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D’Alembert and the Wave Equation: Its Disputes and Controversies
Polytechnic School of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 1 Polytechnic School of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Advances in Historical Studies·Volume 09 (2020)·Pages 229–239·Published 18 November 2020·DOI10.4236/ahs.2020.94019
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Abstract
The solution of the vibrating string problem is one of d’Alembert’s fundamental contributions to mathematics and physics. This problem, which attracted the attention of many mathematicians, was solved in his general formulation of the wave equation. Even nowadays, with so much technological progress in computer sciences and experimental methods , there are impor tant applications of wave equation: for example, guyed cables for structural purposes, vibrations in transmission lines and risers of offshore structures, guyed bridges, etc. It remains a very useful tool for these engineering problems.
KeywordsHistory of MathematicsHistory of Mechanical VibrationsPartial Differential EquationsHistory of Engineering
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