Author: Nicola Bellomo
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 081764525X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 206
Book Description
Analysis of nonlinear models and problems is crucial in the application of mathematics to real-world problems. This book approaches this important topic by focusing on collocation methods for solving nonlinear evolution equations and applying them to a variety of mathematical problems. These include wave motion models, hydrodynamic models of vehicular traffic flow, convection-diffusion models, reaction-diffusion models, and population dynamics models. The book may be used as a textbook for graduate courses on collocation methods, nonlinear modeling, and nonlinear differential equations. Examples and exercises are included in every chapter.
Generalized Collocation Methods
Author: Nicola Bellomo
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 081764525X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 206
Book Description
Analysis of nonlinear models and problems is crucial in the application of mathematics to real-world problems. This book approaches this important topic by focusing on collocation methods for solving nonlinear evolution equations and applying them to a variety of mathematical problems. These include wave motion models, hydrodynamic models of vehicular traffic flow, convection-diffusion models, reaction-diffusion models, and population dynamics models. The book may be used as a textbook for graduate courses on collocation methods, nonlinear modeling, and nonlinear differential equations. Examples and exercises are included in every chapter.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 081764525X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 206
Book Description
Analysis of nonlinear models and problems is crucial in the application of mathematics to real-world problems. This book approaches this important topic by focusing on collocation methods for solving nonlinear evolution equations and applying them to a variety of mathematical problems. These include wave motion models, hydrodynamic models of vehicular traffic flow, convection-diffusion models, reaction-diffusion models, and population dynamics models. The book may be used as a textbook for graduate courses on collocation methods, nonlinear modeling, and nonlinear differential equations. Examples and exercises are included in every chapter.
Generalized Collocation Methods
Author: Nicola Bellomo
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0817646108
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 206
Book Description
Analysis of nonlinear models and problems is crucial in the application of mathematics to real-world problems. This book approaches this important topic by focusing on collocation methods for solving nonlinear evolution equations and applying them to a variety of mathematical problems. These include wave motion models, hydrodynamic models of vehicular traffic flow, convection-diffusion models, reaction-diffusion models, and population dynamics models. The book may be used as a textbook for graduate courses on collocation methods, nonlinear modeling, and nonlinear differential equations. Examples and exercises are included in every chapter.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0817646108
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 206
Book Description
Analysis of nonlinear models and problems is crucial in the application of mathematics to real-world problems. This book approaches this important topic by focusing on collocation methods for solving nonlinear evolution equations and applying them to a variety of mathematical problems. These include wave motion models, hydrodynamic models of vehicular traffic flow, convection-diffusion models, reaction-diffusion models, and population dynamics models. The book may be used as a textbook for graduate courses on collocation methods, nonlinear modeling, and nonlinear differential equations. Examples and exercises are included in every chapter.
Generalized Differential and Integral Quadrature
Author: Francesco Tornabene
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 689
Book Description
The main aim of this book is to analyze the mathematical fundamentals and the main features of the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) and Generalized Integral Quadrature (GIQ) techniques. Furthermore, another interesting aim of the present book is to shown that from the two numerical techniques mentioned above it is possible to derive two different approaches such as the Strong and Weak Finite Element Methods (SFEM and WFEM), that will be used to solve various structural problems and arbitrarily shaped structures. A general approach to the Differential Quadrature is proposed. The weighting coefficients for different basis functions and grid distributions are determined. Furthermore, the expressions of the principal approximating polynomials and grid distributions, available in the literature, are shown. Besides the classic orthogonal polynomials, a new class of basis functions, which depend on the radial distance between the discretization points, is presented. They are known as Radial Basis Functions (or RBFs). The general expressions for the derivative evaluation can be utilized in the local form to reduce the computational cost. From this concept the Local Generalized Differential Quadrature (LGDQ) method is derived. The Generalized Integral Quadrature (GIQ) technique can be used employing several basis functions, without any restriction on the point distributions for the given definition domain. To better underline these concepts some classical numerical integration schemes are reported, such as the trapezoidal rule or the Simpson method. An alternative approach based on Taylor series is also illustrated to approximate integrals. This technique is named as Generalized Taylor-based Integral Quadrature (GTIQ) method. The major structural theories for the analysis of the mechanical behavior of various structures are presented in depth in the book. In particular, the strong and weak formulations of the corresponding governing equations are discussed and illustrated. Generally speaking, two formulations of the same system of governing equations can be developed, which are respectively the strong and weak (or variational) formulations. Once the governing equations that rule a generic structural problem are obtained, together with the corresponding boundary conditions, a differential system is written. In particular, the Strong Formulation (SF) of the governing equations is obtained. The differentiability requirement, instead, is reduced through a weighted integral statement if the corresponding Weak Formulation (WF) of the governing equations is developed. Thus, an equivalent integral formulation is derived, starting directly from the previous one. In particular, the formulation in hand is obtained by introducing a Lagrangian approximation of the degrees of freedom of the problem. The need of studying arbitrarily shaped domains or characterized by mechanical and geometrical discontinuities leads to the development of new numerical approaches that divide the structure in finite elements. Then, the strong form or the weak form of the fundamental equations are solved inside each element. The fundamental aspects of this technique, which the author defined respectively Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM) and Weak Formulation Finite Element Method (WFEM), are presented in the book.
