Catastrophe Theory and Its Applications

Poston, Tim; Stewart, Ian

ISBN 10: 048669271X / ISBN 13: 9780486692715

Published by Dover Publications, 2012

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Catastrophe Theory and Its Applications
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 048669271X
• ISBN 13: 9780486692715
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

This first integrated treatment of the main ideas behind René Thom's theory of catastrophes aims to make them accessible to scientists wishing to apply the theory in their own fields of research. The mathematical basis of the theory is therefore explained with a minimum of technicalities, although some knowledge of the calculus of variables is assumed.
Thom's now-famous list of seven elementary catastrophes, broadly classifying various types of discontinuous change, is elucidated, as are the reasons for its appearance. Nearly half the book concentrates on detailed applications of the theory, emphasizing its uses in the physical sciences where applications can be made quantitative and can be experimentally verified. The more controversial and speculative applications to areas in the social sciences are also mentioned, but not discussed in detail.
Over 200 illustrations help clarify the ideas and applications in this volume, which will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate students in such diverse disciplines as engineering, mathematics, physics, and biology. 1978 edition. Bibliography.