Global Differential Geometry Of Surfaces

Writing this book, I had in my mind areader trying to get some knowledge of a part of the modern differential geometry. I concentrate myself on the study of sur faces in the Euclidean 3-space, this being the most natural object for investigation. The global differential geometry of surfaces in E3 is based on two classical results: (i) the ovaloids (i.e., closed surfaces with positive Gauss curvature) with constant Gauss or mean curvature are the spheres, (ü) two isometrie ovaloids are congruent. The results presented here show vast generalizations of these facts. Up to now, there is only one book covering this area of research: the Lecture Notes [3] written in the tensor slang. In my book, I am using the machinary of E. Cartan's calculus. It should be equivalent to the tensor calculus; nevertheless, using it I get better results (but, honestly, sometimes it is too complicated). It may be said that almost all results are new and belong to myself (the exceptions being the introductory three chapters, the few classical results and results of my post graduate student Mr. M. ÄFWAT who proved Theorems V.3.1, V.3.3 and VIII.2.1-6).

Writing this book, I had in my mind areader trying to get some knowledge of a part of the modern differential geometry. I concentrate myself on the study of sur faces in the Euclidean 3-space, this being the most natural object for investigation. The global differential geometry of surfaces in E3 is based on two classical results: (i) the ovaloids (i.e., closed surfaces with positive Gauss curvature) with constant Gauss or mean curvature are the spheres, (ü) two isometrie ovaloids are congruent. The results presented here show vast generalizations of these facts. Up to now, there is only one book covering this area of research: the Lecture Notes [3] written in the tensor slang. In my book, I am using the machinary of E. Cartan's calculus. It should be equivalent to the tensor calculus; nevertheless, using it I get better results (but, honestly, sometimes it is too complicated). It may be said that almost all results are new and belong to myself (the exceptions being the introductory three chapters, the few classical results and results of my post graduate student Mr. M. ÄFWAT who proved Theorems V.3.1, V.3.3 and VIII.2.1-6).

This engrossing volume on curve and surface theories is the result of many years of experience the authors have had with teaching the most essential aspects of this subject. The first half of the text is suitable for a university-level course, without the need for referencing other texts, as it is completely self-contained. More advanced material in the second half of the book, including appendices, also serves more experienced students well. Furthermore, this text is also suitable for a seminar for graduate students, and for self-study. It is written in a robust style that gives the student the opportunity to continue his study at a higher level beyond what a course would usually offer. Further material is included, for example, closed curves, enveloping curves, curves of constant width, the fundamental theorem of surface theory, constant mean curvature surfaces, and existence of curvature line coordinates. Surface theory from the viewpoint of manifolds theory is explained, and encompasses higher level material that is useful for the more advanced student. This includes, but is not limited to, indices of umbilics, properties of cycloids, existence of conformal coordinates, and characterizing conditions for singularities. In summary, this textbook succeeds in elucidating detailed explanations of fundamental material, where the most essential basic notions stand out clearly, but does not shy away from the more advanced topics needed for research in this field. It provides a large collection of mathematically rich supporting topics. Thus, it is an ideal first textbook in this field. Request Inspection Copy

Writing this book, I had in my mind areader trying to get some knowledge of a part of the modern differential geometry. I concentrate myself on the study of sur faces in the Euclidean 3-space, this being the most natural object for investigation. The global differential geometry of surfaces in E3 is based on two classical results: (i) the ovaloids (i.e., closed surfaces with positive Gauss curvature) with constant Gauss or mean curvature are the spheres, (ü) two isometrie ovaloids are congruent. The results presented here show vast generalizations of these facts. Up to now, there is only one book covering this area of research: the Lecture Notes [3] written in the tensor slang. In my book, I am using the machinary of E. Cartan's calculus. It should be equivalent to the tensor calculus; nevertheless, using it I get better results (but, honestly, sometimes it is too complicated). It may be said that almost all results are new and belong to myself (the exceptions being the introductory three chapters, the few classical results and results of my post graduate student Mr. M. ÄFWAT who proved Theorems V.3.1, V.3.3 and VIII.2.1-6).

One of the most widely used texts in its field, this volume's clear, well-written exposition is enhanced by many examples and exercises, some with hints and answers. 1976 edition.

Central topics covered include curves, surfaces, geodesics, intrinsic geometry, and the Alexandrov global angle comparision theorem Many nontrivial and original problems (some with hints and solutions) Standard theoretical material is combined with more difficult theorems and complex problems, while maintaining a clear distinction between the two levels

This is a textbook on differential geometry well-suited to a variety of courses on this topic. For readers seeking an elementary text, the prerequisites are minimal and include plenty of examples and intermediate steps within proofs, while providing an invitation to more excursive applications and advanced topics. For readers bound for graduate school in math or physics, this is a clear, concise, rigorous development of the topic including the deep global theorems. For the benefit of all readers, the author employs various techniques to render the difficult abstract ideas herein more understandable and engaging. Over 300 color illustrations bring the mathematics to life, instantly clarifying concepts in ways that grayscale could not. Green-boxed definitions and purple-boxed theorems help to visually organize the mathematical content. Color is even used within the text to highlight logical relationships. Applications abound! The study of conformal and equiareal functions is grounded in its application to cartography. Evolutes, involutes and cycloids are introduced through Christiaan Huygens' fascinating story: in attempting to solve the famous longitude problem with a mathematically-improved pendulum clock, he invented mathematics that would later be applied to optics and gears. Clairaut’s Theorem is presented as a conservation law for angular momentum. Green’s Theorem makes possible a drafting tool called a planimeter. Foucault’s Pendulum helps one visualize a parallel vector field along a latitude of the earth. Even better, a south-pointing chariot helps one visualize a parallel vector field along any curve in any surface. In truth, the most profound application of differential geometry is to modern physics, which is beyond the scope of this book. The GPS in any car wouldn’t work without general relativity, formalized through the language of differential geometry. Throughout this book, applications, metaphors and visualizations are tools that motivate and clarify the rigorous mathematical content, but never replace it.

Our first knowledge of differential geometry usually comes from the study of the curves and surfaces in I\!\!R^3 that arise in calculus. Here we learn about line and surface integrals, divergence and curl, and the various forms of Stokes' Theorem. If we are fortunate, we may encounter curvature and such things as the Serret-Frenet formulas. With just the basic tools from multivariable calculus, plus a little knowledge of linear algebra, it is possible to begin a much richer and rewarding study of differential geometry, which is what is presented in this book. It starts with an introduction to the classical differential geometry of curves and surfaces in Euclidean space, then leads to an introduction to the Riemannian geometry of more general manifolds, including a look at Einstein spaces. An important bridge from the low-dimensional theory to the general case is provided by a chapter on the intrinsic geometry of surfaces. The first half of the book, covering the geometry of curves and surfaces, would be suitable for a one-semester undergraduate course. The local and global theories of curves and surfaces are presented, including detailed discussions of surfaces of rotation, ruled surfaces, and minimal surfaces. The second half of the book, which could be used for a more advanced course, begins with an introduction to differentiable manifolds, Riemannian structures, and the curvature tensor. Two special topics are treated in detail: spaces of constant curvature and Einstein spaces. The main goal of the book is to get started in a fairly elementary way, then to guide the reader toward more sophisticated concepts and more advanced topics. There are many examples and exercises to help along the way. Numerous figures help the reader visualize key concepts and examples, especially in lower dimensions. For the second edition, a number of errors were corrected and some text and a number of figures have been added.