Catastrophe Theory and Its Applications (Dover Books on Mathematics) 1st Edition by Tim Poston (PDF)

Description

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.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I ordered this book to get an introductory understanding of Catastrophe Theory. The first sections of the book do help with that. But soon thereafter the book requires a working knowledge of calculus. Indeed, I am now embarked on a study of calculus ad am using this book as a first place to apply it. We’ll see.

⭐well done, out of fashion but interesting for the history of mathematical sciences.

⭐Catastrophe theory enjoyed a brief and tumultuous period of fame during the seventies. Some unreasonable claims on the powers of this theory, like it would be the “theory that explains everything”, lead many people to disregard it. However, as a mathematical formalism to study discontinuous changes of continuous functions, this theory still has the potential of giving insights into physical problems and even to be applicable. The authors of this book, written during the tumultuous period of the seventies, are understandably enthusiastic about the theory and clearly gave us good and pedagogical explanations. Highly recommendable.

⭐easy understand theory and applications

⭐Wanted to check out Morse functions in catastrophe theory.

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