What's the best exposition of Partial Differential Equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for introductory texts on Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) suitable for beginning graduate students. Participants share their experiences with various books, focusing on methods, applications, and specific topics such as Green's functions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the best introductory texts for PDEs, specifically mentioning a need for resources on Green's functions.
  • Another participant recommends "Elementary Partial Differential Equations & Boundary Value Problems" by Richard Haberman as a standard introduction, noting it is not a Dover reprint.
  • Several participants mention "Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers" by Stanley J. Farlow, with mixed reviews on its thoroughness and readability.
  • Another suggestion includes "A First Course in Partial Differential Equations with Complex Variables" by H. F. Weinberger, which one participant used in their introductory course.
  • One participant asks if "Partial Differential Equations: An Introduction" by W. A. Strauss is suitable for self-study after one semester of ODE.
  • Vladimir I. Arnold's works are mentioned positively, particularly for their geometric insights and intuitive approach to the subject.
  • There is a mention of "Lectures on Partial Differential Equations" by I. G. Petrovsky as a classic work now available in Dover paper edition.
  • Participants express a desire for free ebook options, indicating a concern about the cost of recommended texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the recommended texts, with no clear consensus on a single best book. Different preferences for style, depth, and approach to teaching PDEs are evident.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on personal experiences and may not universally apply to all learners. The discussion reflects a range of preferences for formal versus informal texts, as well as varying levels of completeness in the material covered.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in learning about Partial Differential Equations, particularly those at the beginning graduate level, may find this discussion helpful for identifying potential textbooks and resources.

rachmaninoff
What's the best exposition of Partial Differential Equations methods at the beginning-graduate level? I've found myself needing Green's functions and such and I don't really know that much about them. Dover reprints would be awesome.

Thanks!
 
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elementary partial differential equations & boundary value problems by richard haberman is one of the standard intros to pdes. it's not a dover reprint & i don't know of any dover reprints though. :frown:
 
Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
Stanley J. Farlow

http://store.doverpublications.com/048667620x.html
http://web.doverpublications.com/cgi-bin/toc.pl/048667620X

I'd have to look at my collection to see if I have this one. For the moment, I can't vouch for the quality.

Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics and Integral Equations
Ronald B. Guenther, John W. Lee
http://store.doverpublications.com/0486688895.html

Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Applications
E. C. Zachmanoglou
Dale W. Thoe
http://store.doverpublications.com/0486652513.html

Foundations of Potential Theory
Oliver D. Kellogg
http://store.yahoo.com/doverpublications/0486601447.html
(includes Green's functions).

Applied Functional Analysis
D.H. Griffel
http://store.yahoo.com/doverpublications/0486422585.html
Chapter 2. Differential Equations and Green's Functions
3.5 Green's function for the Laplacian
3.6 Green's function for the Three-dimensional wave equation
 
Last edited by a moderator:
fourier jr said:
elementary partial differential equations & boundary value problems by richard haberman is one of the standard intros to pdes.

I agree, does everything with Greens functions.
 
this is the text i used in my introductory PDE course at the undergrad levl

http://store.yahoo.com/doverpublications/048668640x.html

A First Course in Partial Differential Equations with Complex Variables
H. F. Weinberger
 
Last edited by a moderator:
All book you gave must buy ,have you got any free ebook ?
 
Astronuc said:
Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers
Stanley J. Farlow
http://store.doverpublications.com/048667620x.html
http://web.doverpublications.com/cgi-bin/toc.pl/048667620X
I'd have to look at my collection to see if I have this one. For the moment, I can't vouch for the quality.
This book is very informal and not very thorough, but very easy to read.

stunner5000pt said:
this is the text i used in my introductory PDE course at the undergrad levl
http://store.yahoo.com/doverpublications/048668640x.html
A First Course in Partial Differential Equations with Complex Variables
H. F. Weinberger
This book is slightly more formal than the previous one mentioned and more complete. For the price I just picked them both up years ago and use them as references or for quick review if I can't find what I need elsewhere. I don't really have a good recommendation for a PDE book.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
How about Partial Differential Equations: An introduction, by W. A. Strauss??

Is this a good book for self-study after learning one semester of ODE??
 
All V.I.Arnol'ds book are good and he has one or more on pde.

heres a used copy:
Lectures on Partial Differential Equations (ISBN: 3540404481)
Arnol'd, Vladimir I.
Bookseller: Blackwell Online
(Oxford, OX, United Kingdom) Price: US$ 31.58
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Quantity: 3 Shipping within United Kingdom:
US$ 3.95
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Book Description: Springer, 2004. Paperback. Book Condition: Brand New. *** NEW COPY *** TITLE SHIPPED FROM UK *** Pages: 157, Like all of Vladimir Arnold's books, this book is full of geometric insight. Arnold illustrates every principle with a figure. This book aims to cover the most basic parts of the subject and confines itself largely to the Cauchy and Neumann problems for the classical linear equations of mathematical physics, especially Laplace's equation and the wave equation, although the heat equation and the Korteweg-de Vries equation are also discussed. Physical intuition is emphasized. A large number of problems are sprinkled throughout the book, and a full set of problems from examinations given in Moscow are included at the end. Some of these problems are quite challenging! This work was described by "Choice" as an Outstanding Title! (January 2006) Like all of Vladimir Arnold's books, this book is full of geometric insight. Arnold illustrates every principle with a figure. This book aims to cover the most basic parts of the subject and confines itself largely to the Cauchy and Neumann problems for the classical linear equations of mathematical physics, especially Laplace's equation and the wave equation, although the heat equation and the Korteweg-de Vries equation are also discussed. Physical intuition is emphasized. A large number of problems are sprinkled throughout the book, and a full set of problems from examinations given in Moscow are included at the end. Some of these problems are quite challenging!What makes the book unique is Arnold's particular talent at holding a topic up for examination from a new and fresh perspective. He likes to blow away the fog of generality that obscures so much mathematical writing and reveal the essentially simple intuitive ideas underlying the subject. No other mathematical writer does this quite so well as Arnold. Preface to the Second Russian Edition.- 1. The General Theory to one First-Order Equation.- 2. The General Theory to one First-Order Equation (Continued).- 3. Huygens? Principle in the Theory of Wave Propagation.- 4. The Vibrating String (d?Alembert?s Method).- 5. The Fourier Method (for the Vibrating String).- 6. The Theory of Oscillations. The Variational Principle.- 7. The Theory of Oscillations. The Variational Principle (Continued).- 8. Properties of Harmonic Functions.- 9. The Fundamental Solution for the Laplacian. Potentials.- 10. The Double Layer Potential.- 11. Spherical Functions. Maxwell?s Theorem. The Removable Singularities Theorem.- 12. Boundary Value Problems for Laplace?s Equation. Theory of Linear Equations and Systems.- A. The Topological Content of Maxwell?s Theorem on the Multifield Representation of Spherical Functions.- B. Problems. Bookseller Inventory # 3540404481
 
  • #10
here is a classic work now in dover paper edition: (from amazon)

Lectures on Partial Differential Equations by I. G. Petrovsky (Paperback - Jan 14, 1992)
Buy new: $9.95, 21 Used & new from $2.75
 

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