This book contains an extensive illustration of use of finite difference method in solving the boundary value problem numerically. A wide class of differential equations has been numerically solved in this book. Starting with differential equations of elementary functions like hyperbolic, sine and cosine, we have solved those of special functions like Hermite, Laguerre and Legendre. Those of Airy function, of stationary localised wavepacket, of the quantum mechanical problem of a particle in a 1D box, and the polar equation of motion under gravitational interaction have also been solved. Mathematica 6.0 has been used to solve the system of linear equations that we encountered and to plot the numerical data. Comparison with known analytic solutions showed nearly perfect agreement in every case. On reading this book, readers will become adept in using the method.

This book is written in a lucid and systematic way for advanced postgraduates and researchers studying applied mathematics, plasma physics, nonlinear differential equations, nonlinear optics, and other engineering branches where nonlinear wave phenomena is essential.In sequential order of the book's development, readers will understand basic plasmas with elementary definitions of magnetized and unmagnetized plasmas, plasma modeling, dusty plasma and quantum plasma. Following which, the book describes linear and nonlinear waves, solitons, shocks and other wave phenomena, while solutions to common nonlinear wave equations are derived via standard techniques. Readers are introduced to elementary perturbation and non-perturbation methods. They will discover several evolution equations in different plasma situations as well as the properties of solitons in those environments. Pertaining to those equations, readers will learn about their higher order corrections, as well as their different forms and solutions in non-planar geometry. The book offers further studies on different types of collisions between solitons in plasma environment, phenomena of soliton turbulence as a consequence of multi-soliton interactions, properties of large amplitude solitary waves which are discovered via non-perturbative Sagdeev's Pseudopotential Approach, as well as the speed and shape of solitons. Finally, the book reveals possible future developments of research in this rich field.

This book is a concise introduction to the interactions between earthquakes and human-built structures (buildings, dams, bridges, power plants, pipelines and more). It focuses on the ways in which these interactions illustrate the application of basic physics principles and concepts, including inertia, force, shear, energy, acceleration, elasticity, friction and stability. It illustrates how conceptual and quantitative physics emerges in the day-to-day work of engineers, drawing from examples from regions and events which have experienced very violent earthquakes with massive loss of life and property. The authors of this book, a physics educator, a math educator, and a geotechnical engineer have set off on what might be considered a mining expedition; searching for ways in which introductory physics topics and methods can be better connected with careers of interest to non-physics majors. They selected ""destructive earthquakes"" as a place to begin because they are interesting and because future engineers represent a significant portion of the non-physics majors in introductory physics courses. Avoiding the extremes of treating applied physics either as a purely hands-on, conceptual experience or as a lengthy capstone project for learners who have become masters; the application in this book can be scattered throughout a broader physics course or individual learning experience.

This book is the seventh volume of review chapters on advanced problems of phase transitions and critical phenomena, the former six volumes appeared in 2004, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2020. The aim of the book is to provide reviews in those aspects of criticality and related subjects that are currently attracting much attention due to essential new contributions.The book consists of five chapters. They discuss criticality of complex systems, where the new, emergent properties appear via collective behaviour of simple elements as well as historical aspects of studies in the field of critical phenomena. Since all complex systems involve cooperative behaviour between many interconnected components, the field of phase transitions and critical phenomena provides a very natural conceptual and methodological framework for their study.As the first six volumes, this book is based on the review lectures that were given in Lviv (Ukraine) at the 'Ising lectures' - a traditional annual workshop on complex systems, phase transitions and critical phenomena which aims to bring together experts in these fields with university students and those who are interested in the subject.

Progress in Optics, Volume 62, an ongoing series, contains more than 300 review articles by distinguished research workers that have become permanent records for many important developments. In this updated volume, users will find valuable updates on topics such as optical testing, the modern aspects of intensity interferometry with classical light, the generation of partially coherent beams, optical models and symmetries, and more. This book's contributions have become standard references in scientific articles, providing the state-of-the-art to researchers and practitioners who work in the field of optics.

