Differential Equations: Theory and Applications

This book was written as a comprehensive introduction to the theory of ordinary di?erential equations with a focus on mechanics and dynamical systems as time-honored and important applications of this theory. H- torically, these were the applications that spurred the development of the mathematical theory and in hindsight they are still the best applications for illustrating the concepts, ideas, and impact of the theory. While the book is intended for traditional graduate students in mat- matics, thematerial is organized sothatthebookcan alsobeusedin awider setting within today’s modern university and society (see “Ways to Use the Book” below). In particular, it is hoped that interdisciplinary programs with courses that combine students in mathematics, physics, engineering, and other sciences can bene?t from using this text. Working professionals in any of these ?elds should be able to pro?t too by study of this text. An important, but optional component of the book (based on the - structor’s or reader’s preferences) is its computer material. The book is one of the few graduate di?erential equations texts that use the computer to enhance the concepts and theory normally taught to ?rst- and second-year graduate students in mathematics. I have made every attempt to blend - gether the traditional theoretical material on di?erential equations and the new, exciting techniques a?orded by computer algebra systems (CAS), like Maple, Mathematica, or Matlab. The electronic material for mastering and enjoying the computer component of this book is on Springer’s website.

From the reviews:

"This book is a comprehensive reader-friendly introduction to differential equations. … The theory is illustrated by a great number of nice examples, applications, figures. … I can warmly recommend the book for graduate mathematics, physic students and also students in applied sciences. Finally, I would like to encourage students, their professors and researchers to do computer experiments … for improving their study, teaching and scientific work." (János Karsai, Acta Scientiarum Mathematica, Vol. 70, 2004)

"The book under review is intended for a one or two semester graduate course in ordinary differential equations. A novel feature of the book is the incorporation of Maple into the presentation … . This well written book offers an application-minded instructor great flexibility in designing a course. All the necessary theory is included, as well as wide range of examples from physics and engineering … ." (J. E. Paullet, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, Vol. 84 (6), 2004)

"This book is one of the few graduate differential equations texts that use the computer to enhance the concepts and theory normally taught to first- and second-year graduate students in mathematics. The author gives a comprehensive introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations with a focus on mechanics and dynamical systems … ." (Wei Nian Zhang, Mathematical Reviews, 2002 b)

"This book is intended to serve as a comprehensive introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations … . the material is organized so that it can be also used in a wider setting within today’s modern university and society. … The book makes every attempt to blend together the traditional theoretical material on differential equations and the new techniques afforded by computer algebra systems … ." (International Aerospace Abstracts, Vol. 42 (5), 2002)

"This book is intended for first- and second-year graduate students in mathematics and also organized to be used for interdisciplinary courses in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering. … The book is well written and provides many interesting examples. The author gives a comprehensive introduction to the theory on ordinary differential equations with a focus on mechanics and dynamical systems. The exposition is clear and easily understood." (Yuan Rong, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 993 (18), 2002)

From the reviews of the second edition:

“This textbook is intended as a comprehensive introduction to ordinary differential equations for graduate students. … This is a very readable text that is enhanced with good supporting figures. Especially striking are hand-drawn figures reproduced to look like blackboard sketches. The proofs throughout the book are particularly … detailed. There are also well-designed exercises for every section in the text. This is one graduate-level graduate differential equations text that really would support self-study.” (William J. Satzer, The Mathematical Association of America, February, 2010)

“The book is an introduction to the theory of ordinary differential equations and intended for first- or second-year graduate students. … The main feature of this book is its comprehensive structure, many examples and illustrations, and complementary electronic material. The electronic material is now provided on the Springer’ website and consists of about 40 Maple-worksheets.” (Sergiy Yanchuk, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1192, 2010)

“This is the updated edition of a comprehensive introduction to ordinary differential equations from the view point of dynamical systems. … The book is written in a concise style suitable for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students. … all chapters including the online materials have been revised and enhanced. Moreover, many new examples and exercises have been added.” (G. Teschl, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 162 (3), March, 2011)

“This is quite a good … intermediate level textbook on ordinary differential equations. It emphasizes dynamical systems and mechanics, nicely illustrating geometric ideas with good graphics … . this textbook has lots to recommend it.” (Robert E. O’Malley, Jr., SIAM Review, Vol. 52 (2), 2010)