Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
M.Sc. Physics
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25. Science and Technology of Solar Energy, Hydrogen and Other Renewable Energie
s
Solar Cell Devices
Physics by Fonash Flipkart
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Fundamentals of Solar Cells Photovoltaic Solar Energy by Fahrenbruch and Bube
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Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells by Chandra
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Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier Technologies Systems Economy by Winter and Nitch
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26. Digital Communications Systems
Digital and Analog Communication Systems by K. San Shanmugam
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Communication Systems by Simon Haykin Flipkart
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Optical Fibre Communication by Kaiser Flipkart
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27. Particle Physics
Nuclear and Particle Physics by W. Burcham and M. Jobes
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Quarks and Leptons by Halzen and Martin
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Unitary Symmetry and Elementary Particles by D.B.Lichtenberg
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Symmetry Principles in Particle Physics by Emmerson
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28. Molecular Orbital Theory and Electronic Spectra of Molecules
Molecular Orbital Theory by A. Streitweiser
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Valence by C.A. Coulson
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High Resolution Spectroscopy by J.M. Hollas
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29. Solid State Physics: Special Solids, Surfaces and Properties
Solid State Physics by Kittel Flipkart
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Thin Films by Heavens Flipkart
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Thin Film Solar Cells by Chopra
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Solid State Physics by N.W. Aschroft and N.D. Mermiu
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1. Instrumentation Transducers
A Course In Electrical and Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation by A.K. S
awhney Flipkart
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Instrument Transducers by H.K.P. Neubert
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Handbook of Transducers by H.N. Norton Flipkart
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Instrumentation In Scientific Research by K.S. Lion
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2. Microprocessor and Peripherals
Advanced Microprocessor and Peripherals by A.K.Ray and K.M. Bhurchandi Flipkart
Amazon
Microcomputer Systems 8086/8088 Family: Architecture, Programming and Design by
Yu-Cheng Liu and Glenn A
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Microprocessor and Interfacing, Programming and Hardware by Douglas V Hall
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Microprocessor Architecture, Programming and Applications with 8085 by Ramesh S
Gaonkar
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3. Digital Signal Processing
Digital Signal Processing by Proakis and Manolokis
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Digital Signal Processing by S.K. Mitra
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Theory and Application of Digital Signal Processing by Rabinar L.R. and Gold B.
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Introduction to Digital Signal Processing by Johnson
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Digital Signal Processing by Alan V Oppennheim Flipkart
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4. Process Instrumentation
Measurement Systems Application and Design by Ernest O Doebelin
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Instrument Engineers Hand book by B. G. Liptak Flipkart
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Instrumentation: Devices and Systems by Rangan, Mani and Sharma
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Process/Industrial Instruments And Controls Handbook by Gregory McMillan, Dougla
s Considine
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Transducers and Instrumentation by DVS Murthy Flipkart
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Instrumentation and Process Measurements by W.Bolton
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5. Digital Image processing
Digital Image Processing by Rafael C. Gonzalez and Richard E. Woods
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Image Processing, Analysis and Machine Vision by Milan Sonka, Vaclav Hlavac and
Roger Boyle
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Fundamentals of Digital Image Processing by Anil K. Jain
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6. Advanced Control Systems
Modern Control Engineering by K. Ogata Flipkart
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Discrete Time Control Systems by K.Ogata
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Digital Control and State Variable Methods by Madan Gopal
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Modern Control Engineering by Roy Choudhury
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7. Process Control System
Process Control Instrumentation Technology by C. D. Johnson
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Instrument Engineers Handbook Vol. I by B. G. Liptak
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Design with Operational Amplifiers and Analog Integrated Circuits by Sergio Fran
co
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Chemical Process Control an Introduction to Theory and Practice by Stephanopoulo
s
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A Users Handbook of D/A and A/D converters by E.R.Hnatek
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Computer Aided Process Control by S. K. Singh
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8. Analytical Instrumentation
Principles of Instrumental Analysis by Douglas A. Skoog, James Holler, Stanley R
. Crounch
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Instrumental Methods of Analysis by Willard H.W Merritt, L.L Dean J A Settie FA
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Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry by Douglas A Skoog, Donald M, West Holler T
homson Flipkart
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Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis by Galen W. Ewing
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9. PIC Microcontroller
Design with PIC microcontrollers by J. B. Peatman
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Embedded C Programming and the Microchip PIC by Richard H. Barnett
