Catastrophe Theory and Its Applications

by Tim Poston, Ian Stewart

This first integrated treatment of the main ideas behind René Thom's theory of catastrophes aims to make them accessible to scientists wishing to apply the theory in their own fields of research. The mathematical basis of the theory is therefore explained with a minimum of technicalities, although some knowledge of the calculus of variables is assumed.
Thom's now-famous list of seven elementary catastrophes, broadly classifying various types of discontinuous change, is elucidated, as are the reasons for its appearance. Nearly half the book concentrates on detailed applications of the theory, emphasizing its uses in the physical sciences where applications can be made quantitative and can be experimentally verified. The more controversial and speculative applications to areas in the social sciences are also mentioned, but not discussed in detail.
Over 200 illustrations help clarify the ideas and applications in this volume, which will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate students in such diverse disciplines as engineering, mathematics, physics, and biology. 1978 edition. Bibliography.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Reference

512 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Travelled the world doing maths-related work in academia and industry, taking deep pleasure in the variations of people and place. My publication co-authors range from archaeologist to brain surgeon, and my patents from magnetic resonance to document search, so I'm more fox than hedgehog. I enjoy finding that standard textbook facts are wrong, and I like it even more when a student proves me wrong.

Since April 2013, working for which combines optics, image understanding, mechanical and IT engineering, etc., to fight blindness and the many diseases which afflict the eyes or just become visible there, in ways that can reach people who have never seen an eye doctor.