematics
- Abstract
'Finsler Geometry: An Approach via Randers Spaces'exclusively deals with a special class of Finsler metrics -- Randers metrics, which are defined as the sum of a Riemannian metric and a 1-form. Randers metrics derive from the research on General Relativity Theory and have been applied in many areas of the natural sciences. They can also be naturally deduced as the solution of the Zermelo navigation problem. The book provides readers not only with essential findings on Randers metrics but also the core ideas and methods which are useful in Finsler geometry. It will be of significant interest to researchers and practitioners working in Finsler geometry, even in differential geometry or related natural fields.Xinyue Cheng is a Professor at the School of Mathematics and Statistics of Chongqing University of Technology, China. Zhongmin Shen is a Professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences of Indiana University Purdue University, USA.
- Published
- 2012
211. Bridging Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering and Technology : Contributions From the Fall 2011 Seminar on Mathematical Sciences and Applications
- Author
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Bourama Toni, Keith Williamson, Nasser Ghariban, Dawit Haile, Zhifu Xie, Bourama Toni, Keith Williamson, Nasser Ghariban, Dawit Haile, and Zhifu Xie
- Subjects
- Statistics--Congresses, Technology--Mathematics--Congresses, Mathematics--Congresses, Mathematics
- Abstract
This volume contains the invited contributions from talks delivered in the Fall 2011 series of the Seminar on Mathematical Sciences and Applications 2011 at Virginia State University. Contributors to this volume, who are leading researchers in their fields, present their work in a way to generate genuine interdisciplinary interaction. Thus all articles therein are selective, self-contained, and are pedagogically exposed and help to foster student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to stimulate graduate and undergraduate research and collaboration between researchers in different areas. This work is suitable for both students and researchers in a variety of interdisciplinary fields namely, mathematics as it applies to engineering, physical-chemistry, nanotechnology, life sciences, computer science, finance, economics, and game theory.
- Published
- 2012
212. Fractional Dynamics : Applications of Fractional Calculus to Dynamics of Particles, Fields and Media
- Author
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Vasily E. Tarasov and Vasily E. Tarasov
- Subjects
- System theory, Mathematics, Mathematical optimization, Calculus of variations, Mathematical physics, Engineering mathematics, Engineering—Data processing
- Abstract
'Fractional Dynamics: Applications of Fractional Calculus to Dynamics of Particles, Fields and Media'presents applications of fractional calculus, integral and differential equations of non-integer orders in describing systems with long-time memory, non-local spatial and fractal properties. Mathematical models of fractal media and distributions, generalized dynamical systems and discrete maps, non-local statistical mechanics and kinetics, dynamics of open quantum systems, the hydrodynamics and electrodynamics of complex media with non-local properties and memory are considered. This book is intended to meet the needs of scientists and graduate students in physics, mechanics and applied mathematics who are interested in electrodynamics, statistical and condensed matter physics, quantum dynamics, complex media theories and kinetics, discrete maps and lattice models, and nonlinear dynamics and chaos. Dr. Vasily E. Tarasov is a Senior Research Associate at Nuclear Physics Institute of Moscow State University and an Associate Professor at Applied Mathematics and Physics Department of Moscow Aviation Institute.
- Published
- 2011
213. Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
- Author
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Lokenath Debnath and Lokenath Debnath
- Subjects
- Differential equations, Mathematics, Mathematical physics, Physics, Engineering mathematics, Engineering—Data processing
- Abstract
The revised and enlarged third edition of this successful book presents a comprehensive and systematic treatment of linear and nonlinear partial differential equations and their varied and updated applications. In an effort to make the book more useful for a diverse readership, updated modern examples of applications are chosen from areas of fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, plasma physics, nonlinear dynamics, quantum mechanics, nonlinear optics, acoustics, and wave propagation.Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers, Third Edition, improves on an already highly complete and accessible resource for graduate students and professionals in mathematics, physics, science, and engineering. It may be used to great effect as a course textbook, research reference, or self-study guide.
- Published
- 2011
214. Disorder and Critical Phenomena Through Basic Probability Models : École D’Été De Probabilités De Saint-Flour XL – 2010
- Author
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Giambattista Giacomin and Giambattista Giacomin
- Subjects
- Probabilities, Mathematics, System theory, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
Understanding the effect of disorder on critical phenomena is a central issue in statistical mechanics. In probabilistic terms: what happens if we perturb a system exhibiting a phase transition by introducing a random environment? The physics community has approached this very broad question by aiming at general criteria that tell whether or not the addition of disorder changes the critical properties of a model: some of the predictions are truly striking and mathematically challenging. We approach this domain of ideas by focusing on a specific class of models, the'pinning models,'for which a series of recent mathematical works has essentially put all the main predictions of the physics community on firm footing; in some cases, mathematicians have even gone beyond, settling a number of controversial issues. But the purpose of these notes, beyond treating the pinning models in full detail, is also to convey the gist, or at least the flavor, of the'overall picture,'which is, in many respects, unfamiliar territory for mathematicians.
- Published
- 2011
215. Mathematical Modeling in Biomedical Imaging II : Optical, Ultrasound, and Opto-Acoustic Tomographies
- Author
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Habib Ammari and Habib Ammari
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Radiology, Mathematical physics, Biomedical engineering
- Abstract
This volume reports on recent mathematical and computational advances in optical, ultrasound, and opto-acoustic tomographies. It outlines the state-of-the-art and future directions in these fields and provides readers with the most recently developed mathematical and computational tools. It is particularly suitable for researchers and graduate students in applied mathematics and biomedical engineering.