With the rapid growth of new evidence from astronomy, space science and biology that supports the theory of life as a cosmic rather than terrestrial phenomenon, this book discusses a set of crucial data and pictures showing that life is still arriving at our planet. Although it could spark controversy among the most hardened sceptics this book will have an important role in shaping future science in this area.

Advances in Semiconductor Nanostructures: Growth, Characterization, Properties and Applications focuses on the physical aspects of semiconductor nanostructures, including growth and processing of semiconductor nanostructures by molecular-beam epitaxy, ion-beam implantation/synthesis, pulsed laser action on all types of III-V, IV, and II-VI semiconductors, nanofabrication by bottom-up and top-down approaches, real-time observations using in situ UHV-REM and high-resolution TEM of atomic structure of quantum well, nanowires, quantum dots, and heterostructures and their electrical, optical, magnetic, and spin phenomena. The very comprehensive nature of the book makes it an indispensable source of information for researchers, scientists, and post-graduate students in the field of semiconductor physics, condensed matter physics, and physics of nanostructures, helping them in their daily research.

This review volume is intended to survey the field of quantum fluctuational phenomena induced by material bodies, which is commonly encompassed under the name of Casimir physics. H B G Casimir first discovered that zero-point fluctuations in the electromagnetic field caused an attractive force between closely separated metallic plates. Now - 75 years later - the field is burgeoning, with numerous experimental verifications and applications to practical devices starting to emerge.In this book, new ideas about Casimir physics are brought to bear on such diverse subjects as cosmology, where the Casimir energy may explain the dark energy that causes the cosmic repulsion, and nonstatic regimes, such as Casimir or quantum friction. Unsolved problems, including divergences in Casimir self-energies, the meaning of local energy densities in inhomogeneous backgrounds, and discrepancies between theory and experiment, are treated in some detail. It is hoped that this collection of papers will serve as an introduction to the field for newcomers to the subject, and that it will inspire a new burst of research into the nature of the quantum vacuum.

Theory of Electromagnetic Well Logging provides a much-needed and complete analytical method for electromagnetic well logging technology. The book presents the physics and mathematics behind the effective measurement of rock properties using boreholes, allowing geophysicists, petrophysisists, geologists and engineers to interpret them in a more rigorous way. Starting with the fundamental concepts, the book then moves on to the more classic subject of wireline induction logging, before exploring the subject of LWD logging, concluding with new thoughts on electromagnetic telemetry. Theory of Electromagnetic Well Logging is the only book offering an in-depth discussion of the analytical and numerical techniques needed for expert use of those new logging techniques.

Smart Energy Grid Engineering provides in-depth detail on the various important engineering challenges of smart energy grid design and operation by focusing on advanced methods and practices for designing different components and their integration within the grid. Governments around the world are investing heavily in smart energy grids to ensure optimum energy use and supply, enable better planning for outage responses and recovery, and facilitate the integration of heterogeneous technologies such as renewable energy systems, electrical vehicle networks, and smart homes around the grid. By looking at case studies and best practices that illustrate how to implement smart energy grid infrastructures and analyze the technical details involved in tackling emerging challenges, this valuable reference considers the important engineering aspects of design and implementation, energy generation, utilization and energy conservation, intelligent control and monitoring data analysis security, and asset integrity.

For a physicist, "noise" is not just about sounds, but refers to any random physical process that blurs measurements, and in so doing stands in the way of scientific knowledge. This book deals with the most common types of noise, their properties, and some of their unexpected virtues. The text explains the most useful mathematical concepts related to noise. Finally, the book aims at making this subject more widely known and to stimulate the interest for its study in young physicists.

Solid Fuels and Heavy Hydrocarbon Liquids: Thermal Characterisation and Analysis, Second Edition integrates the developments that have taken place since publication of the first edition in 2006. This updated material includes new insights that help unify the thermochemical reactions of biomass and coal, as well as new developments in analytical techniques, including new applications in size exclusion chromatography, several mass spectrometric techniques, and new applications of nuclear magnetic spectroscopy to the characterization of heavy hydrocarbon liquids The topics covered are essential for the energy and fuels research community, including academics, students, and research engineers working in the power, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries.