Applied Mathematical Methods in Theoretical Physics

Since the first volume of this work came out in Germany in 1924, this book, together with its second volume, has remained standard in the field. Courant and Hilbert's treatment restores the historically deep connections between physical intuition and mathematical development, providing the reader with a unified approach to mathematical physics. The present volume represents Richard Courant's second and final revision of 1953.

Since the first volume of this work came out in Germany in 1937, this book, together with its first volume, has remained standard in the field. Courant and Hilbert's treatment restores the historically deep connections between physical intuition and mathematical development, providing the reader with a unified approach to mathematical physics. The present volume represents Richard Courant's final revision of 1961.

This book is a comprehensive account of five extended modules covering the key branches of twentieth-century theoretical physics, taught by the author over a period of three decades to students on bachelor and master university degree courses in both physics and theoretical physics. The modules cover nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, thermal and statistical physics, many-body theory, classical field theory (including special relativity and electromagnetism), and, finally, relativistic quantum mechanics and gauge theories of quark and lepton interactions, all presented in a single, self-contained volume. In a number of universities, much of the material covered (for example, on Einstein’s general theory of relativity, on the BCS theory of superconductivity, and on the Standard Model, including the theory underlying the prediction of the Higgs boson) is taught in postgraduate courses to beginning PhD students. A distinctive feature of the book is that full, step-by-step mathematical proofs of all essential results are given, enabling a student who has completed a high-school mathematics course and the first year of a university physics degree course to understand and appreciate the derivations of very many of the most important results of twentieth-century theoretical physics.

What sets this volume apart from other mathematics texts is its emphasis on mathematical tools commonly used by scientists and engineers to solve real-world problems. Using a unique approach, it covers intermediate and advanced material in a manner appropriate for undergraduate students. Based on author Bruce Kusse's course at the Department of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University, Mathematical Physics begins with essentials such as vector and tensor algebra, curvilinear coordinate systems, complex variables, Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms, differential and integral equations, and solutions to Laplace's equations. The book moves on to explain complex topics that often fall through the cracks in undergraduate programs, including the Dirac delta-function, multivalued complex functions using branch cuts, branch points and Riemann sheets, contravariant and covariant tensors, and an introduction to group theory. This expanded second edition contains a new appendix on the calculus of variation – a valuable addition to the already superb collection of topics on offer. This is an ideal text for upper-level undergraduates in physics, applied physics, physical chemistry, biophysics, and all areas of engineering. It allows physics professors to prepare students for a wide range of employment in science and engineering and makes an excellent reference for scientists and engineers in industry. Worked out examples appear throughout the book and exercises follow every chapter. Solutions to the odd-numbered exercises are available for lecturers at www.wiley-vch.de/textbooks/.

An innovative treatment of mathematical methods for a multidisciplinary audience Clearly and elegantly presented, Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering provides a coherent treatment of mathematical methods, bringing advanced mathematical tools to a multidisciplinary audience. The growing interest in interdisciplinary studies has brought scientists from many disciplines such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, economics, and finance together, which has increased the demand for courses in upper-level mathematical techniques. This book succeeds in not only being tuned in to the existing practical needs of this multidisciplinary audience, but also plays a role in the development of new interdisciplinary science by introducing new techniques to students and researchers. Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering's modular structure affords instructors enough flexibility to use this book for several different advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses. Each chapter serves as a review of its subject and can be read independently, thus it also serves as a valuable reference and refresher for scientists and beginning researchers. There are a growing number of research areas in applied sciences, such as earthquakes, rupture, financial markets, and crashes, that employ the techniques of fractional calculus and path integrals. The book's two unique chapters on these subjects, written in a style that makes these advanced techniques accessible to a multidisciplinary audience, are an indispensable tool for researchers and instructors who want to add something new to their compulsory courses. Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering includes: * Comprehensive chapters on coordinates and tensors and on continuous groups and their representations * An emphasis on physical motivation and the multidisciplinary nature of the methods discussed * A coherent treatment of carefully selected topics in a style that makes advanced mathematical tools accessible to a multidisciplinary audience * Exercises at the end of every chapter and plentiful examples throughout the book Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering is not only appropriate as a text for advanced undergraduate and graduate physics programs, but is also appropriate for engineering science and mechanical engineering departments due to its unique chapter coverage and easily accessible style. Readers are expected to be familiar with topics typically covered in the first three years of science and engineering undergraduate programs. Thoroughly class-tested, this book has been used in classes by more than 1,000 students over the past eighteen years.

