Publisher Comments:This book treats two problems simultaneously: sequential analytical consideration of nonlinear strain wave amplification and selection in wave guides and in a medium; demonstration of the use of even particular analytical solutions to nonintegrable equations in a design of numerical simulation of unsteady nonlinear wave processes. The text includes numerous detailed examples of the strain wave amplification and selection caused by the influence of an external medium, microstructure, moving point defects, and thermal phenomena. The main features of the book are: (1) nonlinear models of the strain wave evolution in a rod subjected by various dissipative/active factors; (2) an analytico-numerical approach for solutions to the governing nonlinear partial differential equations with dispersion and dissipation.This book is essential for introducing readers in mechanics, mechanical engineering, and applied mathematics to the concept of long nonlinear strain wave in one-dimensional wave guides. It is also suitable for self-study by professionals in all areas of nonlinear physics.Book News Annotation:Porubov (A. F. Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute, Russia) introduces readers in mechanics, mechanical engineering, and applied mathematics to the concept of long nonlinear strain waves in one-dimensional wave guides. He treats two problems simultaneously: sequential analysis of nonlinear strain wave amplification and selection in waves guides and in a medium; and the use of analytical solutions in the design of numerical simulation of unsteady nonlinear wave processes. Chapters progress from basic concepts of single nonlinear waves through bulk active or dissipative sources of amplification and selection.Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)"