Singular Perturbation Theory

The theory of singular perturbations has evolved as a response to the need to find approximate solutions (in an analytical form) to complex problems. Typically, such problems are expressed in terms of differential equations which contain at least one small parameter, and they can arise in many fields: fluid mechanics, particle physics, and combustion processes, to name but three.Many areas of science and engineering produce difficult mathematical problems , i.e., problems that cannot be solved in any conventional sense. In many cases, against all the apparent odds, it is possible to construct systematic approximations that lead to useful solutions. The most powerful of these approximation techniques is singular perturbation theory.§Singular Perturbation Theory introduces all the background ideas to this subject, designed for those with only the most superficial familiarity with university-level mathematics. The methods are developed through worked examples and set exercises (with answers); the latter part of the book is devoted to applications drawn from: mechanics, physics, semi- and superconductor theory, fluid mechanics, thermal processes, chemical and biochemical reactions. In a novel approach, these are grouped together so that the reader with particular interests can readily access them.§This book is based on material that has been taught, mainly by the author, to MSc and research students in applied mathematics and engineering mathematics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne over the last thirty years. The aim of this text is to make all the material readily accessible to the reader who wishes to learn and use the ideas to help with research problems and who does not have a strong mathematical background.