- Published
- 2011
216. Geometry of Minkowski Space-Time
- Author
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Francesco Catoni, Dino Boccaletti, Roberto Cannata, Vincenzo Catoni, Paolo Zampetti, Francesco Catoni, Dino Boccaletti, Roberto Cannata, Vincenzo Catoni, and Paolo Zampetti
- Subjects
- Mathematical physics, Mathematics, Gravitation
- Abstract
This book provides an original introduction to the geometry of Minkowski space-time. A hundred years after the space-time formulation of special relativity by Hermann Minkowski, it is shown that the kinematical consequences of special relativity are merely a manifestation of space-time geometry.The book is written with the intention of providing students (and teachers) of the first years of University courses with a tool which is easy to be applied and allows the solution of any problem of relativistic kinematics at the same time. The book treats in a rigorous way, but using a non-sophisticated mathematics, the Kinematics of Special Relativity. As an example, the famous'Twin Paradox'is completely solved for all kinds of motions.The novelty of the presentation in this book consists in the extensive use of hyperbolic numbers, the simplest extension of complex numbers, for a complete formalization of the kinematics in the Minkowski space-time.Moreover, from this formalization the understanding of gravity comes as a manifestation of curvature of space-time, suggesting new research fields.
- Published
- 2011
217. Transient Chaos : Complex Dynamics on Finite Time Scales
- Author
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Ying-Cheng Lai, Tamás Tél, Ying-Cheng Lai, and Tamás Tél
- Subjects
- Transients (Dynamics), Chaotic behavior in systems, Mathematics
- Abstract
The aim of this Book is to give an overview, based on the results of nearly three decades of intensive research, of transient chaos. One belief that motivates us to write this book is that, transient chaos may not have been appreciated even within the nonlinear-science community, let alone other scientific disciplines.
- Published
- 2011
218. Stochastic Models, Information Theory, and Lie Groups, Volume 2 : Analytic Methods and Modern Applications
- Author
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Gregory S. Chirikjian and Gregory S. Chirikjian
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Engineering mathematics, Engineering—Data processing, Geometry, Differential, Probabilities, Topological groups, Lie groups, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
The subjects of stochastic processes, information theory, and Lie groups are usually treated separately from each other. This unique two-volume set presents these topics in a unified setting, thereby building bridges between fields that are rarely studied by the same people. Unlike the many excellent formal treatments available for each of these subjects individually, the emphasis in both of these volumes is on the use of stochastic, geometric, and group-theoretic concepts in the modeling of physical phenomena.Volume 2 builds on the fundamentals presented in Volume 1, delving deeper into relationships among stochastic geometry, geometric aspects of the theory of communications and coding, multivariate statistical analysis, and error propagation on Lie groups. Extensive exercises, motivating examples, and real-world applications make the work suitable as a textbook for use in courses that emphasize applied stochastic processes or differential geometry.Stochastic Models, Information Theory, and Lie Groups will be of interest to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and practitioners working in applied mathematics, the physical sciences, and engineering.
- Published
- 2011
219. Generalised Thermostatistics
- Author
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Jan Naudts and Jan Naudts
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Statistical thermodynamics, Thermodynamics
- Abstract
The domain of non-extensive thermostatistics has been subject to intensive research over the past twenty years and has matured significantly. Generalised Thermostatistics cuts through the traditionalism of many statistical physics texts by offering a fresh perspective and seeking to remove elements of doubt and confusion surrounding the area.The book is divided into two parts - the first covering topics from conventional statistical physics, whilst adopting the perspective that statistical physics is statistics applied to physics. The second developing the formalism of non-extensive thermostatistics, of which the central role is played by the notion of a deformed exponential family of probability distributions.Presented in a clear, consistent, and deductive manner, the book focuses on theory, part of which is developed by the author himself, but also provides a number of references towards application-based texts.Written by a leading contributor in the field, this book will provide a useful tool for learning about recent developments in generalized versions of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, especially with respect to self-study. Written for researchers in theoretical physics, mathematics and statistical mechanics, as well as graduates of physics, mathematics or engineering. A prerequisite knowledge of elementary notions of statistical physics and a substantial mathematical background are required.
- Published
- 2011
220. Damped Oscillations of Linear Systems : A Mathematical Introduction
- Author
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Krešimir Veselić and Krešimir Veselić
- Subjects
- Mathematics, System theory, Control theory, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
The theory of linear damped oscillations was originally developed more than hundred years ago and is still of vital research interest to engineers, mathematicians and physicists alike. This theory plays a central role in explaining the stability of mechanical structures in civil engineering, but it also has applications in other fields such as electrical network systems and quantum mechanics.This volume gives an introduction to linear finite dimensional damped systems as they are viewed by an applied mathematician. After a short overview of the physical principles leading to the linear system model, a largely self-contained mathematical theory for this model is presented. This includes the geometry of the underlying indefinite metric space, spectral theory of J-symmetric matrices and the associated quadratic eigenvalue problem. Particular attention is paid to the sensitivity issues which influence numerical computations. Finally, several recent research developments are included, e.g. Lyapunov stability and the perturbation of the time evolution.
- Published
- 2011
221. Geometric Aspects of Analysis and Mechanics : In Honor of the 65th Birthday of Hans Duistermaat
- Author
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Erik P. van den Ban, Johan A.C. Kolk, Erik P. van den Ban, and Johan A.C. Kolk
- Subjects
- Group theory, Global analysis (Mathematics), Mathematics, Geometry, Algebraic, Mathematical physics, Geometry, Global differential geometry
- Abstract
Hans Duistermaat, an influential geometer-analyst, made substantial contributions to the theory of ordinary and partial differential equations, symplectic, differential, and algebraic geometry, minimal surfaces, semisimple Lie groups, mechanics, mathematical physics, and related fields. Written in his honor, the invited and refereed articles in this volume contain important new results as well as surveys in some of these areas, clearly demonstrating the impact of Duistermaat's research and, in addition, exhibiting interrelationships among many of the topics. Contributors include J.-M. Bismut, L. Boutet de Monvel, Y. Colin de Verdière, R.H. Cushman, N. Dencker, F.A. Grünbaum, V.W. Guillemin, J.-C. Hausmann, G. Heckman, T. Holm, L.C. Jeffrey, F. Kirwan, E. Leichtnam, B. McLellan, E. Meinrenken, P.-E. Paradan, J. Sjöstrand, X. Tang, S. Vũ Ngọc, A. Weinstein.
