Wave Theory and Applications

This textbook provides an introduction to wave theory and its applications to physical phenomena such as deep water waves, transmission lines, elasticity and traffic flow. Each of the main topics, which include the classical wave equation, dispersion, dissipation, interconnected waves, diffusive waves and first and second order non-linear waves, is treated generally with the derivation of governing equations followed by a discussion of particular problems in detail. There is more extensive coverage of non-linear and elastic waves and one chapter is devoted to the use of characteristics and asymptotic expansions. The book includes exercises, some with solutions, and examples of the applications of the theory of waves and oscillations. It should be suitable for first, second and third year undergraduates, and their lecturers, on mathematics, physics and engineering courses.