Linking Methods in Critical Point Theory

Schechter, Martin

ISBN 10: 0817640959 / ISBN 13: 9780817640958

Published by Birkhäuser, 1999

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 206884-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Linking Methods in Critical Point Theory
• Publisher: Birkhäuser
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0817640959
• ISBN 13: 9780817640958
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

As is well known, The Great Divide (a.k.a. The Continental Divide) is formed by the Rocky Mountains stretching from north to south across North America. It creates a virtual "stone wall" so high that wind, rain, snow, etc. cannot cross it. This keeps the weather distinct on both sides. Since railroad trains cannot climb steep grades and tunnels through these mountains are almost formidable, the Canadian Pacific Railroad searched for a mountain pass providing the lowest grade for its tracks. Employees discovered a suitable mountain pass, called the Kicking Horse Pass, el. 5404 ft., near Banff, Alberta. (One can speculate as to the reason for the name.) This pass is also used by the Trans-Canada Highway. At the highest point of the pass the railroad tracks are horizontal with mountains rising on both sides. A mountain stream divides into two branches, one flowing into the Atlantic Ocean and the other into the Pacific. One can literally stand (as the author did) with one foot in the Atlantic Ocean and the other in the Pacific. The author has observed many mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains and Alps. What connections do mountain passes have with nonlinear partial dif­ ferential equations? To find out, read on ...

Review

"The main merit of this work is the utmost clearness through which the author explains some subjects connected with very strong technical difficulties... The particular way used...to introduce the basic aspects of linking methods will be very encouraging and stimulating for young researchers... The book may be warmly recommended to all specialists in this fascinating field of current interest and growing importance."

--ZAA

"The book is addressed to mathematicians and students interested in critical points in any context...recommended also for researchers in the fields of pdes and nonlinear analysis... This reviewer calls the attention of the designers of algorithms for determining critical points to this book as a possible theoretical basis for new powerful numerical methods."

--Acta Sci. Math