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 689
Book Description
The main aim of this book is to analyze the mathematical fundamentals and the main features of the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) and Generalized Integral Quadrature (GIQ) techniques. Furthermore, another interesting aim of the present book is to shown that from the two numerical techniques mentioned above it is possible to derive two different approaches such as the Strong and Weak Finite Element Methods (SFEM and WFEM), that will be used to solve various structural problems and arbitrarily shaped structures. A general approach to the Differential Quadrature is proposed. The weighting coefficients for different basis functions and grid distributions are determined. Furthermore, the expressions of the principal approximating polynomials and grid distributions, available in the literature, are shown. Besides the classic orthogonal polynomials, a new class of basis functions, which depend on the radial distance between the discretization points, is presented. They are known as Radial Basis Functions (or RBFs). The general expressions for the derivative evaluation can be utilized in the local form to reduce the computational cost. From this concept the Local Generalized Differential Quadrature (LGDQ) method is derived. The Generalized Integral Quadrature (GIQ) technique can be used employing several basis functions, without any restriction on the point distributions for the given definition domain. To better underline these concepts some classical numerical integration schemes are reported, such as the trapezoidal rule or the Simpson method. An alternative approach based on Taylor series is also illustrated to approximate integrals. This technique is named as Generalized Taylor-based Integral Quadrature (GTIQ) method. The major structural theories for the analysis of the mechanical behavior of various structures are presented in depth in the book. In particular, the strong and weak formulations of the corresponding governing equations are discussed and illustrated. Generally speaking, two formulations of the same system of governing equations can be developed, which are respectively the strong and weak (or variational) formulations. Once the governing equations that rule a generic structural problem are obtained, together with the corresponding boundary conditions, a differential system is written. In particular, the Strong Formulation (SF) of the governing equations is obtained. The differentiability requirement, instead, is reduced through a weighted integral statement if the corresponding Weak Formulation (WF) of the governing equations is developed. Thus, an equivalent integral formulation is derived, starting directly from the previous one. In particular, the formulation in hand is obtained by introducing a Lagrangian approximation of the degrees of freedom of the problem. The need of studying arbitrarily shaped domains or characterized by mechanical and geometrical discontinuities leads to the development of new numerical approaches that divide the structure in finite elements. Then, the strong form or the weak form of the fundamental equations are solved inside each element. The fundamental aspects of this technique, which the author defined respectively Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM) and Weak Formulation Finite Element Method (WFEM), are presented in the book.
Mechanics of Laminated Composite Doubly-Curved Shell Structures
Author: Francesco Tornabene
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
This manuscript comes from the experience gained over ten years of study and research on shell structures and on the Generalized Differential Quadrature method. The title, Mechanics of Laminated Composite Doubly-Curved Shell Structures, illustrates the theme followed in the present volume. The present study aims to analyze the static and dynamic behavior of moderately thick shells made of composite materials through the application of the Differential Quadrature (DQ) technique. A particular attention is paid, other than fibrous and laminated composites, also to “Functionally Graded Materials” (FGMs). They are non-homogeneous materials, characterized by a continuous variation of the mechanical properties through a particular direction. The GDQ numerical solution is compared, not only with literature results, but also with the ones supplied and obtained through the use of different structural codes based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Furthermore, an advanced version of GDQ method is also presented. This methodology is termed Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM) because it employs the strong form of the differential system of equations at the master element level and the mapping technique, proper of FEM. The connectivity between two elements is enforced through compatibility conditions.