- Published
- 2011
222. Permutation Complexity in Dynamical Systems : Ordinal Patterns, Permutation Entropy and All That
- Author
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José Amigó and José Amigó
- Subjects
- System theory, Mathematical physics, Data structures (Computer science), Information theory, Mathematics
- Abstract
The study of permutation complexity can be envisioned as a new kind of symbolic dynamics whose basic blocks are ordinal patterns, that is, permutations defined by the order relations among points in the orbits of dynamical systems. Since its inception in 2002 the concept of permutation entropy has sparked a new branch of research in particular regarding the time series analysis of dynamical systems that capitalizes on the order structure of the state space. Indeed, on one hand ordinal patterns and periodic points are closely related, yet ordinal patterns are amenable to numerical methods, while periodicity is not. Another interesting feature is that since it can be shown that random (unconstrained) dynamics has no forbidden patterns with probability one, their existence can be used as a fingerprint to identify any deterministic origin of orbit generation. This book is primarily addressed to researchers working in the field of nonlinear dynamics and complex systems, yet will also be suitable for graduate students interested in these subjects. The presentation is a compromise between mathematical rigor and pedagogical approach. Accordingly, some of the more mathematical background needed for more in depth understanding has been shifted into the appendices.
- Published
- 2010
223. Mathematical Analysis of Problems in the Natural Sciences
- Author
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Vladimir Zorich and Vladimir Zorich
- Subjects
- Mathematical analysis, Mathematical physics, Geometry, Differential, Mathematics, Computer science—Mathematics, Probabilities
- Abstract
Based on a two-semester course aimed at illustrating various interactions of'pure mathematics'with other sciences, such as hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, statistical physics and information theory, this text unifies three general topics of analysis and physics, which are as follows: the dimensional analysis of physical quantities, which contains various applications including Kolmogorov's model for turbulence; functions of very large number of variables and the principle of concentration along with the non-linear law of large numbers, the geometric meaning of the Gauss and Maxwell distributions, and the Kotelnikov-Shannon theorem; and, finally, classical thermodynamics and contact geometry, which covers two main principles of thermodynamics in the language of differential forms, contact distributions, the Frobenius theorem and the Carnot-Caratheodory metric. It includes problems, historical remarks, and Zorich's popular article,'Mathematics as language and method.'
- Published
- 2010
224. Spinors in Four-Dimensional Spaces
- Author
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Gerardo F. Torres del Castillo and Gerardo F. Torres del Castillo
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Spinor analysis
- Abstract
Without using the customary Clifford algebras frequently studied in connection with the representations of orthogonal groups, this book gives an elementary introduction to the two-component spinor formalism for four-dimensional spaces with any signature. Some of the useful applications of four-dimensional spinors, such as Yang–Mills theory, are derived in detail using illustrative examples. Key topics and features: • Uniform treatment of the spinor formalism for four-dimensional spaces of any signature, not only the usual signature (+ + + −) employed in relativity • Examples taken from Riemannian geometry and special or general relativity are discussed in detail, emphasizing the usefulness of the two-component spinor formalism • Exercises in each chapter • The relationship of Clifford algebras and Dirac four-component spinors is established • Applications of the two-component formalism, focusing mainly on general relativity, are presented in the context of actual computations Spinors in Four-Dimensional Spaces is aimed at graduate students and researchers in mathematical and theoretical physics interested in the applications of the two-component spinor formalism in any four-dimensional vector space or Riemannian manifold with a definite or indefinite metric tensor. This systematic and self-contained book is suitable as a seminar text, a reference book, and a self-study guide. Reviews from the author's previous book, 3-D Spinors, Spin-Weighted Functions and their Applications: In summary…the book gathers much of what can be done with 3-D spinors in an easy-to-read, self-contained form designed for applications that will supplement many available spinor treatments. The book…should be appealing to graduate students and researchers in relativity and mathematical physics. —Mathematical Reviews The present book provides an easy-to-read and unconventional presentation of the spinor formalism for three-dimensional spaces with a definite or indefinite metric...Following a nice and descriptive introduction…the final chapter contains some applications of the formalism to general relativity. —Monatshefte für Mathematik
- Published
- 2010
225. Hyperbolic Triangle Centers : The Special Relativistic Approach
- Author
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A.A. Ungar and A.A. Ungar
- Subjects
- Geometry, Mathematics, Geometry, Hyperbolic, Special relativity (Physics), Astronomy
- Abstract
After A. Ungar had introduced vector algebra and Cartesian coordinates into hyperbolic geometry in his earlier books, along with novel applications in Einstein's special theory of relativity, the purpose of his new book is to introduce hyperbolic barycentric coordinates, another important concept to embed Euclidean geometry into hyperbolic geometry. It will be demonstrated that, in full analogy to classical mechanics where barycentric coordinates are related to the Newtonian mass, barycentric coordinates are related to the Einsteinian relativistic mass in hyperbolic geometry. Contrary to general belief, Einstein's relativistic mass hence meshes up extraordinarily well with Minkowski's four-vector formalism of special relativity. In Euclidean geometry, barycentric coordinates can be used to determine various triangle centers. While there are many known Euclidean triangle centers, only few hyperbolic triangle centers are known, and none of the known hyperbolic triangle centers has been determined analytically with respect to its hyperbolic triangle vertices. In his recent research, the author set the ground for investigating hyperbolic triangle centers via hyperbolic barycentric coordinates, and one of the purposes of this book is to initiate a study of hyperbolic triangle centers in full analogy with the rich study of Euclidean triangle centers. Owing to its novelty, the book is aimed at a large audience: it can be enjoyed equally by upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, researchers and academics in geometry, abstract algebra, theoretical physics and astronomy. For a fruitful reading of this book, familiarity with Euclidean geometry is assumed. Mathematical-physicists and theoretical physicists are likely to enjoy the study of Einstein's special relativity in terms of its underlying hyperbolic geometry. Geometers may enjoy the hunt for new hyperbolic triangle centers and, finally, astronomers may use hyperbolic barycentric coordinates in the velocityspace of cosmology.
