Innovative Computing Methods and Their Applications to Engineering Problems

Powerful techniques have been developed in recent years for the analysis of digital data, especially the manipulation of images. This book provides an in-depth introduction to a range of these innovative, avante-garde data-processing techniques. It develops the reader's understanding of each technique and then shows with practical examples how they can be applied to improve the skills of graduate students and researchers in astronomy, electrical engineering, physics, geophysics and medical imaging. What sets this book apart from others on the subject is the complementary blend of theory and practical application. Throughout, it is copiously illustrated with real-world examples from astronomy, electrical engineering, remote sensing and medicine. It also shows how many, more traditional, methods can be enhanced by incorporating the new wavelet and multiscale methods into the processing. For graduate students and researchers already experienced in image processing and data analysis, this

Together, the two volumes cover all the mathematics needed for an introductory course in the physical sciences. The approach taken is to learn through understanding real examples, showing mathematics as a tool for understanding physical systems and their behaviour. The aim is to make the student feel at home with real problems by creating a toolkit through a wide range of examples. The traditional approach of teaching theory for its own sake is not used in this course. Dr Lyons brings a wealth of teaching experience to this refreshing textbook on the fundamentals of mathematics for physics and engineering.

This book, first published in 1998, is the second in a two volume work and introduces integral and differential calculus, waves, matrices, and eigenvectors for undergraduates in physics and engineering. Together, the two volumes cover all the mathematics needed for an introductory course in the physical sciences. The approach taken is to learn through understanding real examples, showing mathematics as a tool for understanding physical systems and their behaviour. The aim is to make the student feel at home with real problems by creating a toolkit through a wide range of examples. The traditional approach of teaching theory for its own sake is not used in this course. Dr. Lyons brings a wealth of teaching experience to this refreshing textbook on the fundamentals of mathematics for physics and engineering.

This book, first published in 1998, is the second in a two volume work and introduces integral and differential calculus, waves, matrices, and eigenvectors for undergraduates in physics and engineering. Together, the two volumes cover all the mathematics needed for an introductory course in the physical sciences. The approach taken is to learn through understanding real examples, showing mathematics as a tool for understanding physical systems and their behaviour. The aim is to make the student feel at home with real problems by creating a toolkit through a wide range of examples. The traditional approach of teaching theory for its own sake is not used in this course. Dr. Lyons brings a wealth of teaching experience to this refreshing textbook on the fundamentals of mathematics for physics and engineering.

Composites are used extensively in engineering applications. A constant concern is the effect of foreign object impacts on composite structures because significant damage can occur and yet be undetectable by visual inspection. Such impacts can range from the most ordinary at low velocity - a tool dropped on a product - to the hypervelocity impact of space debris on a spacecraft. This book explains how damage develops during impact, the effect of impact-induced damage on the mechanical behavior of structures, and methods of damage prediction and detection. Numerous examples are included to illustrate these topics. Written for graduate students, as well as researchers and practising engineers working with composite materials, this book presents state-of-the-art knowledge on impact dynamics while requiring only basic understanding of the mechanics of composite materials.

This book examines arranging methods and their applications. It is designed to be used in a jazz studies program and as a professional reference manual for musicians. The text begins with a historical

Probabilistic modelling is the most cost-effective means of performance and reliability evaluation of complex dynamic systems. This self-contained text will be welcomed by students and teachers for its no-nonsense treatment of the basic results and examples of their application. The only mathematical background that is assumed is basic calculus. The necessary fundamentals of probability theory are included, as well as an introduction to renewal, Poisson and Markov processes. Models arising in the fields of manufacturing, computing and communications, involving single or multiple service stations and one or more customer classes, are examined in some detail. Both exact and approximate solution methods are discussed, including recent techniques such as spectral expansion. Special attention is devoted to models of systems subject to breakdowns and repairs. Throughout the book, strong emphasis is placed on explaining the ideas behind the results and helping the reader to use them, making t