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
This manuscript comes from the experience gained over ten years of study and research on shell structures and on the Generalized Differential Quadrature method. The title, Mechanics of Laminated Composite Doubly-Curved Shell Structures, illustrates the theme followed in the present volume. The present study aims to analyze the static and dynamic behavior of moderately thick shells made of composite materials through the application of the Differential Quadrature (DQ) technique. A particular attention is paid, other than fibrous and laminated composites, also to “Functionally Graded Materials” (FGMs). They are non-homogeneous materials, characterized by a continuous variation of the mechanical properties through a particular direction. The GDQ numerical solution is compared, not only with literature results, but also with the ones supplied and obtained through the use of different structural codes based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Furthermore, an advanced version of GDQ method is also presented. This methodology is termed Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM) because it employs the strong form of the differential system of equations at the master element level and the mapping technique, proper of FEM. The connectivity between two elements is enforced through compatibility conditions.
Mechanics of laminated Composite doubly-curvel shell structures
Author: Francesco Tornabene
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN: 887488687X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
This manuscript comes from the experience gained over ten years of study and research on shell structures and on the Generalized Differential Quadrature method. The title, Mechanics of Laminated Composite Doubly-Curved Shell Structures, illustrates the theme followed in the present volume. The present study aims to analyze the static and dynamic behavior of moderately thick shells made of composite materials through the application of the Differential Quadrature (DQ) technique. A particular attention is paid, other than fibrous and laminated composites, also to “Functionally Graded Materials” (FGMs). They are non-homogeneous materials, characterized by a continuous variation of the mechanical properties through a particular direction. The GDQ numerical solution is compared, not only with literature results, but also with the ones supplied and obtained through the use of different structural codes based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Furthermore, an advanced version of GDQ method is also presented. This methodology is termed Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM) because it employs the strong form of the differential system of equations at the master element level and the mapping technique, proper of FEM. The connectivity between two elements is enforced through compatibility conditions.
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN: 887488687X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
This manuscript comes from the experience gained over ten years of study and research on shell structures and on the Generalized Differential Quadrature method. The title, Mechanics of Laminated Composite Doubly-Curved Shell Structures, illustrates the theme followed in the present volume. The present study aims to analyze the static and dynamic behavior of moderately thick shells made of composite materials through the application of the Differential Quadrature (DQ) technique. A particular attention is paid, other than fibrous and laminated composites, also to “Functionally Graded Materials” (FGMs). They are non-homogeneous materials, characterized by a continuous variation of the mechanical properties through a particular direction. The GDQ numerical solution is compared, not only with literature results, but also with the ones supplied and obtained through the use of different structural codes based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). Furthermore, an advanced version of GDQ method is also presented. This methodology is termed Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM) because it employs the strong form of the differential system of equations at the master element level and the mapping technique, proper of FEM. The connectivity between two elements is enforced through compatibility conditions.
Handbook of Research on Computational Science and Engineering: Theory and Practice
Author: Leng, J.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 161350117X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 701
Book Description
By using computer simulations in research and development, computational science and engineering (CSE) allows empirical inquiry where traditional experimentation and methods of inquiry are difficult, inefficient, or prohibitively expensive. The Handbook of Research on Computational Science and Engineering: Theory and Practice is a reference for interested researchers and decision-makers who want a timely introduction to the possibilities in CSE to advance their ongoing research and applications or to discover new resources and cutting edge developments. Rather than reporting results obtained using CSE models, this comprehensive survey captures the architecture of the cross-disciplinary field, explores the long term implications of technology choices, alerts readers to the hurdles facing CSE, and identifies trends in future development.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 161350117X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 701
Book Description
By using computer simulations in research and development, computational science and engineering (CSE) allows empirical inquiry where traditional experimentation and methods of inquiry are difficult, inefficient, or prohibitively expensive. The Handbook of Research on Computational Science and Engineering: Theory and Practice is a reference for interested researchers and decision-makers who want a timely introduction to the possibilities in CSE to advance their ongoing research and applications or to discover new resources and cutting edge developments. Rather than reporting results obtained using CSE models, this comprehensive survey captures the architecture of the cross-disciplinary field, explores the long term implications of technology choices, alerts readers to the hurdles facing CSE, and identifies trends in future development.
