Mathematical Methods in Physics & Engineering 2d Edition

by John W. Dettman Professor of Mathematics Oakland University

International Series In Pure And Applied Mathematics MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING 16597 Second Edition In the 7 years since the 1st edition was published the trend toward introducing mathematical topics earlier in the undergraduate curriculum has continued. This probably obviates the devotion of a chapter of this book to linear algebra. However, since it may be several years before it is common for advanced undergraduate students of engineering and physics to be sufficiently well prepared in linear algebra, the first chapter remains to be linear algebra. This can serve as a prerequisite for the rest of the book. Sections on vibration problems and linear programming illustrate some of the applications of the linear algebra in physics and engineering. A chapter on Hilbert spaces which carries the subject through the special theory for self-adjoint completely continuous operators. This makes it possible to tighten up the treatment of boundary-value problems and integral equations. Chapter 8 depends heavily on analytic functions of a complex variable, and chapter 7 on analytic function theory. The entire book can be comprehended by an undergraduate student with a good course in calculus which includes infinite series and uniform convergence. There are many recurring themed which thread their way through the whole development. Vector space concept, eigenvalue problem, partial differential equations and integral equations. The calculus of variations presents a unified method of handling many problems. The same can be said of transform techniques. The method of constructing Green's functions is applicable to many types of boundary-value problems, and it allows one to formulate problems inn terms of integral equations, thus opening up new possibilities for solution.

Genres: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering

428 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1988

Reviews

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a clear and concise treatment of math. It covers mathematics I didn't take in a class setting, so the challenge is real. John W. Dettman wrote the book in 1962. I have a reprint of the second edition.

Dettman gets down to business immediately, opening with linear algebra. He explains the terms and uses for each letter, making the book simple to understand. On the other hand, I don't have a strong basis in Calculus, so perhaps I should start there to learn more mathematics. Without a foundation to build on, my efforts are futile.

On the book's cover is an image of a linked pendulum. Dettman applies a Lagrangian to solve it.

I intended to finish the book earlier, but life reared its head.

I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.