Variational Methods with Applications in Science and Engineering (Hardcover)

Kevin W. Cassel

ISBN 10: 1107022584 / ISBN 13: 9781107022584

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2013

About this Item

Hardcover. There is a resurgence of applications in which the calculus of variations has direct relevance. In addition to application to solid mechanics and dynamics, it is now being applied in a variety of numerical methods, numerical grid generation, modern physics, various optimization settings and fluid dynamics. Many applications, such as nonlinear optimal control theory applied to continuous systems, have only recently become tractable computationally, with the advent of advanced algorithms and large computer systems. This book reflects the strong connection between calculus of variations and the applications for which variational methods form the fundamental foundation. The mathematical fundamentals of calculus of variations (at least those necessary to pursue applications) is rather compact and is contained in a single chapter of the book. The majority of the text consists of applications of variational calculus for a variety of fields. There is a resurgence of applications for the calculus of variations, such as in solid mechanics and dynamics, numerical methods, numerical grid generation, modern physics, various optimization settings and fluid dynamics. This book reflects the connection between calculus of variations and the applications for which variational methods form the foundation. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781107022584

Bibliographic Details

Title: Variational Methods with Applications in ...

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Publication Date: 2013

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis:

There is a resurgence of applications in which the calculus of variations has direct relevance. In addition to application to solid mechanics and dynamics, it is now being applied in a variety of numerical methods, numerical grid generation, modern physics, various optimization settings and fluid dynamics. Many applications, such as nonlinear optimal control theory applied to continuous systems, have only recently become tractable computationally, with the advent of advanced algorithms and large computer systems. This book reflects the strong connection between calculus of variations and the applications for which variational methods form the fundamental foundation. The mathematical fundamentals of calculus of variations (at least those necessary to pursue applications) is rather compact and is contained in a single chapter of the book. The majority of the text consists of applications of variational calculus for a variety of fields.

Review:

'The current book is an attractive fresh look at the subject by a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering ... Most chapters have a modest number of exercises. There is a very nice bibliography.' Bill Satzer, MAA Reviews

'This well-written book contains a large amount of material ... will also be useful for scientists from application areas, in particular, those from engineering and physics.' Vicenţiu D. Rădulescu, Mathematical Reviews

'Overall, the text is clear and provides an excellent introduction to the calculus of variations for engineers and applied scientists looking for a concise exposition of the theory with numerous applications. Several historical notes appear throughout the text, which helps students understand the overall framework of variational calculus.' Joel Storch, IEEE Systems Control Magazine