- Published
- 2010
226. Nonlinear Oligopolies : Stability and Bifurcations
- Author
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Gian Italo Bischi, Carl Chiarella, Michael Kopel, Ferenc Szidarovszky, Gian Italo Bischi, Carl Chiarella, Michael Kopel, and Ferenc Szidarovszky
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Oligopolies--Mathematical models, Economics
- Abstract
The book focuses on the dynamics of nonlinear oligopoly models. It discusses the classical Cournot model with a large variety of demand and cost functions that illustrate the many different types of possible best response functions and it shows the existence of unique and multiple equilibria. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of nonnegativity and capacity constraints. Dynamics are introduced under various assumptions for the adjustment process. An introduction to the analysis of global dynamics is given through some specific examples. The book also considers concave and general oligopolies and gives conditions for the local asymptotic stability of their equilibria, and it investigates global dynamics in some special cases. Other oligopolies examined include market share attraction games, labor-managed oligopolies, partially cooperating firms and models with intertemporal demand attraction. Local/global stability analyses are carried out for these models and the impact of constraints is discussed. The book contains a number of technical appendices that summarize techniques of global dynamics not easily accessible elsewhere.
- Published
- 2010
227. Large Time Asymptotics for Solutions of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
- Author
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P.L. Sachdev, Ch. Srinivasa Rao, P.L. Sachdev, and Ch. Srinivasa Rao
- Subjects
- Differential equations, Mathematical physics, Physics, Mathematics
- Abstract
A large number of physical phenomena are modeled by nonlinear partial differential equations, subject to appropriate initial/ boundary conditions; these equations, in general, do not admit exact solution. The present monograph gives constructive mathematical techniques which bring out large time behavior of solutions of these model equations. These approaches, in conjunction with modern computational methods, help solve physical problems in a satisfactory manner. The asymptotic methods dealt with here include self-similarity, balancing argument, and matched asymptotic expansions. The physical models discussed in some detail here relate to porous media equation, heat equation with absorption, generalized Fisher's equation, Burgers equation and its generalizations. A chapter each is devoted to nonlinear diffusion and fluid mechanics. The present book will be found useful by applied mathematicians, physicists, engineers and biologists, and would considerably help understand diverse natural phenomena.
- Published
- 2009
228. Introduction to Analytical Dynamics
- Author
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Nicholas Woodhouse and Nicholas Woodhouse
- Subjects
- Mathematical physics, Physics, Mechanics, Mathematics, Mechanics, Applied
- Abstract
First published in 1987, this text offers concise but clear explanations and derivations to give readers a confident grasp of the chain of argument that leads from Newton's laws through Lagrange's equations and Hamilton's principle, to Hamilton's equations and canonical transformations. This new edition has been extensively revised and updated to include: A chapter on symplectic geometry and the geometric interpretation of some of the coordinate calculations. A more systematic treatment of the conections with the phase-plane analysis of ODEs; and an improved treatment of Euler angles. A greater emphasis on the links to special relativity and quantum theory showing how ideas from this classical subject link into contemporary areas of mathematics and theoretical physics. A wealth of examples show the subject in action and a range of exercises – with solutions – are provided to help test understanding.
- Published
- 2009
229. Hybrid Self-Organizing Modeling Systems
- Author
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Godfrey C. Onwubolu and Godfrey C. Onwubolu
- Subjects
- Engineering mathematics, Engineering—Data processing, Artificial intelligence, System theory, Mathematics, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
The Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) is a typical inductive modeling method that is built on principles of self-organization for modeling complex systems. However, it is known to often under-perform on non-parametric regression tasks, while time series modeling GMDH exhibits a tendency to find very complex polynomials that cannot model well future, unseen oscillations of the series. In order to alleviate these problems, GMDH has been recently hybridized with some computational intelligence (CI) techniques resulting in more robust and flexible hybrid intelligent systems for solving complex, real-world problems. The central theme of this book is to present in a very clear manner hybrids of some computational intelligence techniques and GMDH approach. The hybrids discussed in the book include GP-GMDH (Genetic Programming-GMDH) algorithm, GA-GMDH (Genetic Algorithm-GMDH) algorithm, DE-GMDH (Differential Evolution-GMDH) algorithm, and PSO-GMDH (Particle Swarm Optimization) algorithm. Also included is the description of the recently introduced GAME (Group Adaptive Models Evolution algorithm. The hybrid character of models and their self-organizing ability give these hybrid self-organizing modeling systems an advantage over standard data mining models. The modeling and data mining solutions of several real-life problems in the areas of engineering, bioinformatics, finance, and economics are presented in the chapters. The book will benefit amongst others, people who are working in the areas of neural networks, machine learning, artificial intelligence, complex system modeling and analysis, and optimization.
- Published
- 2009
230. Vladimir I. Arnold - Collected Works : Representations of Functions, Celestial Mechanics, and KAM Theory 1957-1965
- Author
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Vladimir I. Arnold, Alexander B. Givental, Boris Khesin, Jerrold E. Marsden, Alexander N. Varchenko, Victor A. Vassiliev, Oleg Viro, Vladimir Zakalyukin, Vladimir I. Arnold, Alexander B. Givental, Boris Khesin, Jerrold E. Marsden, Alexander N. Varchenko, Victor A. Vassiliev, Oleg Viro, and Vladimir Zakalyukin
- Subjects
- Celestial mechanics, Mathematics
- Abstract
Vladimir Arnold is one of the greatest mathematical scientists of our time, as well as one of the finest, most prolific mathematical authors. This first volume of his Collected Works focuses on representations of functions, celestial mechanics and KAM theory.
