Introduction to Dynamics [Hardcover]

I. C. Percival (Author), D. Richards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 1983 | ISBN-10: 0521236800 | ISBN-13: 978-0521236805

Recent advances in dynamics, with wide applications throughout the sciences and engineering, have meant that a new approach to the subject is needed. Furthermore, the mathematical and scientific background of students has changed in recent years. In this book, the subject of dynamics is introduced at undergraduate level through the elementary qualitative theory of differential equations, the geometry of phrase curves and the theory of stability. Each subject, from the most elementary topic to some important discoveries of recent decades, is introduced through simple examples and illustrated with many diagrams. The text is supplemented with over a hundred exercises. The examples and exercises cover subjects as diverse as mechanics and population dynamics. The mathematical background required of the reader is an understanding of the elementary theory of differential equations and matrix arithmetic. The book will be of interest to second-year and third-year undergraduates at universities, polytechnics and technical colleges who are studying science and engineering courses. It is also suitable for graduates and research workers in such fields as plasma, atomic, particle and molecular physics, astronomy and theoretical ecology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Percival and Richards give a beautifully clear introduction to dynamics, discussing why scientists should be interested in the stability properties of their equations, and explaining the terminology.' Nature

'The authors of this splendid textbook have made a commendable effort to introduce the geometric and qualitative aspects of dynamics at an undergraduate level ... an exciting, well-organised book with many illuminating worked examples. A course based on this book would be a pleasure to teach. It should be greatly appreciated by physicists and engineers, and might help bring applied mathematics forward into the nineteenth century.' Times Higher Education Supplement

Book Description

A new approach to dynamics that takes account of recent advances that have wide applications in the sciences and engineering. It introduces the subject at an undergraduate level by means of elementary qualitative theory of differential equations, the geometry of phase curves, and the theory of stability.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 28, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521236800
• ISBN-13: 978-0521236805
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,663,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lucid, practical introduction to dynamical systems, October 25, 1998

By 

W.A. Craven [e-mail] (San Jose, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Dynamics (Paperback)

This book, aimed at upper undergraduate/elementary graduate level students of dynamical systems, is an excellent introduction to the basics of analysis of dynamical systems. Starting with simple one-dimensional examples, the text develops the basic mathematical tools for finding canonical variables, adiabatic invariants, and other characteristics of systems of ordinary differential equations associated with dynamics. Exercises interspersed with the text clarify the application of the mathematical techniques. Highly recommended for introductory courses in this topic.