Which Books Focus on the Formulation of Differential Equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formulation of differential equations (DEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs) in the context of mathematical modeling of physical phenomena. Participants seek recommendations for books that focus on the derivation of these equations rather than their solutions, as well as relevant mathematical publications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the derivation of equations like the heat flow equation and vibrating string wave equation falls under mathematical modeling of physical phenomena.
  • Another participant suggests that most academic texts on topics like heat flow or vibration include derivations from first principles, and recommends searching for specific articles online for particular topics.
  • A participant mentions having found a Dover text titled 'Mathematical Modeling Techniques' but expresses interest in discovering more books that focus specifically on the derivation of DEs and PDEs.
  • One participant recommends "Partial Differential Equations" by Walter Strauss, noting that it derives PDEs from basic principles and includes examples like the vibrating string and heat conduction, while also emphasizing that the focus of the book shifts to solving these equations.
  • It is noted that the derivation of most PDEs is often found in the introductory chapters of texts dedicated to specific equations, such as the Navier-Stokes equation in fluid dynamics or the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the availability and focus of texts dealing with the derivation of differential equations. There is no consensus on specific recommendations beyond those mentioned, indicating multiple competing views on the best resources.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of finding academic texts rather than general audience books, which may contain minimal mathematics. The discussion reflects a range of interests in both specific topics and broader mathematical modeling techniques.

avarmaavarma
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I have seen a few articles outlining the 'derivation' of certain differential equations - e.g. Heat flow equation, vibrating string wave equation etc.

Does this correctly fall under 'mathematical modeling of physical phenomenon?

Can anyone recommend a book that deals primarily with such derivations - I.e. The original formulation of the DE or the PDE - not so much the solutions of the equations.

Any mathematical publications ( magazines) that are relevant would also be appreciated.

Thanks
 
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avarmaavarma said:
I have seen a few articles outlining the 'derivation' of certain differential equations - e.g. Heat flow equation, vibrating string wave equation etc.

Does this correctly fall under 'mathematical modeling of physical phenomenon?

Can anyone recommend a book that deals primarily with such derivations - I.e. The original formulation of the DE or the PDE - not so much the solutions of the equations.

Any mathematical publications ( magazines) that are relevant would also be appreciated.

Thanks
It depends on what you're looking for. Most texts discussing heat flow or vibration, for example, contain derivations of the basic equations governing such phenomena from first principles. If you are interested in a particular topic, you can usually find an article by doing a web search. If you are looking for a text which covers a variety of topics, most physics texts, at least the ones which are calculus-based, have the derivation of the basic equations.

You need to find an academic text, rather than one which is geared to a general reading audience and which contains minimal mathematics.
 
Thanks. I do have such academic texts - and am able to find bits and pieces here and there. However, the closest thing I got to what I was looking for was -'Mathematical modeling techniques' a dover text. Am still curious to see if other books deal with this topic singlepointedly...thanks
 
Partial differential equations by Walter Strauss treats the mathematics of PDE's and also derives the PDE's from basic principles (It takes him less then half a page each). The vibrating string, and heat conduction are derived in chapter 1. He then spends half of the book explaining how to solve these equations for different boundary conditions.
Most PDE's are derived in the introduction chapter of a book dealing only with that specific equation, e.g. the navier stokes equation in a book on fluid dynamics, or the Schrödinger equation in a quantum mechanics book. Like SteamKing said, it depends on what you're looking for.
 

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