This is a masterly exposition and an encyclopedic presentation of the theory of hyperbolic conservation laws. It illustrates the essential role of continuum thermodynamics in providing motivation and direction for the development of the mathematical theory while also serving as the principal source of applications. The reader is expected to have a certain mathematical sophistication and to be familiar with (at least) the rudiments of analysis and the qualitative theory of partial differential equations, whereas prior exposure to continuum physics is not required. The target group of readers would consist of (a) experts in the mathematical theory of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws who wish to learn about the connection with classical physics; (b) specialists in continuum mechanics who may need analytical tools; (c) experts in numerical analysis who wish to learn the underlying mathematical theory; and (d) analysts and graduate students who seek introduction to the theory of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. This new edition places increased emphasis on hyperbolic systems of balance laws with dissipative source, modeling relaxation phenomena. It also presents an account of recent developments on the Euler equations of compressible gas dynamics. Furthermore, the presentation of a number of topics in the previous edition has been revised, expanded and brought up to date, and has been enriched with new applications to elasticity and differential geometry. The bibliography, also expanded and updated, now comprises close to two thousand titles. From the reviews of the 3rd edition: "This is the third edition of the famous book by C.M. Dafermos. His masterly written book is, surely, the most complete exposition in the subject." Evgeniy Panov, Zentralblatt MATH "A monumental book encompassing all aspects of the mathematical theory of hyperbolic conservation laws, widely recognized as the "Bible" on the subject." Philippe G. LeFloch, Math. Reviews

This is a masterly exposition and an encyclopedic presentation of the theory of hyperbolic conservation laws. It illustrates the essential role of continuum thermodynamics in providing motivation and direction for the development of the mathematical theory while also serving as the principal source of applications. The reader is expected to have a certain mathematical sophistication and to be familiar with (at least) the rudiments of analysis and the qualitative theory of partial differential equations, whereas prior exposure to continuum physics is not required. The target group of readers would consist of (a) experts in the mathematical theory of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws who wish to learn about the connection with classical physics; (b) specialists in continuum mechanics who may need analytical tools; (c) experts in numerical analysis who wish to learn the underlying mathematical theory; and (d) analysts and graduate students who seek introduction to the theory of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. This new edition places increased emphasis on hyperbolic systems of balance laws with dissipative source, modeling relaxation phenomena. It also presents an account of recent developments on the Euler equations of compressible gas dynamics. Furthermore, the presentation of a number of topics in the previous edition has been revised, expanded and brought up to date, and has been enriched with new applications to elasticity and differential geometry. The bibliography, also expanded and updated, now comprises close to two thousand titles. From the reviews of the 3rd edition: "This is the third edition of the famous book by C.M. Dafermos. His masterly written book is, surely, the most complete exposition in the subject." Evgeniy Panov, Zentralblatt MATH "A monumental book encompassing all aspects of the mathematical theory of hyperbolic conservation laws, widely recognized as the "Bible" on the subject." Philippe G. LeFloch, Math. Reviews

The 3rd edition is thoroughly revised, applications are substantially enriched, it includes a new account of the early history of the subject (from 1800 to 1957) and a new chapter recounting the recent solution of open problems of long standing in classical aerodynamics. The bibliography comprises now over fifteen hundred titles.

From the reviews:

"The author is known as one of the leading experts in the field. His masterly written book is, surely, the most complete exposition in the subject of conservations laws." --Zentralblatt MATH

These lecture notes of the courses presented at the first CIME session 1994 by leading scientists present the state of the art in recent mathematical methods in Nonlinear Wave Propagation.

This volume collects papers dedicated to Jerry Ericksen on his sixtieth birthday, December 20, 1984. They first appeared in Volumes 82-90 (1983-1985) of the Archive for Rational Mechanics and Analysis. At the request of the Editors the list of authors to be invited was drawn up by C. M. Dafermos, D. D. Joseph, and F. M. Leslie. The breadth and depth of the works here reprinted reflect the corresponding qualities in Jerry Ericksen's research, teaching, scholarship, and inspiration. His interests and expertness center upon the mechanics of materials and extend to everything that may contribute to it: pure analysis, algebra, geometry, through all aspects of theoretical mechanics to fundamental experiment, all of these illumi nated by an intimate and deep familiarity with the sources, even very old ones. He is independent of school and contemptuous of party spirit; his generosity in giving away his ideas is renowned, but not everyone is capable of accepting what is offered. His writings are totally free of broad claims and attributions beyond his own study. Some are decisive, some are prophetic, and all are forthright. His work has served as a beacon of insight and simple honesty in an age of ever more trivial and corrupt science. The authors of the memoirs in this volume are his students, colleagues, admirers, and (above all) his friends."