Provides thorough coverage of the basic concepts of mechanics and wave motion. Broadly it covers the laws of motion and inertial frames, conservation laws, the dynamics of rigid bodies, elasticity, gravitation, simple harmonic motion, damped harmonic oscillator, forced harmonic oscillator, and wave motion.

Waves are a ubiquitous and important feature of the physical world, and throughout history it has been a major challenge to understand them. They can propagate on the surfaces of solids and of fluids; chemical waves control the beating of your heart; traffic jams move in waves down lanes crowded with vehicles. This introduction to the mathematics of wave phenomena is aimed at advanced undergraduate courses on waves for mathematicians, physicists or engineers. Some more advanced material on both linear and nonlinear waves is also included, thus making the book suitable for beginning graduate courses. The authors assume some familiarity with partial differential equations, integral transforms and asymptotic expansions as well as an acquaintance with fluid mechanics, elasticity and electromagnetism. The context and physics that underlie the mathematics is clearly explained at the beginning of each chapter. Worked examples and exercises are supplied throughout, with solutions available to teachers.

Self-contained coverage of topics ranging from elementary theory of waves and vibrations in strings to three-dimensional theory of waves in thick plates. Over 100 problems.

"Presents the fundamental concepts of classical physics in a coherent and logical manner"--

Wave Propagation in Elastic Solids focuses on linearized theory and perfectly elastic media. This book discusses the one-dimensional motion of an elastic continuum; linearized theory of elasticity; elastodynamic theory; and elastic waves in an unbounded medium. The plane harmonic waves in elastic half-spaces; harmonic waves in waveguides; and forced motions of a half-space are also elaborated. This text likewise covers the transient waves in layers and rods; diffraction of waves by a slit; and thermal and viscoelastic effects, and effects of anisotropy and nonlinearity. Other topics include the summary of equations in rectangular coordinates, time-harmonic plane waves, approximate theories for rods, and transient in-plane motion of a layer. This publication is a good source for students and researchers conducting work on the wave propagation in elastic solids.

This lively textbook differs from others on the subject by its usefulness as a conceptual and mathematical preparation for the study of quantum mechanics, by its emphasis on a variety of learning tools aimed at fostering the student's self-awareness of learning, and by its frequent connections to current research.