This book is an introduction to the perturbation theory for linear and nonlinear waves in dispersive and dissipative media. The main focus is on the direct asymptotic method which is based on the asymptotic expansion of the solution in series of one or more small parameters and demanding finiteness of the perturbations; this results in slow variation of the main-order solution. The method, which does not depend on integrability of basic equations, is applied to quasi-harmonic and non-harmonic periodic waves, as well as to localized waves such as solitons, kinks, and autowaves. The basic theoretical ideas are illustrated by many physical examples throughout the book.
Contents:
Perturbed Oscillations and Waves: Introductory Examples
Perturbation Method for Quasi-Harmonic Waves
Perturbation Method for Non-Sinusoidal Waves
Nonlinear Waves of Modulation
Perturbation Methods for Solitary Waves and Fronts
Perturbed Solitons
Interaction and Ensembles of Solitons and Kinks
Dissipative and Active Systems. Autowaves
Readership: Graduate students and young researchers in nonlinear science, physicists and applied mathematicians. Key Features:
Especially useful for graduate and PhD students as well as young researchers dealing with the nonlinear wave theory and its applications