Tensor Analysis

Tensor Analysis and Nonlinear Tensor Functions embraces the basic fields of tensor calculus: tensor algebra, tensor analysis, tensor description of curves and surfaces, tensor integral calculus, the basis of tensor calculus in Riemannian spaces and affinely connected spaces, - which are used in mechanics and electrodynamics of continua, crystallophysics, quantum chemistry etc.

Tensor Analysis and Nonlinear Tensor Functions embraces the basic fields of tensor calculus: tensor algebra, tensor analysis, tensor description of curves and surfaces, tensor integral calculus, the basis of tensor calculus in Riemannian spaces and affinely connected spaces, - which are used in mechanics and electrodynamics of continua, crystallophysics, quantum chemistry etc.

Like many other textbooks the present one is based on a lecture course given by the author for master students of the RWTH Aachen University. In spite of a somewhat di?cult matter those students were able to endure and, as far as I know, are still ?ne. I wish the same for the reader of the book. Although the present book can be referred to as a textbook one ?nds only little plain text inside. I tried to explain the matter in a brief way, nevert- lessgoinginto detailwherenecessary.Ialsoavoidedtediousintroductions and lengthy remarks about the signi?cance of one topic or another. A reader - terested in tensor algebra and tensor analysis but preferring, however, words instead of equations can close this book immediately after having read the preface. The reader is assumed to be familiar with the basics of matrix algebra and continuum mechanics and is encouraged to solve at least some of num- ous exercises accompanying every chapter. Having read many other texts on mathematics and mechanics I was always upset vainly looking for solutions to the exercises which seemed to be most interesting for me. For this reason, all the exercises here are supplied with solutions amounting a substantial part of the book. Without doubt, this part facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject. As a research work this book is open for discussion which will certainly contribute to improving the text for further editions. In this sense, I am very gratefulfor comments,suggestionsand constructivecriticismfromthe reader.

This is the fourth and revised edition of a well-received book that aims at bridging the gap between the engineering course of tensor algebra on the one side and the mathematical course of classical linear algebra on the other side. In accordance with the contemporary way of scientific publications, a modern absolute tensor notation is preferred throughout. The book provides a comprehensible exposition of the fundamental mathematical concepts of tensor calculus and enriches the presented material with many illustrative examples. In addition, the book also includes advanced chapters dealing with recent developments in the theory of isotropic and anisotropic tensor functions and their applications to continuum mechanics. Hence, this monograph addresses graduate students as well as scientists working in this field. In each chapter numerous exercises are included, allowing for self-study and intense practice. Solutions to the exercises are also provided.

This textbook is distinguished from other texts on the subject by the depth of the presentation and the discussion of the calculus of moving surfaces, which is an extension of tensor calculus to deforming manifolds.

This textbook is distinguished from other texts on the subject by the depth of the presentation and the discussion of the calculus of moving surfaces, which is an extension of tensor calculus to deforming manifolds.

This book comprehensively presents topics, such as Dirac notation, tensor analysis, elementary differential geometry of moving surfaces, and k-differential forms. Additionally, two new chapters of Cartan differential forms and Dirac and tensor notations in quantum mechanics are added to this second edition.

There are three changes in the second edition. First, with the help of readers and colleagues-thanks to all-I have corrected typographical errors and made minor changes in substance and style. Second, I have added a fewmore Exercises,especially at the end ofChapter4.Third, I have appended a section on Differential Geometry, the essential mathematical tool in the study of two-dimensional structural shells and four-dimensional general relativity. JAMES G. SIMMONDS vii Preface to the First Edition When I was an undergraduate, working as a co-op student at North Ameri­ can Aviation, I tried to learn something about tensors.