Applied Functional Analysis (Dover Books on Mathematics) [Paperback]

D.H. Griffel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486422585 | ISBN-13: 978-0486422589 | Publication Date: June 14, 2002

This introductory text examines many important applications of functional analysis to mechanics, fluid mechanics, diffusive growth, and approximation. Discusses distribution theory, Green's functions, Banach spaces, Hilbert space, spectral theory, and variational techniques. Also outlines the ideas behind Frechet calculus, stability and bifurcation theory, and Sobolev spaces. 1985 edition. Includes 25 figures and 9 appendices. Supplementary problems. Indexes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 390 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486422585
• ISBN-13: 978-0486422589
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to functional analysis, August 31, 2003

By 

David Elder "elddm" (Boston, Ma United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Applied Functional Analysis (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

Griffel's book is a great introductory functional analysis text. As the title suggests, it is aimed at applied mathematicians rather than theoreticians. In practical terms, it means that Griffel shows how the tools of functional analysis can be applied to differential equations, dynamical systems, and fourier analysis. Griffel gives proofs of most theorems, skipping proofs only when the proof requires a more sophisticated background than this book assumes. The assumed background of the reader is familiarity with calculus, basic differential equations, and some real analysis and linear algebra. A set of appendices cover the needed results from analysis.

The main strength of Griffel's book is its readability. It is one of the most accessible advanced math books I have encountered, comparable to Munkres' "Topology". Griffel explains the intuitions underlying the abstract concepts he presents. He is also careful to point out when he makes a simplification or omission to avoid a difficult or subtle point more suitable to a pure math treatment of the subject. Furthermore, Griffel explains the logic behind his notation, something that is rarely done in math texts. Each chapter concludes with a set of problems. The problems are challenging, but test and expand the reader's understanding of the material. Hints are given for many of the problems.

Overall, this is an excellent resource for the applied mathematician, engineer, or scientist who wants an accessible introduction to functional analysis. Besides, the price of the Dover Edition makes this book a real bargain.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book there is in introductory Functional Analysis, January 18, 2006

By 

Francisco Coutinho (Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Brazil) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Applied Functional Analysis (Mathematics and Its Applications) (Hardcover)

This is the best book in Introductory functional Analysis book I know and I know a lot of them. Why is it so good? The definitions are very well motivated. Then the subtle points are illustrated with examples.Then there are the theorems all well motivated and with simple ,very well explained proofs. Then there are the applications to engineering and physics .All the aplications are well explained. There is no danger of not understanding the application. Then there are the problems with notes on them at the end ( The author offers you the complete solutions for a pittance)Finally the price....You can not beat this book

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Preparation for Quantum Mechanics, September 5, 2005

By 

Frederick Sonnichsen (woods hole, ma USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Applied Functional Analysis (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

When studying chemical quantum mechanics some years ago, much reference was made to Hilbert spaces, functionals, adjoint operators and many of the mathematical constructs associated with functional analysis. The majority of books that I had available at that time offered little practical explanation and were overindulged with obscure details, mathematical proofs and issues far beyond what was needed by the beginning quantum chemist. I think that Griffel's book bridged the gap providing enough material to fully grasp the terminology and theorems needed for the study of quantum mechanics while not overwhelming the beginner. It think that this book would be a nice prelude to the one by Byron and Fuller.