This comprehensive reference text gives an overview of the current state of nonlinear wave mechanics in both elastic and fluid media. Consisting of self-contained chapters, the book covers new aspects on strong discontinuities (shock waves) and localized self- preserving (permanent) shapes (solitary waves and solitons). Special attention is devoted to the kinematics and dynamics of permanent waves when dissipative effects are added to the original balance between nonlinearity and dispersion. Key features include: * survey chapters written in an accessible style by leading specialists * coverage of emerging topics in the field * interdisciplinary approach integrating mathematical theory and physical applications of nonlinear waves in elastic and fluid media * treatment of the intrinsic mechanisms of propagation of different types of nonlinear waves * presentation of analytical methods for solving wave propagation problems in elastic and fluid media * user-friendly index 'Selected Topics in Nonlinear Wave Mechanics' provides readers with recent developments in the nonlinear propagation and scattering of waves in both elastic solids and liquids. The book is useful for applied mathematicians, physicists, mechanical, civil and aerospace engineers, as well as graduate students in those fields. Contributors: R.M. Axel, C.I. Christov, A. Guran, J.B. Haddow, G.A. Maugin, A. Morro, A. Nagl, P.K. Newton, A.V. Porubov, R.J. Tait, H. sberall, M.G. Velarde, W.B. Zimmerman

This book gives an overview ofthe current state of nonlinear wave mechanics with emphasis on strong discontinuities (shock waves) and localized self preserving shapes (solitons) in both elastic and fluid media. The exposition is intentionallyat a detailed mathematical and physical level, our expectation being that the reader will enjoy coming to grips in a concrete manner with advances in this fascinating subject. Historically, modern research in nonlinear wave mechanics began with the famous 1858 piston problem paper of Riemann on shock waves and con tinued into the early part of the last century with the work of Hadamard, Rankine, and Hugoniot. After WWII, research into nonlinear propagation of dispersive waves rapidly accelerated with the advent of computers. Works of particular importance in the immediate post-war years include those of von Neumann, Fermi, and Lax. Later, additional contributions were made by Lighthill, Glimm, Strauss, Wendroff, and Bishop. Dispersion alone leads to shock fronts of the propagating waves. That the nonlinearity can com pensate for the dispersion, leading to propagation with a stable wave having constant velocity and shape (solitons) came as a surprise. A solitary wave was first discussed by J. Scott Russell in 1845 in "Report of British Asso ciations for the Advancement of Science. " He had, while horseback riding, observed a solitary wave travelling along a water channel and followed its unbroken progress for over a mile.