Probabilistic modelling is the most cost-effective means of performance and reliability evaluation of complex dynamic systems. This self-contained text will be welcomed by students and teachers for its no-nonsense treatment of the basic results and examples of their application. The only mathematical background that is assumed is basic calculus. The necessary fundamentals of probability theory are included, as well as an introduction to renewal, Poisson and Markov processes. Models arising in the fields of manufacturing, computing and communications, involving single or multiple service stations and one or more customer classes, are examined in some detail. Both exact and approximate solution methods are discussed, including recent techniques such as spectral expansion. Special attention is devoted to models of systems subject to breakdowns and repairs. Throughout the book, strong emphasis is placed on explaining the ideas behind the results and helping the reader to use them, making t

Here is an overview of modern computational stabilization methods for linear inversion, with applications to a variety of problems in audio processing, medical imaging, tomography, seismology, astrono

This text presents methods of modern set theory as tools that can be usefully applied to other areas of mathematics. The author describes numerous applications in abstract geometry and real analysis and, in some cases, in topology and algebra. The book begins with a tour of the basics of set theory, culminating in a proof of Zorn's Lemma and a discussion of some of its applications. The author then develops the notions of transfinite induction and descriptive set theory, with applications to the theory of real functions. The final part of the book presents the tools of 'modern' set theory: Martin's Axiom, the Diamond Principle, and elements of forcing. Written primarily as a text for beginning graduate or advanced level undergraduate students, this book should also interest researchers wanting to learn more about set theoretical techniques applicable to their fields.

This text presents methods of modern set theory as tools that can be usefully applied to other areas of mathematics. The author describes numerous applications in abstract geometry and real analysis and, in some cases, in topology and algebra. The book begins with a tour of the basics of set theory, culminating in a proof of Zorn's Lemma and a discussion of some of its applications. The author then develops the notions of transfinite induction and descriptive set theory, with applications to the theory of real functions. The final part of the book presents the tools of 'modern' set theory: Martin's Axiom, the Diamond Principle, and elements of forcing. Written primarily as a text for beginning graduate or advanced level undergraduate students, this book should also interest researchers wanting to learn more about set theoretical techniques applicable to their fields.

This 1998 book describes the progress that had been made towards the development of a comprehensive understanding of the formation of complex, disorderly patterns under conditions far from equilibrium. The application of fractal geometry and scaling concepts to the quantitative description and understanding of structure formed under non-equilibrium conditions is described. Self-similar fractals, multi-fractals and scaling methods are discussed, with examples, to facilitate applications in the physical sciences. Computer simulations and experimental studies are emphasised, but the author also includes discussion of theoretical advances in the subject. Much of the book deals with diffusion-limited growth processes and the evolution of rough surfaces, although a broad range of other applications is also included. The techniques and topics will be relevant to graduate students and researchers in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering and the earth sciences, interested in applyi

Elastic structures, conceived as slender bodies able to transmit loads, have been studied by scientists and engineers for centuries. By the seventeenth century several useful theories of elastic structures had emerged, with applications to civil and mechanical engineering problems. In recent years improved mathematical tools have extended applications into new areas such as geomechanics and biomechanics. This book, first published in 1998, offers a critically filtered collection of the most significant theories dealing with elastic slender bodies. It includes mathematical models involving elastic structures, which are used to solve practical problems with particular emphasis on nonlinear problems. This collection of interesting and important problems in elastic structures will appeal to a broad range of scientists, engineers and graduate students working in the area of structural mechanics.