- Published
- 2009
231. Introduction to the Foundations of Applied Mathematics
- Author
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Mark H. Holmes and Mark H. Holmes
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Mechanics--Mathematics
- Abstract
FOAM. This acronym has been used for over?fty years at Rensselaer to designate an upper-division course entitled, Foundations of Applied Ma- ematics. This course was started by George Handelman in 1956, when he came to Rensselaer from the Carnegie Institute of Technology. His objective was to closely integrate mathematical and physical reasoning, and in the p- cess enable students to obtain a qualitative understanding of the world we live in. FOAM was soon taken over by a young faculty member, Lee Segel. About this time a similar course, Introduction to Applied Mathematics, was introduced by Chia-Ch'iao Lin at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Together Lin and Segel, with help from Handelman, produced one of the landmark textbooks in applied mathematics, Mathematics Applied to - terministic Problems in the Natural Sciences. This was originally published in 1974, and republished in 1988 by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, in their Classics Series. This textbook comes from the author teaching FOAM over the last few years. In this sense, it is an updated version of the Lin and Segel textbook.
- Published
- 2009
232. Mathematics for Physicists and Engineers : Fundamentals and Interactive Study Guide
- Author
-
Klaus Weltner, Wolfgang J. Weber, Jean Grosjean, Peter Schuster, Klaus Weltner, Wolfgang J. Weber, Jean Grosjean, and Peter Schuster
- Subjects
- Mathematical physics, Mathematical physics--Problems, exercises, etc, Engineering mathematics, Engineering mathematics--Problems, exercises, et, Science--Mathematics, Science--Mathematics--Problems, exercises, etc, Mathematics, Mathematics--Problems, exercises, etc, Mathematik--Lehrbuch
- Abstract
Mathematics is the basic language in physics and engineering. It is an essential tool which first and second year students have to master as soon as possible. A lack of competence in mathematics is the main reason for failure and drop out in the beginning periods of study.This textbook offers an accessible and highly approved approach which is characterized by the combination of the textbook with a detailed study guide available online at extras.springer.com. This study guide divides the whole learning task into small units which the student is very likely to master successfully. Thus he or she is asked to read and study a limited section of the textbook and to return to the study guide afterwards. Working with the study guide his or her learning results are controlled, monitored and deepened by graded questions, exercises, repetitions and finally by problems and applications of the content studied. Since the degree of difficulties is slowly rising the students gain confidence and experience their own progress in mathematical competence thus fostering motivation. Furthermore in case of learning difficulties he or she is given supplementary explanations and in case of individual needs supplementary exercises and applications. So the sequence of the studies is individualised according to the individual performance and needs and can be regarded as full tutorial course.More than that the study guide aims to satisfy two objectives simultaneously: firstly it enables students to make effective use of the textbook and secondly it offers advice on the improvement of study skills. Empirical studies have shown that the student's competence for using written information has improved significantly by using this study guide.
- Published
- 2009
233. Riemann, Topology, and Physics
- Author
-
Michael I. Monastyrsky and Michael I. Monastyrsky
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Mathematical physics, Topology, History
- Abstract
Ten years have passed since the publication of the first English edition.'Ten years is a long time, even when you are not in jail.'If we recall that the article on Riemann appeared in (Nature) in 1976, this Russian vaudeville joke is more than - propriate. Only the author's youth can account for the insane enterprise of presenting the scientific achievements and the biography of Riemann in 60 pages and the c- nection between physics and topology in the same space. Judging from the fact that the book sold out and got favorable reviews, there is a demand for publications of this type. It seems to me that popularizations aimed not at a narrow specialist but at a broader reader are especially needed nowadays. Specialists obtain information in their fields almost instantly thanks to the Internet, but to find out what is happening in contiguous fields, what problems and results are of great interest here, is not at all easy. Returning to my own book, I note with a certain pride that at least I seem to have evaluated accurately the trends in the development of theoretical physics. It is the combination of physics with topology and algebraic geometry that has led to the brightest achievements of mathematical physics in the last decade. It suffices to note the remarkable results of S.
- Published
- 2009
234. Implementing Spectral Methods for Partial Differential Equations : Algorithms for Scientists and Engineers
- Author
-
David A. Kopriva and David A. Kopriva
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Spectral theory (Mathematics), Differential equations, Partial
- Abstract
This book offers a systematic and self-contained approach to solve partial differential equations numerically using single and multidomain spectral methods. It contains detailed algorithms in pseudocode for the application of spectral approximations to both one and two dimensional PDEs of mathematical physics describing potentials, transport, and wave propagation. David Kopriva, a well-known researcher in the field with extensive practical experience, shows how only a few fundamental algorithms form the building blocks of any spectral code, even for problems with complex geometries. The book addresses computational and applications scientists, as it emphasizes the practical derivation and implementation of spectral methods over abstract mathematics. It is divided into two parts: First comes a primer on spectral approximation and the basic algorithms, including FFT algorithms, Gauss quadrature algorithms, and how to approximate derivatives. The second part shows how to use those algorithms to solve steady and time dependent PDEs in one and two space dimensions. Exercises and questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to experiment with the algorithms.
- Published
- 2009
235. Mathematical Analysis of Urban Spatial Networks
- Author
-
Philippe Blanchard, Dimitri Volchenkov, Philippe Blanchard, and Dimitri Volchenkov
- Subjects
- System theory, Human geography, Architecture, Mathematics, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
Cities can be considered to be among the largest and most complex artificial networks created by human beings. Due to the numerous and diverse human-driven activities, urban network topology and dynamics can differ quite substantially from that of natural networks and so call for an alternative method of analysis. The intent of the present monograph is to lay down the theoretical foundations for studying the topology of compact urban patterns, using methods from spectral graph theory and statistical physics. These methods are demonstrated as tools to investigate the structure of a number of real cities with widely differing properties: medieval German cities, the webs of city canals in Amsterdam and Venice, and a modern urban structure such as found in Manhattan. Last but not least, the book concludes by providing a brief overview of possible applications that will eventually lead to a useful body of knowledge for architects, urban planners and civil engineers.
- Published
- 2008
236. Classical Mechanics : An Introduction
- Author
-
Dieter Strauch and Dieter Strauch
- Subjects
- Mechanics, Mechanics, Applied, Mathematics, Mathematical physics, Dynamical systems, Geometry
- Abstract
On this Textbook This book has evolved from the series of lecture notes that I had handed out to the physics students at the University of Regensburg in Bavaria,Germany. Overtheyears,variousbitsandpieceshadbeenaddedtothecontentsofthese lecture notes, and others had to be left out for reasons of time limitations. These notes di?ered from the common textbooks, and as the students seemed to like them, I have collected all those pieces in this book. The Scope of this Book The scope of this book is twofold. The reader can learn that alternative sets of the very few principles of Classical Mechanics carry on very far. Thus, the book contains an amount of applications of varying degrees of sophistication. Also, di?erent physical problems require di?erent methods for their solutions with varying degrees of mathematical sophistication. The Organization of this Book In order not to blur the physics with mathematical intricacies, the necessary mathematical techniques are transferred to appendices. The largest di?erence of this textbook from other books on Classical - chanics may be that I have tried to make a particularly strong separation between axioms and fundamental experiences, on the one hand, and between claims, their proofs, various comments, on the other, rather than telling a more or less continuous story. Also, frequent references are made to other parts of the book or to other physical disciplines. If needed, the reader can skip proofs, comments, applications, and footnotes and thus follow only the main ideas.
- Published
- 2008
237. Artificial Intelligence Methods in the Environmental Sciences
- Author
-
Sue Ellen Haupt, Antonello Pasini, Caren Marzban, Sue Ellen Haupt, Antonello Pasini, and Caren Marzban
- Subjects
- Environment, Artificial intelligence, Mathematics, Environmental sciences—Mathematics, Mathematical physics, Earth sciences
- Abstract
How can environmental scientists and engineers use the increasing amount of available data to enhance our understanding of planet Earth, its systems and processes? This book describes various potential approaches based on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including neural networks, decision trees, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic. Part I contains a series of tutorials describing the methods and the important considerations in applying them. In Part II, many practical examples illustrate the power of these techniques on actual environmental problems. International experts bring to life ways to apply AI to problems in the environmental sciences. While one culture entwines ideas with a thread, another links them with a red line. Thus, a “red thread“ ties the book together, weaving a tapestry that pictures the ‘natural'data-driven AI methods in the light of the more traditional modeling techniques, and demonstrating the power of these data-based methods.
- Published
- 2008
238. In and Out of Equilibrium 2
- Author
-
Vladas Sidoravicius, Maria Eulália Vares, Vladas Sidoravicius, and Maria Eulália Vares
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Distribution (Probability theory), Physics, Probabilities--Congresses, Mathematical physics--Congresses
- Abstract
This volume consists of a collection of invited articles, written by some of the most distinguished probabilists, most of whom have been personally responsible for advances in the various subfields of probability.
- Published
- 2008
239. Mathematical Models of Granular Matter
- Author
-
Gianfranco Capriz, Pasquale Giovine, Paolo Maria Mariano, Gianfranco Capriz, Pasquale Giovine, and Paolo Maria Mariano
- Subjects
- Industrial engineering, Production engineering, Mathematics, Mathematical physics, Soft condensed matter
- Abstract
Granular matter displays a variety of peculiarities that distinguish it from other appearances studied in condensed matter physics and renders its overall mathematical modelling somewhat arduous. Prominent directions in the modelling granular flows are analyzed from various points of view. Foundational issues, numerical schemes and experimental results are discussed. The volume furnishes a rather complete overview of the current research trends in the mechanics of granular matter. Various chapters introduce the reader to different points of view and related techniques. New models describing granular bodies as complex bodies are presented. Results on the analysis of the inelastic Boltzmann equations are collected in different chapters. Gallavotti-Cohen symmetry is also discussed.
- Published
- 2008
240. Modelling and Control of Dynamical Systems: Numerical Implementation in a Behavioral Framework
- Author
-
Ricardo Zavala Yoe and Ricardo Zavala Yoe
- Subjects
- Artificial intelligence, Engineering mathematics, Engineering—Data processing, System theory, Control engineering, Robotics, Automation, Mathematics, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
A paradigmatic perspective for modeling and control of physical systems has been used since a long time ago: The input/output approach. Although quite natural for our human experience, this perspective imposes a cause/effect framework to the system under study although such system may not have necessarily such cause/effect structure. Actually, from a general point of view, a system interacts with its environment by exchange of mass and energy which should imply the use of bidirectional arrows in a block diagram rather than using unidirectional ones. Another perspective arose when a new variable showed up in systems and control theory: the state (Kalman). Thus, the input/state/output approach was born. Although the concept of state is cornerstone, qualitative characteristics of a system (stability, controllability and observability) have to be defined in terms of a representation of the system, i.e., such characteristics become representation dependent. In contrast, the relatively new Behavioral Approach for systems and control (Jan C. Willems) deals directly with the solution of the differential equations which represent the system. This set of allowed solutions is referred to as the behavior of the system. Thus, the key is the behavior and not the representation. This fact makes this perspective a representation free approach. This book reviews known topics of the Behavioral Approach and offers new theoretic results with the advantage of including control algorithms implemented numerically in the computer. In addition, issues of numerical analysis are also included. The programs and algorithms are MATLAB based.