A Practical, Interdisciplinary Guide to Advanced Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering, Second Edition, provides students and scientists with a detailed mathematical reference for advanced analysis and computational methodologies. Making complex tools accessible, this invaluable resource is designed for both the classroom and the practitioners; the modular format allows flexibility of coverage, while the text itself is formatted to provide essential information without detailed study. Highly practical discussion focuses on the “how-to” aspect of each topic presented, yet provides enough theory to reinforce central processes and mechanisms. Recent growing interest in interdisciplinary studies has brought scientists together from physics, chemistry, biology, economy, and finance to expand advanced mathematical methods beyond theoretical physics. This book is written with this multi-disciplinary group in mind, emphasizing practical solutions for diverse applications and the development of a new interdisciplinary science. Revised and expanded for increased utility, this new Second Edition: Includes over 60 new sections and subsections more useful to a multidisciplinary audience Contains new examples, new figures, new problems, and more fluid arguments Presents a detailed discussion on the most frequently encountered special functions in science and engineering Provides a systematic treatment of special functions in terms of the Sturm-Liouville theory Approaches second-order differential equations of physics and engineering from the factorization perspective Includes extensive discussion of coordinate transformations and tensors, complex analysis, fractional calculus, integral transforms, Green's functions, path integrals, and more Extensively reworked to provide increased utility to a broader audience, this book provides a self-contained three-semester course for curriculum, self-study, or reference. As more scientific disciplines begin to lean more heavily on advanced mathematical analysis, this resource will prove to be an invaluable addition to any bookshelf.

A complete introduction to the multidisciplinary applications of mathematical methods In order to work with varying levels of engineering and physics research, it is important to have a firm understanding of key mathematical concepts such as advanced calculus, differential equations, complex analysis, and introductory mathematical physics. Essentials of Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering provides a comprehensive introduction to these methods under one cover, outlining basic mathematical skills while also encouraging students and practitioners to develop new, interdisciplinary approaches to their research. The book begins with core topics from various branches of mathematics such as limits, integrals, and inverse functions. Subsequent chapters delve into the analytical tools that are commonly used in scientific and engineering studies, including vector analysis, generalized coordinates, determinants and matrices, linear algebra, complex numbers, complex analysis, and Fourier series. The author provides an extensive chapter on probability theory with applications to statistical mechanics and thermodynamics that complements the following chapter on information theory, which contains coverage of Shannon's theory, decision theory, game theory, and quantum information theory. A comprehensive list of references facilitates further exploration of these topics. Throughout the book, numerous examples and exercises reinforce the presented concepts and techniques. In addition, the book is in a modular format, so each chapter covers its subject thoroughly and can be read independently. This structure affords flexibility for individualizing courses and teaching. Providing a solid foundation and overview of the various mathematical methods and applications in multidisciplinary research, Essentials of Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering is an excellent text for courses in physics, science, mathematics, and engineering at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as a useful reference for scientists and engineers who would like a practical review of mathematical methods.

A comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary applications of mathematical methods, revised and updated The second edition of Essentials of Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering offers an introduction to the key mathematical concepts of advanced calculus, differential equations, complex analysis, and introductory mathematical physics for students in engineering and physics research. The book’s approachable style is designed in a modular format with each chapter covering a subject thoroughly and thus can be read independently. This updated second edition includes two new and extensive chapters that cover practical linear algebra and applications of linear algebra as well as a computer file that includes Matlab codes. To enhance understanding of the material presented, the text contains a collection of exercises at the end of each chapter. The author offers a coherent treatment of the topics with a style that makes the essential mathematical skills easily accessible to a multidisciplinary audience. This important text: • Includes derivations with sufficient detail so that the reader can follow them without searching for results in other parts of the book • Puts the emphasis on the analytic techniques • Contains two new chapters that explore linear algebra and its applications • Includes Matlab codes that the readers can use to practice with the methods introduced in the book Written for students in science and engineering, this new edition of Essentials of Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering maintains all the successful features of the first edition and includes new information.