" ... the exposition is clear and the choice of topics is excellent ..." Prof. R. E. Williamson, Univ. of Sussex, Brighton, England This concise introduction to a basic branch of applied mathematics is indispensable to mathematicians, physicists and engineers. Eminently readable, it covers the elements of vector and tensor analysis, with applications of the theory to specific physics and engineering problems. It lays particular stress on the applications of the theory to fluid dynamics. The authors begin with a definition of vectors and a discussion of algebraic operations on vectors. The vector concept is then generalized in a natural way, leading to the concept of a tensor. Chapter Three considers algebraic operations on tensors. Next, the authors turn to a systematic study of the differential and integral calculus of vector and tensor functions of space and time. Finally, vector and tensor analysis is considered from both a rudimentary standpoint, and in its fuller ramifications, concluding the volume. The strength of the book lies in the completely worked out problems and solutions at the end of each chapter. In addition, each chapter incorporates abundant exercise material. Intended primarily for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of math, physics and engineering, the work is self-contained and accessible to any student with a good background in calculus. Vector and Tensor Analysis With Applications is one of a series of SELECTED RUSSIAN PUBLICATIONS IN THE MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES, several of which have already been published by Dover. The authors are distinguished Russian mathematicians and specialists in gas dynamics and numerical analysis. Richard A. Silverman, editor of the series as well as editor and translator of this volume, has revised and improved the original edition and added a bibliography. " ... a concise, clear and comprehensive treatment ... " Prof. Henry G. Booker, University of California, San Diego
I must agree with the other reviewer, this is a excellent book if you want to have clear ideas about the most basic tensor concepts. In other books of tensors, you start to see transformations of coordinates with any sense, you can't understand anything and after closing the book you forget everything, that kind of books treat tensor analysis like if it would be an alphabet soup . This is not the case, if goes slowly and explaining not only the how (that is in all the books) but the WHY. I love this book, finally it helped me a lot to undertand so many things. Five stars.
Dated, but well-written and complete
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This book is a translation from the Russian of a regarded text written in the 1960's. Taking this into account you cannot expect to find a state-of-the-art exposition of the subject. However, the book is written in a very concise and focused style, making it endurable. Its clear introduction to many delicate topics (covariant derivatives, metric tensors, geodesics, etc.) is still valuable even now when the differential form approach seems to have won the battle. Also, the sections it devotes to integral theorems look more in touch with current trends in mathematics than most of the classical texts at this level.
Excellent introductory tensor analysis text book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
It clearly introduce covariant , contravariant component of tensor and metric tensor ,covariant derivative and Christoffel symbols.Many solved problems at the end of each Chapter make the text easy to understanding.
A clear development of vector and tensor concepts.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I have a solid foundation in vector analysis, but never felt comfortable with tensors and generalized coordinates, yet these are necessary for much of modern physics. This book was an ideal fit for my background. It presented a clear and steady development of both tensor and vector concepts with illustrations and examples. Covariant and contravariant components, metrics, and generalized coordinates were developed alongside of orthogonal basis concepts. Then, after the first half of the book developed the tools, the second half of the book presented analysis covering such topics as Stokes and Gauss' theorem, finishing with the fundamental theorem of vector analysis. My only complaint is that the book ended where it did. A section on more advanced tensor concepts would have fit in nicely.
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