Yuri B. Suris - Böcker

An emerging field of discrete differential geometry aims at the development of discrete equivalents of notions and methods of classical differential geometry. The latter appears as a limit of a refinement of the discretization. Current interest in discrete differential geometry derives not only from its importance in pure mathematics but also from its applications in computer graphics, theoretical physics, architecture, and numerics. Rather unexpectedly, the very basic structures of discrete differential geometry turn out to be related to the theory of integrable systems. One of the main goals of this book is to reveal this integrable structure of discrete differential geometry.For a given smooth geometry one can suggest many different discretizations. Which one is the best? This book answers this question by providing fundamental discretization principles and applying them to numerous concrete problems. It turns out that intelligent theoretical discretizations are distinguished also by their good performance in applications.The intended audience of this book is threefold. It is a textbook on discrete differential geometry and integrable systems suitable for a one semester graduate course. On the other hand, it is addressed to specialists in geometry and mathematical physics. It reflects the recent progress in discrete differential geometry and contains many original results. The third group of readers at which this book is targeted is formed by specialists in geometry processing, computer graphics, architectural design, numerical simulations, and animation. They may find here answers to the question ""How do we discretize differential geometry?"" arising in their specific field.Prerequisites for reading this book include standard undergraduate background (calculus and linear algebra). No knowledge of differential geometry is expected, although some familiarity with curves and surfaces can be helpful.

An exploration of the theory of discrete integrable systems, with an emphasis on the following general problem: how to discretize one or several of independent variables in a given integrable system of differential equations, maintaining the integrability property? This question (related in spirit to such a modern branch of numerical analysis as geometric integration) is treated in the book as an immanent part of the theory of integrable systems, also commonly termed as the theory of solitons. Most of the results are only available from recent journal publications, many of them are new. Thus, the book is a kind of encyclopedia on discrete integrable systems. It unifies the features of a research monograph and a handbook. It is supplied with an extensive bibliography and detailed bibliographic remarks at the end of each chapter. Largely self-contained, it will be accessible to graduate and post-graduate students as well as to researchers in the area of integrable dynamical systems.