Complex fluid flows are encountered widely in nature, in living beings and in engineering practice. These flows often involve both geometric and dynamic complexity and present problems that are difficult to analyse because of their wide range of length and time scales, as well as their geometric configuration. This book describes some computational techniques and modelling strategies for analysing and predicting complex transport phenomena. It summarizes advances in the context of a pressure-based algorithm. Among methods discussed are discretization schemes for treating convection and pressure, parallel computing, multigrid methods, and composite, multiblock techniques. With respect to physical modelling, the book addresses issues of turbulence closure and multiscale, multiphase transport from an engineering viewpoint. Both fundamental and practical issues are considered, along with the relative merits of competing approaches. Numerous examples are given throughout the text. Mechanica

The field of quantum optics has witnessed significant theoretical and experimental developments in recent years. This book provides an in-depth and wide-ranging introduction to the subject, emphasising throughout the basic principles and their applications. The book begins by developing the basic tools of quantum optics, and goes on to show the application of these tools in a variety of quantum optical systems, including lasing without inversion, squeezed states and atom optics. The final four chapters are devoted to a discussion of quantum optical tests of the foundations of quantum mechanics, and to particular aspects of measurement theory. Assuming only a background of standard quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory, and containing many problems and references, this book will be invaluable to graduate students of quantum optics, as well as to researchers in this field.

Mothers and infants exchanging gleeful vocalizations, married couples discussing their problems, children playing, birds courting and monkeys fighting have this in common: their interactions with others unfold over time. Almost anyone who is interested can observe and describe such phenomena. But usually scientists demand more. They want observations that are replicable and amenable to scientific analysis, while still faithful to the dynamics of the phenomena studied. This book provides a straightforward introduction to scientific methods for observing social behavior. Because of the importance of time in the dynamics of social interaction, sequential approaches to analyzing and understanding social behavior are emphasized. An advanced knowledge of statistical analysis is not required. Instead, the authors present fundamental concepts and offer practical advice.

This book discusses methods and results from the theory of homogenization and their applications to flow and transport in porous media. It offers a systematic and rigorous treatment of upscaling proce

Now in paperback, this remains one of the classic expositions of the theory of wavelets from two of the subject's leading experts. In this volume the theory of paradifferential operators and the Cauchy kernel on Lipschitz curves are discussed with the emphasis firmly on their connection with wavelet bases. Sparse matrix representations of these operators can be given in terms of wavelet bases which have important applications in image processing and numerical analysis. This method is now widely studied and can be used to tackle a wide variety of problems arising in science and engineering. Put simply, this is an essential purchase for anyone researching the theory of wavelets.

This book introduces the use of Lie algebra and differential geometry methods to study nonlinear integrable systems of Toda type. Many challenging problems in theoretical physics are related to the solution of nonlinear systems of partial differential equations. One of the most fruitful approaches in recent years has resulted from a merging of group algebraic and geometric techniques. The book gives a comprehensive introduction to this exciting branch of science. Chapters 1 and 2 review basic notions of Lie algebras and differential geometry with an emphasis on further applications to integrable nonlinear systems. Chapter 3 contains a derivation of Toda type systems and their general solutions based on Lie algebra and differential geometry methods. The last chapter examines explicit solutions of the corresponding equations. The book is written in an accessible 'lecture note' style with many examples and exercises to illustrate key points and to reinforce understanding.

This is an advanced 1997 text for first-year graduate students in physics and engineering taking a standard classical mechanics course. It was the first book to describe the subject in the context of the language and methods of modern nonlinear dynamics. The organising principle of the text is integrability vs. nonintegrability. Flows in phase space and transformations are introduced early and systematically and are applied throughout the text. The standard integrable problems of elementary physics are analysed from the standpoint of flows, transformations, and integrability. This approach then allows the author to introduce most of the interesting ideas of modern nonlinear dynamics via the most elementary nonintegrable problems of Newtonian mechanics. This text will be of value to physicists and engineers taking graduate courses in classical mechanics. It will also interest specialists in nonlinear dynamics, mathematicians, engineers and system theorists.

This is an advanced 1997 text for first-year graduate students in physics and engineering taking a standard classical mechanics course. It was the first book to describe the subject in the context of the language and methods of modern nonlinear dynamics. The organising principle of the text is integrability vs. nonintegrability. Flows in phase space and transformations are introduced early and systematically and are applied throughout the text. The standard integrable problems of elementary physics are analysed from the standpoint of flows, transformations, and integrability. This approach then allows the author to introduce most of the interesting ideas of modern nonlinear dynamics via the most elementary nonintegrable problems of Newtonian mechanics. This text will be of value to physicists and engineers taking graduate courses in classical mechanics. It will also interest specialists in nonlinear dynamics, mathematicians, engineers and system theorists.

This book provides an international and interdisciplinary forum for the discussion of advances in the research of nanophase and nanocomposites. The term 'nanophase' refers to nanoscale particles of one phase, whereas the term 'nanocomposite'refers to a composite of more than one Gibbsian solid phase where at least one dimension is in the nanometer range. The book, the second in a series, features reports showing that bulk materials with nanostructure (‹ 0.5µm) often have enhanced and unique properties when compared to their coarse-structured (›1µm) equivalents. A wide range of science and engineering disciplines are represented, with topics ranging from synthesis and processing, to properties and applications. Topics include: nanophase oxides; nanophase metals, alloys and non-oxides; nanophases - simulation studies; magnetic and metal nanocomposites; oxide, non-oxide and oxide-metal nanocomposites; organic-inorganic and sol-gel nanocomposites; and nanocomposites of layered and mesopor

Beginning with the basics of probability and an overview of stochastic process, this book goes on to explore their engineering applications: random vibration and system analysis. It addresses extreme

A key problem in practical image processing is that of detecting certain features in a noisy image. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques can be very effective in such situations, and this book gives a detailed account of the use of ANOVA in statistical image processing. The book begins by describing the statistical representation of images in the various ANOVA models. A number of computationally efficient algorithms and techniques are then presented, to deal with such problems as line, edge and object detection, as well as image restoration and enhancement. By describing the basic principles of these techniques, and showing their use in specific situations, the book will facilitate the design of new algorithms for particular applications. It will be of great interest to graduate students and engineers in the field of image processing and pattern recognition.

Mothers and infants exchanging gleeful vocalizations, married couples discussing their problems, children playing, birds courting and monkeys fighting have this in common: their interactions with others unfold over time. Almost anyone who is interested can observe and describe such phenomena. But usually scientists demand more. They want observations that are replicable and amenable to scientific analysis, while still faithful to the dynamics of the phenomena studied. This book provides a straightforward introduction to scientific methods for observing social behavior. Because of the importance of time in the dynamics of social interaction, sequential approaches to analyzing and understanding social behavior are emphasized. An advanced knowledge of statistical analysis is not required. Instead, the authors present fundamental concepts and offer practical advice.

State-space methods form the basis of modern control theory. This graduate text is devoted to a description of these methods in the analysis of linear multi-input, multi-output dynamic systems. Following a chapter which sets out the basic concepts and definitions, state equations of finite dimensional systems, and their solution, are discussed in detail. The principles of time-domain and frequency-domain analysis are then presented, as are the properties and applications of the Z-transformation. Separate chapters deal with the controllability, observability, and stability of linear systems. A useful tutorial review of the key results from matrix theory and linear algebra is given in the appendix. The book includes several worked examples, and there are problems at the end of each chapter. It will be of great use to advanced undergraduate and graduate students of electrical or mechanical engineering taking courses in linear systems or control systems.

State-space methods form the basis of modern control theory. This graduate text is devoted to a description of these methods in the analysis of linear multi-input, multi-output dynamic systems. Following a chapter which sets out the basic concepts and definitions, state equations of finite dimensional systems, and their solution, are discussed in detail. The principles of time-domain and frequency-domain analysis are then presented, as are the properties and applications of the Z-transformation. Separate chapters deal with the controllability, observability, and stability of linear systems. A useful tutorial review of the key results from matrix theory and linear algebra is given in the appendix. The book includes several worked examples, and there are problems at the end of each chapter. It will be of great use to advanced undergraduate and graduate students of electrical or mechanical engineering taking courses in linear systems or control systems.

