Publisher's Synopsis
This introductory text on hyperbolic and parabolic equations is written for practising engineers. Assuming only a basic knowledge of differential and integral calculus, the equations studied are physically motivated and interpretated.;The book looks at partial differential equations of evolution, i.e. equations containing partial derivatives with respect to the time variable. All four standard types of evolution equations of mathematical physics (the heat equation, the wave and telegraph equation, the equation of the vibration of beams and plates and the first order equation) are systematically presented.;Employing a classical approach, emphasis is placed on how to solve technical problems. Done in three stages - the creation of a mathematical model, its mathematical resolution and the interpretation of the result - particular attention is given to the second stage. All the fundamental methods of resolution are demonstrated including characteristic separation of variables, Fourier and integral transformation. Exercises are given and many solved examples illustrate and clarify the text.