Mathematical Physics - Applied Mathematics For Scientists And Engineers 2E

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/.

Bruce Kusse is Professor of Applied and Engineering Physics at Cornell University, where he has been teaching since 1970. He holds a PhD from the MIT in electrical engineering with a specialty in plasma physics.

Erik Westwig is a software engineer with Palisade Corporation, New Jersey. He holds an MS in applied physics from Cornell University.

1. A Review of Vector and Matrix Algebra Using Subscript/Summation Conventions.

2. Differential and Integral Operations on Vector and Scalar Fields.

3. Curvilinear Coordinate Systems.

4. Introduction to Tensors.

5. The Dirac Delta-Function.

6. Introduction to Complex Variables.

7. Fourier Series.

8. Fourier Transforms.

9. Laplace Transforms.

10. Differential Equations.

11. Solutions to Laplace's Equation.

12. Integral Equations.

13. Advanced Topics in Complex Analysis.

14. Tensors in Non-Orthogonal Coordinate Systems.

15. Introduction to Group Theory.

Appendix A. The Levi-Civita Identitiy.

Appendix B. The Curvilinear Curl.

Appendix C. The Double Integral Identity.

Appendix D. Green's Function Solutions.

Appendix E. Pseudovectors and the Mirror Test.

Appendix F. Christoffel Symbols and Covariant Derivatives.

Appendix G: Calculus of Variation.

Errata List.

Bibliography.

Index.