Hygro-Thermo-Magneto-Electro-Elastic Theory of Anisotropic Doubly-Curved Shells
Author: Francesco Tornabene
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1073
Book Description
This book aims to present in depth several Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDTs) by means of a unified approach for studying the Hygro-Thermo-Magneto-Electro- Elastic Theory of Anisotropic Doubly-Curved Shells. In particular, a general coupled multifield theory regarding anisotropic shell structures is provided. The three-dimensional multifield problem is reduced in a two-dimensional one following the principles of the Equivalent Single Layer (ESL) approach and the Equivalent Layer-Wise (ELW) approach, setting a proper configuration model. According to the adopted configuration assumptions, several Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDTs) are obtained. Furthermore, the strong and weak formulations of the corresponding governing equations are discussed and illustrated. The approach presented in this volume is completely general and represents a valid tool to investigate the physical behavior of many arbitrarily shaped structures. An isogeometric mapping procedure is also illustrated to this aim. Special attention is given also to advanced and innovative constituents, such as Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Variable Angle Tow (VAT) composites and Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs). In addition, several numerical applications are used to support the theoretical models. Accurate, efficient and reliable numerical techniques able to approximate both derivatives and integrals are considered, which are respectively the Differential Quadrature (DQ) and Integral Quadrature (IQ) methods. The Theory of Composite Thin Shells is derived in a simple and intuitive manner from the theory of thick and moderately thick shells (First-order Shear Deformation Theory or Reissner- Mindlin Theory). In particular, the Kirchhoff-Love Theory and the Membrane Theory for composite shells are shown. Furthermore, the Theory of Composite Arches and Beams is also exposed. In particular, the equations of the Timoshenko Theory and the Euler-Bernoulli Theory are directly deducted from the equations of singly-curved shells of translation and of plates.
Publisher: Società Editrice Esculapio
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1073
Book Description
This book aims to present in depth several Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDTs) by means of a unified approach for studying the Hygro-Thermo-Magneto-Electro- Elastic Theory of Anisotropic Doubly-Curved Shells. In particular, a general coupled multifield theory regarding anisotropic shell structures is provided. The three-dimensional multifield problem is reduced in a two-dimensional one following the principles of the Equivalent Single Layer (ESL) approach and the Equivalent Layer-Wise (ELW) approach, setting a proper configuration model. According to the adopted configuration assumptions, several Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDTs) are obtained. Furthermore, the strong and weak formulations of the corresponding governing equations are discussed and illustrated. The approach presented in this volume is completely general and represents a valid tool to investigate the physical behavior of many arbitrarily shaped structures. An isogeometric mapping procedure is also illustrated to this aim. Special attention is given also to advanced and innovative constituents, such as Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Variable Angle Tow (VAT) composites and Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs). In addition, several numerical applications are used to support the theoretical models. Accurate, efficient and reliable numerical techniques able to approximate both derivatives and integrals are considered, which are respectively the Differential Quadrature (DQ) and Integral Quadrature (IQ) methods. The Theory of Composite Thin Shells is derived in a simple and intuitive manner from the theory of thick and moderately thick shells (First-order Shear Deformation Theory or Reissner- Mindlin Theory). In particular, the Kirchhoff-Love Theory and the Membrane Theory for composite shells are shown. Furthermore, the Theory of Composite Arches and Beams is also exposed. In particular, the equations of the Timoshenko Theory and the Euler-Bernoulli Theory are directly deducted from the equations of singly-curved shells of translation and of plates.
The Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method
Author: Vasile Marinca
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319153749
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 476
Book Description
This book emphasizes in detail the applicability of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method to various engineering problems. It is a continuation of the book “Nonlinear Dynamical Systems in Engineering: Some Approximate Approaches”, published at Springer in 2011 and it contains a great amount of practical models from various fields of engineering such as classical and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, nonlinear oscillations, electrical machines and so on. The main structure of the book consists of 5 chapters. The first chapter is introductory while the second chapter is devoted to a short history of the development of homotopy methods, including the basic ideas of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method. The last three chapters, from Chapter 3 to Chapter 5, are introducing three distinct alternatives of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method with illustrative applications to nonlinear dynamical systems. The third chapter deals with the first alternative of our approach with two iterations. Five applications are presented from fluid mechanics and nonlinear oscillations. The Chapter 4 presents the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method with a single iteration and solving the linear equation on the first approximation. Here are treated 32 models from different fields of engineering such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, nonlinear damped and undamped oscillations, electrical machines and even from physics and biology. The last chapter is devoted to the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method with a single iteration but without solving the equation in the first approximation.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319153749
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 476
Book Description
This book emphasizes in detail the applicability of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method to various engineering problems. It is a continuation of the book “Nonlinear Dynamical Systems in Engineering: Some Approximate Approaches”, published at Springer in 2011 and it contains a great amount of practical models from various fields of engineering such as classical and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, nonlinear oscillations, electrical machines and so on. The main structure of the book consists of 5 chapters. The first chapter is introductory while the second chapter is devoted to a short history of the development of homotopy methods, including the basic ideas of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method. The last three chapters, from Chapter 3 to Chapter 5, are introducing three distinct alternatives of the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method with illustrative applications to nonlinear dynamical systems. The third chapter deals with the first alternative of our approach with two iterations. Five applications are presented from fluid mechanics and nonlinear oscillations. The Chapter 4 presents the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method with a single iteration and solving the linear equation on the first approximation. Here are treated 32 models from different fields of engineering such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, nonlinear damped and undamped oscillations, electrical machines and even from physics and biology. The last chapter is devoted to the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method with a single iteration but without solving the equation in the first approximation.
