Applications of Vector Analysis and Complex Variables in Engineering

This textbook presents the application of mathematical methods and theorems tosolve engineering problems, rather than focusing on mathematical proofs. Applications of Vector Analysis and Complex Variables in Engineering explains the mathematical principles in a manner suitable for engineering students, who generally think quite differently than students of mathematics. The objective is to emphasize mathematical methods and applications, rather than emphasizing general theorems and principles, for which the reader is referred to the literature. 

Vector analysis plays an important role in engineering, and is presented in terms of indicial notation, making use of the Einstein summation convention. This text differs from most texts in that symbolic vector notation is completely avoided, as suggested in the textbooks on tensor algebra and analysis written in German by Duschek and Hochreiner, in the 1960s. 



The defining properties of vector fields, the divergence and curl, are introduced in terms of fluid mechanics. The integral theorems of Gauss (the divergence theorem), Stokes, and Green are introduced also in the context of fluid mechanics. The final application of vector analysis consists of the introduction of non-Cartesian coordinate systems with straight axes, the formal definition of vectors and tensors. The stress and strain tensors are defined as an application.

Partial differential equations of the first and second order are discussed. Two-dimensional linear partial differential equations of the second order are covered, emphasizing the three types of equation: hyperbolic, parabolic, and elliptic. The hyperbolic partial differential equations have two real characteristic directions, and writing the equations along these directions simplifies the solution process. The parabolic partial differential equations have two coinciding characteristics; this gives useful information regarding the character of the