Selected Topics in Nonlinear Wave Mechanics

Comprehensive reference text giving an overview of the current state of nonlinear wave mechanics in both elastic and fluid media. Consists of self-contained, interdisciplinary chapters covering new aspects on strong discontinuities (shock waves) and localized self-preserving shapes (solitary waves and solitons). Special attention is devoted to the influence of dissipative forces on the balance between nonlinearity and dispersion. Useful for applied mathematicians, physicists, mechanical, civil and aerospace engineers, as well as graduate students in those fields.