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Vectors and tensors in engineering and physics. (English) Zbl 0768.73001

Redwood City, CA: Addison-Wesley. viii, 280 p. (1992).
This is an excellent introductory textbook on the application of the vector and tensor algebras to the physical problems. The potential reader of this book is assumed to possess only some elementary calculus and linear algebra; such popular mathematical tools as complex analysis and the calculus of variations have not been used. Because the author lies the emphasis on the physical interpretation of the results obtained, certain aspects of mathematical rigor are neglected.
The textbook is subdivided into 9 chapters: 1. Vector algebra; 2. Tensor algebra; 3. Cartesian components; 4. General components; 5. Tensor fields of one variable; 6. Tensor fields of many variables; 7. Applications; 8. General coordinates; 9. Four-dimensional spacetime. The chapters 1-6 cover the standard syllabus of vector and tensor calculus, whereas the chapters 7 and 9 describe application of the methods developed to such topics as heat conduction, solid and fluid mechanics, Newtonian orbital mechanics, electromagnetic theory, general and special relativity.
Additional exercises (with their answers at the back of the book) should help the reader to check that the objectives have been reached. The textbook is also supported by many expressive figures and very useful subject index. It can be highly recommended for all undergraduate students majoring in a physical science and engineering.
Reviewer: O.Titow (Berlin)

MSC:

74-01 Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to mechanics of deformable solids
70G45 Differential geometric methods (tensors, connections, symplectic, Poisson, contact, Riemannian, nonholonomic, etc.) for problems in mechanics
76-01 Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to fluid mechanics
15-01 Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to linear algebra