Random Integral Equations

One of the most important chapters in modern functional analysis is the theory of approximate methods for solution of various mathematical problems. Besides providing considerably simplified approaches to numerical methods, the ideas of functional analysis have also given rise to essentially new computation schemes in problems of linear algebra, differential and integral equations, nonlinear analysis, and so on. The general theory of approximate methods includes many known fundamental results. We refer to the classical work of Kantorovich; the investigations of projection methods by Bogolyubov, Krylov, Keldysh and Petrov, much furthered by Mikhlin and Pol'skii; Tikho nov's methods for approximate solution of ill-posed problems; the general theory of difference schemes; and so on. During the past decade, the Voronezh seminar on functional analysis has systematically discussed various questions related to numerical methods; several advanced courses have been held at Voronezh Uni versity on the application of functional analysis to numerical mathe matics. Some of this research is summarized in the present monograph. The authors' aim has not been to give an exhaustive account, even of the principal known results. The book consists of five chapters.

Probabilistic Analysis and Related Topics, Volume 3 focuses on the continuity, integrability, and differentiability of random functions, including operator theory, measure theory, and functional and numerical analysis. The selection first offers information on the qualitative theory of stochastic systems and Langevin equations with multiplicative noise. Discussions focus on phase-space evolution via direct integration, phase-space evolution, linear and nonlinear systems, linearization, and generalizations. The text then ponders on the stability theory of stochastic difference systems and Markov properties for random fields. Topics include Markov property of solutions of stochastic partial differential equations; Markov property for generalized Gaussian random fields; Markov properties for generalized random fields; stochastic stability of nonlinear systems; and linear stochastic systems. The publication examines the method of random contractors and its applications to random nonlinear equations, including integral contractors and applications to random equations; random contractors with random nonlinear majorant functions; and random contractors and application to random nonlinear operator equations. The selection is a valuable reference for mathematicians and researchers interested in the general theory of random functions.

W S HALL School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA UK G OLIVETO Division of Structural Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy Soil-Structure Interaction is a challenging multidisciplinary subject which covers several areas of Civil Engineering. Virtually every construction is connected to the ground and the interaction between the artefact and the foundation medium may affect considerably both the superstructure and the foundation soil. The Soil-Structure Interaction problem has become an important feature of Structural Engineering with the advent of massive constructions on soft soils such as nuclear power plants, concrete and earth dams. Buildings, bridges, tunnels and underground structures may also require particular attention to be given to the problems of Soil-Structure Interaction. Dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction is prominent in Earthquake Engineering problems. The complexity of the problem, due also to its multidisciplinary nature and to the fact of having to consider bounded and unbounded media of different mechanical characteristics, requires a numerical treatment for any application of engineering significance. The Boundary Element Method appears to be well suited to solve problems of Soil- Structure Interaction through its ability to discretize only the boundaries of complex and often unbounded geometries. Non-linear problems which often arise in Soil-Structure Interaction may also be treated advantageously by a judicious mix of Boundary and Finite Element discretizations.

This book attempts to put together the works of a wide range of mathematical scientists. It consists of the proceedings of the Seventh Conference on "Nonlinear Analysis and Applications" including papers that were delivered as invited talks and research reports.