Waves and Distributions

This book begins with an introduction on continuum mechanics and a derivation of the linear partial differential equations for sound waves in fluids and elastic waves in solids. There is a brief chapter on the wave equations of electrodynamics. This is followed by a description of plane wave solutions and a discussion of concepts like reflection, refraction, polarization and the role of boundary conditions.The second part of the book deals with the theory and applications of distributions and Fourier transforms. Furthermore, dispersion, the method of stationary phase, Kramers-Kronig relations and various examples including surface waves on liquids are discussed.This text is unique because it emphasizes the use of distributions to analyze the solutions of the wave equation. The treatment of continuum mechanics is self-contained, as well as the discussion on distributions and Fourier transforms. In addition, many classical methods of theoretical physics are thoroughly discussed, e.g. the use of Green functions and multipole expansions.