Partial Differential Equations: An Introduction

by Walter A. Strauss

Covers the fundamental properties of partial differential equations (PDEs) and proven techniques useful in analyzing them. Uses a broad approach to illustrate the rich diversity of phenomena such as vibrations of solids, fluid flow, molecular structure, photon and electron interactions, radiation of electromagnetic waves encompassed by this subject as well as the role PDEs play in modern mathematics, especially geometry and analysis.

Genres: Mathematics, Textbooks, Science, Reference, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published March 17, 1992

Reviews

[Sam Harder]

This book skips many intermediate steps in examples and proofs, which left me puzzled and frustrated many times. The author does this for the sake of mathematical elegance, but this approach can tend to leave behind students who haven’t already taken Real Analysis and a second course in Linear Algebra (Strauss’ Fourier Series chapter is dominated by Hilbert Spaces, inner products, and series convergence proofs). I understand that you must talk about those subjects with Fourier, but Strauss could’ve made it more accessible to undergrads and engineering students.

[EJ Jackson]

My opinion is that if you spend the time to deeply read a chapter of a math textbook it should reward you with conceptual understanding. Didn’t get that from this book. I often had to supplement my reading with more thorough explanations from other sources.

That’s not to say the book is bad — if you’re already comfortable with wave equations and very sharp on your calculus, analysis, and proof techniques you’ll probably find the abbreviations agreeable.

[David]

I thought the book was overall poorly written. Very few examples and explanations concerning partial differential equations even though it's supposed to be an introductory book.

Nevertheless, the principles and equations are revealed inside the book, they are not explained in a way that is easily understood. Some topics covered have no examples problems.

[karim_rooney10]

such a fascinating collection of topics. gained an amazing perspective on waves and heat phenomena. the wonderful lens you perceive the world through changes quite a bit.

the book doesn’t add much to your understanding though, always lacking something, like a proof you’d wonder so much.

oh to be a quasi-monochromatic plane wave moving towards eternity..

[Michiel]

Accessible and extensive introduction to the most important partial differential equations. Covers a lot of physical intuitition behind the wave, heat and Laplace equations (among others). Deep in analytic methods, light in numerical methods.

[Ella]

lacked examples. a strong physics background is helpful. if you need a text or just want to learn, there are far better books out there.