Now in its second edition this book continues to give readers a broad mathematical basis for
modelling and understanding the wide range of wave phenomena encountered in modern
applications. New and expanded material includes topics such as elastoplastic waves and waves
in plasmas as well as new exercises. Comprehensive collections of models are used to
illustrate the underpinning mathematical methodologies which include the basic ideas of the
relevant partial differential equations characteristics ray theory asymptotic analysis
dispersion shock waves and weak solutions. Although the main focus is on compressible fluid
flow the authors show how intimately gasdynamic waves are related to wave phenomena in many
other areas of physical science.Special emphasis is placed on the development of physical
intuition to supplement and reinforce analytical thinking. Each chapter includes a complete set
of carefully prepared exercises making this a suitable textbook for students in applied
mathematics engineering and other physical sciences.Reviews of the first edition:This book
... is an introduction to the theory of linear and nonlinear waves in fluids including the
theory of shock waves. ... is extraordinarily accurate and free of misprints ... . I enjoyed
reading this book. ... most attractive and enticing appearance and I'm certain that many
readers who browse through it will wish to buy a copy. The exercises ... are excellent. ... A
beginner who worked through these exercises would not only enjoy himself or herself but would
rapidly acquire mastery of techniques used...in JFM and many other journals... (C. J. Chapman
Journal of Fluid Mechanics Vol. 521 2004)The book targets a readership of final year
undergraduates and first year graduates in applied mathematics. In the reviewer's opinion it
is very well designed to catch the student's interest ... while every chapter displays
essential features in some important area of fluid dynamics. Additionally students may
practice by solving 91 exercises. This volume is mainly devoted to inviscid flows. ... The book
is very well written. (Denis Serre Mathematical Reviews 2004)
