Classical Mathematical Physics: Dynamical Systems and Field Theories (3rd ed. 1997)

By: Walter Thirring

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Synopsis: This book combines the enlarged and corrected editions of both volumes on classical physics stemming from Thirrings famous course. The treatment of classical dynamical systems uses analysis on manifolds to provide the mathematical setting for discussions of Hamiltonian systems, canonical transformations, constants of motion, and perturbation theory. Problems discussed include: nonrelativistic motion of particles and systems, relativistic motion in electromagnetic and gravitational fields, and the structure of black holes. The treatment of classical fields uses the language of differential geometry, treating both Maxwells and Einsteins equations in a compact and clear fashion. The book includes discussions of the electromagnetic field due to known charge distributions and in the presence of conductors, as well as a new section on gauge theories. It discusses the solutions of the Einstein equations for maximally symmetric spaces and spaces with maximally symmetric submanifolds, and concludes by applying these results to the life and death of stars. Numerous examples and accompanying remarks make this an ideal textbook.