Mathematical Models: Mechanical Vibrations, Population Dynamics, and Traffic Flow : An Introduction to Applied Mathematics

Mathematics is a grand subject in the way it can be applied to various problems in science and engineering. To use mathematics, one needs to understand the physical context. The author uses mathematical techniques along with observations and experiments to give an in-depth look at models for mechanical vibrations, population dynamics, and traffic flow. Equal emphasis is placed on the mathematical formulation of the problem and the interpretation of the results. In the sections on mechanical vibrations and population dynamics, the author emphasizes the nonlinear aspects of ordinary differential equations and develops the concepts of equilibrium solutions and their stability. He introduces phase plane methods for the nonlinear pendulum and for predator-prey and competing species models.

'Before courses in math modeling became de rigueur, Richard Haberman had already demonstrated that mathematical techniques could be unusually effective in understanding elementary mechanical vibrations, population dynamics, and traffic flow, as well as how such intriguing applications could motivate the further study of nonlinear ordinary and partial differential equations. My students and I can attest that this carefully crafted book is perfect for both self-study and classroom use.' Robert E. O'Malley, Jr, University of Washington