Despite the waves of re-engineering, there is still a gap between the opportunities offered by information technology and the progress of business transformation. New forms of information technology offer an increasing variety of network-based applications that range from groupware to electronic commerce, but its applications lack a sound understanding of the link between organizational processes, information and technology. This book provides a new set of concepts and methods to design new forms of business organizations around the latest network infrastructures. Professor Ciborra uses the principles of institutional economics to propose reforms of the relationships with suppliers, customers, strategic partners, and internal work organisation, based on a different mix of three basic organizational forms: teams, markets and hierarchies. Information technology can indeed be harnessed to shape businesses and markets so as to increase the transparency of markets, the agility of hierarchie

This book describes the full range of mass spectrometry techniques and applications. This versatile technique is in ubiquitous use in universities and industry laboratories because of its ability to identify and quantify materials quickly and, if necessary, in minute amounts, and solve analytical problems in a huge variety of fields. The authors adopt an instructional approach and make use of recent examples to illustrate important points. This second edition includes new methods and applications that have developed in the last ten years. Powerful methods combining mass spectrometry with newer separation techniques, the increased use of computers, and analysis of once difficult polar and large-mass compounds such as proteins using new ionisation methods are all discussed. Requiring no previous knowledge of mass spectrometry, this is an ideal teaching text at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and will also be of considerable interest to research workers.

Professionals today, whether scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs or managers, need to maximise their effectiveness. Hard work and motivation are not enough. Strategic thinking is needed to be able to choose the right problem to solve, to solve it in a cost-effective way, to use resources efficiently and to be innovative and productive. The combination of skill, motivation and the strategic use of effort can lead to astonishing levels of productivity. Real-world problems are complex and must be tackled with adequate conceptual tools. These tools are based on an understanding of the power of bottlenecks, paradox, scale and perspective constraints, and feedback as leverage points for getting to grips with the problem. Thinking Strategically provides the necessary power tools for dissecting complex problems and for creating innovative solutions.

Professionals today, whether scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs or managers, need to maximise their effectiveness. Hard work and motivation are not enough. Strategic thinking is needed to be able to choose the right problem to solve, to solve it in a cost-effective way, to use resources efficiently and to be innovative and productive. The combination of skill, motivation and the strategic use of effort can lead to astonishing levels of productivity. Real-world problems are complex and must be tackled with adequate conceptual tools. These tools are based on an understanding of the power of bottlenecks, paradox, scale and perspective constraints, and feedback as leverage points for getting to grips with the problem. Thinking Strategically provides the necessary power tools for dissecting complex problems and for creating innovative solutions.

Now in paperback, Topology via Logic is an advanced textbook on topology for computer scientists. Based on a course given by the author to postgraduate students of computer science at Imperial College, it has three unusual features. First, the introduction is from the locale viewpoint, motivated by the logic of finite observations: this provides a more direct approach than the traditional one based on abstracting properties of open sets in the real line. Second, the methods of locale theory are freely exploited. Third, there is substantial discussion of some computer science applications. Although books on topology aimed at mathematics exist, no book has been written specifically for computer scientists. As computer scientists become more aware of the mathematical foundations of their discipline, it is appropriate that such topics are presented in a form of direct relevance and applicability. This book goes some way towards bridging the gap.

The movement of oceanic water has important consequences for a variety of applications, such as climate change, biological productivity, sea-level change, weather forecasting, and many others. This book addresses the problem of inferring the state of the ocean circulation, understanding it dynamically, and even forecasting it through a quantitative combination of theory and observation. It focuses on so-called inverse methods and related methods of statistical inference. Both time-independent and time-dependent problems are considered, including Gauss-Markov estimation, sequential estimators and adjoint/Pontryagin principle methods. This book is intended for use as a graduate level text for students of oceanography and other related fields. It will also be of interest to working physical oceanographers.

