Although nonlinear waves occur in nearly all branches of physics and engi neering, there is an amazing degree of agreement about the fundamental con cepts and the basic paradigms. The underlying unity of the theory for linearized waves is already well-established, with the importance of such universal concepts as group velocity and wave superposition. For nonlinear waves the last few decades have seen the emergence of analogous unifying comcepts. The pervasiveness of the soliton concept is amply demonstrated by the ubiquity of such models as the Korteweg-de Vries equation and the nonlinear Schrodinger equation. Similarly, there is a universality in the study of wave-wave interactions, whether determin istic or statistical, and in the recent developments in the theory of wave-mean flow interactions. The aim of this text is to present the basic paradigms of weakly nonlinear waves in fluids. This book is the outcome of a CISM Summer School held at Udine from September 20-24, 2004. . Like the lectures given there the text covers asymptotic methods for the derivation of canonical evolution equations, such as the Kortew- de Vries and nonlinear Schrodinger equations, descriptions of the basic solution sets of these evolution equations, and the most relevant and compelling applica tions. These themes are interlocked, and this will be demonstrated throughout the text . The topics address any fluid flow application, but there is a bias towards geophysical fluid dynamics, reflecting for the most part the areas where many applications have been found.

The rotating shallow water (RSW) model is of wide use as a conceptual tool in geophysical fluid dynamics (GFD), because, in spite of its simplicity, it contains all essential ingredients of atmosphere and ocean dynamics at the synoptic scale, especially in its two- (or multi-) layer version. The book describes recent advances in understanding (in the framework of RSW and related models) of some fundamental GFD problems, such as existence of the slow manifold, dynamical splitting of fast (inertia-gravity waves) and slow (vortices, Rossby waves) motions, nonlinear geostrophic adjustment and wave emission, the role of essentially nonlinear wave phenomena. The specificity of the book is that analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches are presented together and complement each other. Special attention is paid on explaining the methodology, e.g. multiple time-scale asymptotic expansions, averaging and removal of resonances, in what concerns theory, high-resolution finite-volume schemes, in what concerns numerical simulations, and turntable experiments with stratified fluids, in what concerns laboratory simulations. A general introduction into GFD is given at the beginning to introduce the problematics for non-specialists. At the same time, recent new results on nonlinear geostrophic adjustment, nonlinear waves, and equatorial dynamics, including some exact results on the existence of the slow manifold, wave breaking, and nonlinear wave solutions are presented for the first time in a systematic manner.· Incorporates analytical, numerical and experimental approaches in the geophysical fluid dynamics context· Combination of essentials in GFD, of the description of analytical, numerical and experimental methods (tutorial part), and new results obtained by these methods (original part)· Provides the link between GFD and mechanics (averaging method, the method of normal forms); GFD and nonlinear physics (shocks, solitons, modons, anomalous transport, periodic nonlinear waves)

For more than 200 years, the Fourier Transform has been one of the most important mathematical tools for understanding the dynamics of linear wave trains. Nonlinear Ocean Waves and the Inverse Scattering Transform presents the development of the nonlinear Fourier analysis of measured space and time series, which can be found in a wide variety of physical settings including surface water waves, internal waves, and equatorial Rossby waves. This revolutionary development will allow hyperfast numerical modelling of nonlinear waves, greatly advancing our understanding of oceanic surface and internal waves. Nonlinear Fourier analysis is based upon a generalization of linear Fourier analysis referred to as the inverse scattering transform, the fundamental building block of which is a generalized Fourier series called the Riemann theta function. Elucidating the art and science of implementing these functions in the context of physical and time series analysis is the goal of this book. - Presents techniques and methods of the inverse scattering transform for data analysis - Geared toward both the introductory and advanced reader venturing further into mathematical and numerical analysis - Suitable for classroom teaching as well as research

Edited by R.H.J. Grimshaw, this book covers the topic of solitary waves in fluids.

Bringing together over fifty contributions on all aspects of nonlinear and complex dynamics, this impressive topical collection is both a scientific and personal tribute, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, by many outstanding colleagues in the broad fields of research pursued by Prof. Manuel G Velarde. The topics selected reflect the research areas covered by the famous Instituto Pluridisciplinar at the Universidad Complutense of Madrid, which he co-founded over two decades ago, and include: fluid physics and related nonlinear phenomena at interfaces and in other geometries, wetting and spreading dynamics, geophysical and astrophysical flows, and novel aspects of electronic transport in anharmonic lattices, as well as topics in neurodynamics and robotics.

Waves occur widely in nature and have innumerable commercial uses. Pressure waves are responsible for the transmission of speech, bow waves created by meteors can virtually ignite the earth's atmosphere, ultrasonic waves are used for medical imaging, and shock waves are used for the synthesis of new materials. This book provides a thorough, modern introduction to the study of linear and nonlinear waves. Beginning with fundamental concepts of motion, the book goes on to discuss linear and nonlinear mechanical waves, thermodynamics, and constitutive models. It covers gases, liquids, and solids as integral parts of the subject. Among the important areas of research and application are impact analysis, shock wave research, explosive detonation, nonlinear acoustics, and hypersonic aerodynamics. Graduate students, as well as professional engineers and applied physicists, will value this clear, comprehensive introduction to the study of wave phenomena.