A New Approach to Differential Geometry Using Clifford's Geometric Algebra - Hardcover

by John Snygg (Author)

Differential geometry is the study of the curvature and calculus of curves and surfaces. The conceptual complications introduced by a multitude of spaces and mappings normally required in the study of differential geometry usually postpones the topic to graduate-level courses. A New Approach to Differential Geometry using Clifford's Geometric Algebra simplifies the discussion to an undergraduate level of differential geometry by introducing Clifford algebra. This presentation is relevant since Clifford algebra is an effective tool for dealing with the rotations intrinsic to the study of curved space.

Key features include:

- a rare undergraduate-level approach to differential geometry;

- brief biographies of historically relevant mathematicians and physicists;

- significant aspects of general relativity and Riemannian geometry and

- chapter-by-chapter exercises.

This accessible and comprehensive textbook offers a valuable introduction to differential geometry, simplifying the complicated theory by using Clifford algebra. It will serve as a useful resource for upper-level undergraduates, beginning-level graduate students, and researchers in the algebra and physics communities.

This accessible and comprehensive textbook offers a valuable introduction to differential geometry, simplifying the complicated theory by using Clifford algebra. It will serve as a useful resource for upper-level undergraduates, beginning-level graduate students, and researchers in the algebra and physics communities.

Back Jacket

Differential geometry is the study of curvature and calculus of curves and surfaces. Because of an historical accident, the Geometric Algebra devised by William Kingdom Clifford (1845-1879) has been overlooked in favor of the more complicated and less powerful formalism of differential forms and tangent vectors to deal with differential geometry. Fortuitously a student who has completed an undergraduate course in linear algebra is better prepared to deal with the intricacies of Clifford algebra than with the formalism currently used. Clifford algebra enables one to demonstrate a close relation between curvature and certain rotations. This is an advantage both conceptually and computationally--particularly in higher dimensions.

Key features and topics include:

* a unique undergraduate-level approach to differential geometry;

* brief biographies of historically relevant mathematicians and physicists;

* some aspects of special and general relativity accessible to undergraduates with no knowledge of Newtonian physics;

* chapter-by-chapter exercises.

The textbook will also serve as a useful classroom resource primarily for undergraduates as well as beginning-level graduate students; researchers in the algebra and physics communities may also find the book useful as a self-study guide.