Solving Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations with Maple and Mathematica
Author: Inna Shingareva
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 370910517X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
The emphasis of the book is given in how to construct different types of solutions (exact, approximate analytical, numerical, graphical) of numerous nonlinear PDEs correctly, easily, and quickly. The reader can learn a wide variety of techniques and solve numerous nonlinear PDEs included and many other differential equations, simplifying and transforming the equations and solutions, arbitrary functions and parameters, presented in the book). Numerous comparisons and relationships between various types of solutions, different methods and approaches are provided, the results obtained in Maple and Mathematica, facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject. Among a big number of CAS, we choose the two systems, Maple and Mathematica, that are used worldwide by students, research mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. As in the our previous books, we propose the idea to use in parallel both systems, Maple and Mathematica, since in many research problems frequently it is required to compare independent results obtained by using different computer algebra systems, Maple and/or Mathematica, at all stages of the solution process. One of the main points (related to CAS) is based on the implementation of a whole solution method (e.g. starting from an analytical derivation of exact governing equations, constructing discretizations and analytical formulas of a numerical method, performing numerical procedure, obtaining various visualizations, and comparing the numerical solution obtained with other types of solutions considered in the book, e.g. with asymptotic solution).
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 370910517X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
The emphasis of the book is given in how to construct different types of solutions (exact, approximate analytical, numerical, graphical) of numerous nonlinear PDEs correctly, easily, and quickly. The reader can learn a wide variety of techniques and solve numerous nonlinear PDEs included and many other differential equations, simplifying and transforming the equations and solutions, arbitrary functions and parameters, presented in the book). Numerous comparisons and relationships between various types of solutions, different methods and approaches are provided, the results obtained in Maple and Mathematica, facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject. Among a big number of CAS, we choose the two systems, Maple and Mathematica, that are used worldwide by students, research mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. As in the our previous books, we propose the idea to use in parallel both systems, Maple and Mathematica, since in many research problems frequently it is required to compare independent results obtained by using different computer algebra systems, Maple and/or Mathematica, at all stages of the solution process. One of the main points (related to CAS) is based on the implementation of a whole solution method (e.g. starting from an analytical derivation of exact governing equations, constructing discretizations and analytical formulas of a numerical method, performing numerical procedure, obtaining various visualizations, and comparing the numerical solution obtained with other types of solutions considered in the book, e.g. with asymptotic solution).
Two-Point Boundary Value Problems: Lower and Upper Solutions
Author: C. De Coster
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080462472
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 502
Book Description
This book introduces the method of lower and upper solutions for ordinary differential equations. This method is known to be both easy and powerful to solve second order boundary value problems. Besides an extensive introduction to the method, the first half of the book describes some recent and more involved results on this subject. These concern the combined use of the method with degree theory, with variational methods and positive operators. The second half of the book concerns applications. This part exemplifies the method and provides the reader with a fairly large introduction to the problematic of boundary value problems. Although the book concerns mainly ordinary differential equations, some attention is given to other settings such as partial differential equations or functional differential equations. A detailed history of the problem is described in the introduction.· Presents the fundamental features of the method· Construction of lower and upper solutions in problems· Working applications and illustrated theorems by examples· Description of the history of the method and Bibliographical notes
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080462472
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 502
Book Description
This book introduces the method of lower and upper solutions for ordinary differential equations. This method is known to be both easy and powerful to solve second order boundary value problems. Besides an extensive introduction to the method, the first half of the book describes some recent and more involved results on this subject. These concern the combined use of the method with degree theory, with variational methods and positive operators. The second half of the book concerns applications. This part exemplifies the method and provides the reader with a fairly large introduction to the problematic of boundary value problems. Although the book concerns mainly ordinary differential equations, some attention is given to other settings such as partial differential equations or functional differential equations. A detailed history of the problem is described in the introduction.· Presents the fundamental features of the method· Construction of lower and upper solutions in problems· Working applications and illustrated theorems by examples· Description of the history of the method and Bibliographical notes