This book, first published in 1996, introduces students to optimization theory and its use in economics and allied disciplines. The first of its three parts examines the existence of solutions to optimization problems in Rn, and how these solutions may be identified. The second part explores how solutions to optimization problems change with changes in the underlying parameters, and the last part provides an extensive description of the fundamental principles of finite- and infinite-horizon dynamic programming. Each chapter contains a number of detailed examples explaining both the theory and its applications for first-year master's and graduate students. 'Cookbook' procedures are accompanied by a discussion of when such methods are guaranteed to be successful, and, equally importantly, when they could fail. Each result in the main body of the text is also accompanied by a complete proof. A preliminary chapter and three appendices are designed to keep the book mathematically self-conta

This book, first published in 1996, introduces students to optimization theory and its use in economics and allied disciplines. The first of its three parts examines the existence of solutions to optimization problems in Rn, and how these solutions may be identified. The second part explores how solutions to optimization problems change with changes in the underlying parameters, and the last part provides an extensive description of the fundamental principles of finite- and infinite-horizon dynamic programming. Each chapter contains a number of detailed examples explaining both the theory and its applications for first-year master's and graduate students. 'Cookbook' procedures are accompanied by a discussion of when such methods are guaranteed to be successful, and, equally importantly, when they could fail. Each result in the main body of the text is also accompanied by a complete proof. A preliminary chapter and three appendices are designed to keep the book mathematically self-conta

Providing a unified coverage of the latest research and applications methods and techniques, this book is devoted to two interrelated techniques for solving some important problems in machine intellig

This book concisely examines the use of elasticity in solving geotechnical engineering problems. In a highly illustrated and user-friendly format, it provides a thorough grounding in the linear theory of elasticity and an understanding of the applications, for upper level students in civil engineering and engineering geology. The first two chapters present a basic framework of the theory of elasticity and describe test procedures for the determination of elastic parameters for soils. Chapters 3 and 4 present the fundamental solutions of Boussinesque, Kelvin and Mindlin and use these to formulate solutions to problems of practical interest in geotechnical engineering. The book concludes with a sequence of appendices designed to provide the interested student with details of elasticity theory which are peripheral to the main text. Each chapter includes a set of questions for the student to answer.

This text provides a thoroughly modern graduate-level introduction to the theory of critical behaviour. Beginning with a brief review of phase transitions in simple systems and of mean field theory, the text then goes on to introduce the core ideas of the renormalization group. Following chapters cover phase diagrams, fixed points, cross-over behaviour, finite-size scaling, perturbative renormalization methods, low-dimensional systems, surface critical behaviour, random systems, percolation, polymer statistics, critical dynamics and conformal symmetry. The book closes with an appendix on Gaussian integration, a selected bibliography, and a detailed index. Many problems are included. The emphasis throughout is on providing an elementary and intuitive approach. In particular, the perturbative method introduced leads, among other applications, to a simple derivation of the epsilon expansion in which all the actual calculations (at least to lowest order) reduce to simple counting, avoiding

This book concisely examines the use of elasticity in solving geotechnical engineering problems. In a highly illustrated and user-friendly format, it provides a thorough grounding in the linear theory of elasticity and an understanding of the applications, for upper level students in civil engineering and engineering geology. The first two chapters present a basic framework of the theory of elasticity and describe test procedures for the determination of elastic parameters for soils. Chapters 3 and 4 present the fundamental solutions of Boussinesque, Kelvin and Mindlin and use these to formulate solutions to problems of practical interest in geotechnical engineering. The book concludes with a sequence of appendices designed to provide the interested student with details of elasticity theory which are peripheral to the main text. Each chapter includes a set of questions for the student to answer.

Automatic control systems have become essential features in virtually every area of technology, from machine tools to aerospace vehicles. This book is a comprehensive, clearly written introduction to automatic control engineering. The author begins with the fundamentals of modelling mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems in the state variable format. The emphasis is on classical feedback control theory and design, and their application to practical electromechanical and aerospace problems. Following a careful grounding in classical control theory, the author introduces modern control theory, including digital control and nonlinear system analysis. Over 230 problems help the reader apply principles discussed in the text to practical engineering situations. Engineering students and practising engineers will find all they need to know about control system analysis and design in this valuable text.