- Published
- 2008
241. Planar Ising Correlations
- Author
-
John Palmer and John Palmer
- Subjects
- Mathematics, System theory, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
Steady progress in recent years has been made in understanding the special mathematical features of certain exactly solvable models in statistical mechanics and quantum field theory, including the scaling limits of the 2-D Ising (lattice) model, and more generally, a class of 2-D quantum fields known as holonomic fields. New results have made it possible to obtain a detailed nonperturbative analysis of the multi-spin correlations. In particular, the book focuses on deformation analysis of the scaling functions of the Ising model, and will appeal to graduate students, mathematicians, and physicists interested in the mathematics of statistical mechanics and quantum field theory.
- Published
- 2007
242. Fuchsian Reduction : Applications to Geometry, Cosmology and Mathematical Physics
- Author
-
Satyanad Kichenassamy and Satyanad Kichenassamy
- Subjects
- Geometry, Differential equations, Mathematics, Geometry, Differential, Mathematical physics, Solar system
- Abstract
Fuchsian reduction is a method for representing solutions of nonlinear PDEs near singularities. The technique has multiple applications including soliton theory, Einstein's equations and cosmology, stellar models, laser collapse, conformal geometry and combustion. Developed in the 1990s for semilinear wave equations, Fuchsian reduction research has grown in response to those problems in pure and applied mathematics where numerical computations fail. This work unfolds systematically in four parts, interweaving theory and applications. The case studies examined in Part III illustrate the impact of reduction techniques, and may serve as prototypes for future new applications. In the same spirit, most chapters include a problem section. Background results and solutions to selected problems close the volume. This book can be used as a text in graduate courses in pure or applied analysis, or as a resource for researchers working with singularities in geometry and mathematical physics.
- Published
- 2007
243. Einstein's General Theory of Relativity : With Modern Applications in Cosmology
- Author
-
Øyvind Grøn, Sigbjorn Hervik, Øyvind Grøn, and Sigbjorn Hervik
- Subjects
- Gravitation, Mathematical physics, Mathematics
- Abstract
The book introduces the general theory of relativity and includes applications to cosmology. The book contains a thorough introduction to tensor calculus and curved manifolds. After the necessary mathematical tools are introduced, we give a thorough presentation of the theory of relativity. Also, some advanced topics not previously covered by textbooks; e.g. Kaluza-Klein theory, Israel's formalism and branes. Anisotropic cosmological models are also included. The book contains a large number of new exercises and examples, each with separate headings. The reader will get an updated introduction to general relativity including the most recent developments in cosmology.
- Published
- 2007
244. Complex Systems Approach to Economic Dynamics
- Author
-
Abraham C.-L. Chian and Abraham C.-L. Chian
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Economics, Business cycles--Mathematical models, Nonlinear systems
- Abstract
Economic Systems exhibit complex dynamics evidenced by large-amplitude and aperiodic fluctuations in economic variables, such as foreign exchange rates and stock market prices, indicating that these systems are driven far from the equilibrium. Characterization of the complex behavior of economic cycles, by identifying regular and irregular patterns and regime switching in economic time series, is the key for pattern recognition and forecasting of economic cycles. Statistical analysis of stock markets and foreign exchange markets has demonstrated the intermittent nature of economic time series. A nonlinear model of business cycles is able to simulate intermittency arising from order-chaos and chaos-chaos transitions. This monograph introduces new concepts of unstable periodic orbits and chaotic saddles which are unstable structures embedded in a chaotic attractor, responsible for economic intermittency.
- Published
- 2007
245. Asymmetry: The Foundation of Information
- Author
-
Scott J. Muller and Scott J. Muller
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Symmetry (Physics), Information theory, Symmetry (Mathematics)
- Abstract
As individual needs have arisen in the fields of physics, electrical engineering and computational science, each has created its own theories of information to serve as conceptual instruments for advancing developments. This book provides a coherent consolidation of information theories from these different fields. The author gives a survey of current theories and then introduces the underlying notion of symmetry, showing how information is related to the capacity of a system to distinguish itself. A formal methodology using group theory is employed and leads to the application of Burnside's Lemma to count distinguishable states. This provides a versatile tool for quantifying complexity and information capacity in any physical system. Written in an informal style, the book is accessible to all researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, computational science as well as many others.
- Published
- 2007
246. Traffic and Granular Flow ' 05
- Author
-
Andreas Schadschneider, Thorsten Pöschel, Reinhart Kühne, Michael Schreckenberg, Dietrich E. Wolf, Andreas Schadschneider, Thorsten Pöschel, Reinhart Kühne, Michael Schreckenberg, and Dietrich E. Wolf
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Automotive engineering, Mathematical physics, Engineering mathematics, Engineering—Data processing
- Abstract
The conference series Tra?c and Granular Flow has been established in 1995 and has since then been held biannually. At that time, the investigation of granular materials and tra?c was still somewhat exotic and was just starting to become popular among physicists. Originally the idea behind this conference series was to facilitate the c- vergence of the two?elds, inspired by the similarities of certain phenomena and the use of similar theoretical methods. However, in recent years it has become clear that probably the di?erences between the two systems are much more interesting than the similarities. Nevertheless, the importance of various interrelations among these?elds is still growing. The workshop continues to o?er an opportunity to stimulate this interdisciplinary research. Over the years the spectrum of topics has become much broader and has included also problems related to topics ranging from social dynamics to - ology. The conference manages to bring together people with rather di?erent background, ranging from engineering to physics, mathematics and computer science. Also the full range of scienti?c tools is represented with presentations of empirical, experimental, theoretical and mathematical work. TheworkshoponTra?candGranularFlow'05wasthesixthinthisseries. Previous conferences were held in Julic ¨ h (1995), Duisburg (1997), Stuttgart (1999), Nagoya (2001), and Delft (2003). For its 10th anniversary, Berlin was chosen as location, the largest city and capital of Germany. Berlin is also one ofthecentersfortransportrelatedresearchandhostsmanyresearchinstitutes that have a long history in the?elds covered by the workshop.
