Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations / Edition 1

by Serge Alinhac

Overview

The aim of this book is to present hyperbolic partial differential equations at an elementary level. In fact, the required mathematical background is only a third year university course on differential calculus for functions of several variables. No functional analysis knowledge is needed, nor any distribution theory (with the exception of shock waves mentioned below). k All solutions appearing in the text are piecewise classical C solutions. Beyond the simplifications it allows, there are several reasons for this choice: First, we believe that all main features of hyperbolic partial d- ferential equations (PDE) (well-posedness of the Cauchy problem,finite speed of propagation, domains of determination, energy inequalities, etc. ) canbedisplayedinthiscontext. Wehopethatthisbookitselfwillproveour belief. Second,allproperties,solutionformulas,andinequalitiesestablished here in the context of smooth functions can be readily extended to more general situations (solutions in Sobolev spaces or temperate distributions, etc. ) by simple standard procedures of functional analysis or distribution theory, which are “external” to the theory of hyperbolic equations: The deep mathematical content of the theorems is already to be found in the statements and proofs of this book. The last reason is this: We do hope that many readers of this book will eventually do research in the field that seems to us the natural continuation of the subject: nonlinear hyp- bolic systems (compressible fluids, general relativity theory, etc. ).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780387878225
Publisher:	Springer New York
Publication date:	06/29/2009
Series:	Universitext
Edition description:	2009
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Serge Alinhac (1948–) received his PhD from l'Université Paris-Sud XI (Orsay). After teaching at l'Université Paris Diderot VII and Purdue University, he has been a professor of mathematics at l'Université Paris-Sud XI (Orsay) since 1978. He is the author of Blowup for Nonlinear Hyperbolic Equations (Birkhäuser, 1995) and Pseudo-differential Operators and the Nash–Moser Theorem (with P. Gérard, American Mathematical Society, 2007). His primary areas of research are linear and nonlinear partial differential equations.

Table of Contents

Vector Fields and Integral Curves.- Operators and Systems in the Plane.- Nonlinear First Order Equations.- Conservation Laws in One-Space Dimension.- The Wave Equation.- Energy Inequalities for the Wave Equation.- Variable Coefficient Wave Equations and Systems.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"The aim of the present book is to present hyperbolic partial differential equations at an elementary level. … the novice might well be used to a more discursive style. … HypPDE is a very good book … the more experienced mathematician will also find a lot of good stuff in these pages, all presented well and cogently." (Michael Berg, The Mathematical Association of America, October, 2009)

“Any specification for the perfect mathematical monograph would doubtless exhibit self-contradiction. Where one reader requires copious details and examples, another wants a breathless flow. This terse volume on hyperbolic differential equations (which describe processes, such as wave propagation, where signals travel at finite speed) serves a … need. … Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections.” (D. V. Feldman, Choice, Vol. 47 (8), April, 2010)

“Provides an introduction to linear hyperbolic equations symmetric hyperbolic systems and conservation laws. … The presentation is clear and over 100 exercises are included … which guide the reader step by step through the proofs of theorems. … This book provides an excellent introduction to hyperbolicequations and conservation laws, and it can be recommended to anyone who wishes to study this fertile branch of partial differential equations.” (Alan Jeffrey, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2010 e)

“The book is useful to senior or graduated students as well as to researchers of other fields interested in hyperbolic partial differential equations. … The author often uses geometrical explanations of problems instead of tedious mathematical proofs. Some illustrative pictures would be desirable.” (Marie Kopáčková, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1178, 2010)

“This is a concise introduction to the main aspects of the theory of hyperbolic partial differential equations. … This work is highly recommended for a quickand smooth entry into this field of great current interest.” (M. Kunzinger, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 163 (1), May, 2011)

From the Publisher