Variational Methods with Applications in Science and Engineering [Bookshelf]

The book under review, is for senior undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, the physical sciences, and applied mathematics. In the course of reading the text, it becomes clear that the author has done an outstanding job in the organization and presentation of the applications- oriented material. Cassell is sensitive to the learning style of his audience and puts a great deal of effort into motivating the material. He avoids the formal “theorem-proof” format and concentrates on the utility and diversity of variational methods. The text is divided into three parts. Part 1 develops the underlying theory of the calculus of variations, while Parts 2 and 3 are devoted to applications. Overall, the text is clear and provides an excellent introduction to the calculus of variations for engineers and applied scientists looking for a concise exposition of the theory with numerous applications. Several historical notes appear throughout the text, which helps students understand the overall framework of variational calculus. Regrettably, although there are an ample number of end-of-chapter exercises, no answers are provided.