- Published
- 2007
247. A Dressing Method in Mathematical Physics
- Author
-
Evgeny V. Doktorov, Sergey B. Leble, Evgeny V. Doktorov, and Sergey B. Leble
- Subjects
- Differential equations, Mathematics, Differential equations--Numerical solutions, Mathematical physics, Algebra
- Abstract
The monograph is devoted to the systematic presentation of the so called'dressing method'for solving differential equations (both linear and nonlinear) of mathematical physics. The essence of the dressing method consists in a generation of new non-trivial solutions of a given equation from (maybe trivial) solution of the same or related equation. The Moutard and Darboux transformations discovered in XIX century as applied to linear equations, the Bäcklund transformation in differential geometry of surfaces, the factorization method, the Riemann-Hilbert problem in the form proposed by Shabat and Zakharov for soliton equations and its extension in terms of the d-bar formalism comprise the main objects of the book. Throughout the text, a generally sufficient'linear experience'of readers is exploited, with a special attention to the algebraic aspects of the main mathematical constructions and to practical rules of obtaining new solutions. Various linear equations of classical and quantum mechanics are solved by the Darboux and factorization methods. An extension of the classical Darboux transformations to nonlinear equations in 1+1 and 2+1 dimensions, as well as its factorization are discussed in detail. The applicability of the local and non-local Riemann-Hilbert problem-based approach and its generalization in terms of the d-bar method are illustrated on various nonlinear equations.
- Published
- 2007
248. Quantum Gravity : Mathematical Models and Experimental Bounds
- Author
-
Bertfried Fauser, Jürgen Tolksdorf, Eberhard Zeidler, Bertfried Fauser, Jürgen Tolksdorf, and Eberhard Zeidler
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Astronomy, Quantum gravity--Congresses, Quantum gravity--Mathematical models--Congresses
- Abstract
This Edited Volume is based on a workshop on “Mathematical and Physical - pects of Quantum Gravity” held at the Heinrich-Fabri Institute in Blaubeuren st (Germany) from July 28th to August 1, 2005. This workshop was the succ- sor of a similar workshop held at the same place in September 2003 on the issue of “Mathematical and Physical Aspects of Quantum Field Theories”. Both wo- shops were intended to bring together mathematicians and physicists to discuss profoundquestionswithin the non-emptyintersectionofmathematics andphysics. The basic idea of this series of workshops is to cover a broad range of di?erent approaches (both mathematical and physical) to a speci?c subject in mathema- cal physics. The series of workshops is intended, in particular, to discuss the basic conceptual ideas behind di?erent mathematical and physical approaches to the subject matter concerned. The workshop on which this volume is based was devoted to what is c- monly regarded as the biggest challenge in mathematical physics: the “quanti- tion of gravity”. The gravitational interaction is known to be very di?erent from the known interactions like, for instance, the electroweak or strong interaction of elementary particles. First of all, to our knowledge, any kind of energy has a gravitational coupling. Second, since Einstein it is widely accepted that gravity is intimately related to the structure of space-time. Both facts have far reaching consequences for any attempt to develop a quantum theory of gravity.
- Published
- 2007
249. Vorticity, Statistical Mechanics, and Monte Carlo Simulation
- Author
-
Chjan Lim, Joseph Nebus, Chjan Lim, and Joseph Nebus
- Subjects
- Fluid mechanics, Mathematics, Statistical mechanics, Mathematical physics
- Abstract
This book is meant for an audience of advanced undergraduates and graduate students taking courses on the statistical mechanics approach to turbulent?ows and on stochastic simulations. It is also suitable for the self-study of professionals involved in the research and modelling of large scale stochastic?uid?ows with a substantial vortical component. Several related ideas motivate the approach in this book, namely, the application of equilibrium statistical mechanics to two-dimensional and 2- dimensional?uid?ows in the spirit of Onsager [337], and Kraichnan [227], is taken to be a valid starting point, and the primary importance of non-linear convection e?ects combined with the gravitational and rotational properties of large scale strati?ed?ows over the secondary e?ects of viscosity is assumed. The latter point is corroborated by the many successful studies of?uid v- cosity which limit its e?ects to speci?c and narrow regions such as boundary layers, and to the initial and transient phases of the experiment such as in the Ekman layer and spin-up [154] [344].
- Published
- 2007
250. Geometry and Topology in Hamiltonian Dynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- Author
-
Marco Pettini and Marco Pettini
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Statistical mechanics, Hamiltonian systems
- Abstract
Itisaspecialpleasureformetowritethisforewordforaremarkablebookbya remarkableauthor.MarcoPettiniisadeepthinker,whohasspentmanyyears probing the foundations of Hamiltonian chaos and statistical mechanics, in particular phase transitions, from the point of view of geometry and topology. Itisinparticularthequalityofmindoftheauthorandhisdeepphysical,as well as mathematical insights which make this book so special and inspiring. It is a “must” for those who want to venture into a new approach to old problems or want to use new tools for new problems. Although topology has penetrated a number of?elds of physics, a broad participationoftopologyintheclari?cationandprogressoffundamentalpr- lems in the above-mentioned?elds has been lacking. The new perspectives topology gives to the above-mentioned problems are bound to help in their clari?cation and to spread to other?elds of science. The sparsity of geometric thinking and of its use to solve fundamental problems, when compared with purely analytical methods in physics, could be relieved and made highly productive using the material discussed in this book. It is unavoidable that the physicist reader may have then to learn some new mathematics and be challenged to a new way of thinking, but with the author as a guide, he is assured of the best help in achieving this that is presently available.
- Published
- 2007
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