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PICs in Practice by F. P. Volpe and S. Volpe
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Microcontrollers: Architecture Implementation and Programming by Hintz Flipkart
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10. DSP Architecture
Digital Signal Processing by Avtar Singh and S. Srinivasan
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Digital Signal Processing by Emmanuel C Ifeachor and B W Jervis
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Digital Signal Processors by B Venkataramani and M Bhaskar
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11. Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic
Neural Networks A Comprehensive Foundation by Simon Haykin
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Artificial Neural Networks by B. Yegnanarayana Flipkart
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Fuzzy Logic with Engineering Applications by Timothy. J. Ross Flipkart
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Introduction to Artificial Neural Systems by Jacek M. Zurada
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Neural Network Fundamentals with Graphs, Algorithms and applications by N.K. Bos
e, P.Liang
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12. Automation in Process Control
Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers by Garry Dunning
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Computer Control of Processes by M.Chidambaram Flipkart
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Computer Based Industrial Control by Krishna Kant
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Process Control Instrumentation Technology by Curtis Johnson
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Instrumentation Engineers Hand Book
Process Control by Bela G Liptak Flipkart
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Industrial Control and Instrumentation by W.Bolton
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13. Lasers and Optical Instrumentation
Optoelectronics by Wilson and Hawkes
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Essentials of Optoelectronics with Applications by A.J.Rogers Flipkart
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Principles of Optical Communication and Opto Electronics by I.Ravikuamar, Bala N
.Saraswathi
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14. Aircraft Instrumentation
Aircraft Instruments by C A Williams
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Nancy Jean Sell
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Complex Analysis by L. V. Ahlfors
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6. Mathematical Methods
Calculus and Analytic Geometry by G.B. Thomas, R.L.Finney, M.D.Weir
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Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig
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Mathematical Methods by G. Shanker Rao Flipkart
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7. Analytic Dynamics
Dynamic Part II by A. S. Ramsay
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Classical Mechanics by N. C. Rana and P.S. Joag
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Classical Mechanics by H. Goldstein
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Principles of Mechanics by J. L. Synge and B. A. Griffith
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8. Theory of Optimization
Optimization: Theory and Practice by G.S.G.Beveridge and R.S.Schechter Flipkart
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Introduction to Optimization Techniques by M.Aoki
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Optimization Techniques by L.R. Foulds Flipkart
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9. Mathematical Modeling
Mathematical Modeling by J. N. Kapur
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Mathematical Modeling by Mark M. Meerschaert
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Ordinary Differential Equations by Morris Tenenbaum
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10. Hydrodynamics
A Treatise on Hydrodynamics by W. H. Besant and A. S. Ramsey
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Foundations of Fluid Dynamics by S. W. Yuan
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Foundations of Fluid Dynamics by Gallavotti
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to Engineering and Computer Science by Narsingh D
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An Introduction by D. Kelly
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3. Linear Algebra
Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications by H. Anton
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Linear Algebra and its Applications by G. Strang
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Linear Algebra
A Geometric Approach by S. Kumaresan Flipkart
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Advanced Engineering Mathematics by E. Kreyszig
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4. Differential Equations
Advanced Engineering Mathematics by E. Kreyszig
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Elementary Differential Equations by W. E. Boyce and R. DiPrima
Amazon
Calculus Vol. II by T. M. Apostol
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Introductory Methods of Numerical Analysis by S. S. Sastry
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by S.S. Abhyankar
Amazon
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48. Theory of Estimation
Statistical Decision Theory by J. Berger
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Mathematical Statistics : A Decision Theoretic Approach by T.S. Ferguson
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Theory of Point Estimation by E.L. Lehmann
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----------------------------------------------------------Best Reference Books
Mechanical Engineering
Here is the listing of Best Reference Books on Mechanical Engineering.
1. Engineering Graphics and Drawing
Engineering Drawing and Graphics by K. Venugopal
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Engineering Drawing by N.D. Bhatt and V.M. Panchal
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Engineering Graphics by B. Bhattacharyya
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2. Solid Mechanics
An Introduction to Mechanics of Solids by S.H. Crandall, N.C. Dahl and S.J.Lardn
er
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Introduction to Mechanics of Solids by E.P. Popov
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Solid Mechanics by S.M.A. Kazimi
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Mechanics of Materials by Gere J. M.
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Theory of Elasticity by Timoshenko S.P. and Goodier J.N.
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3. Strength of Materials
Strength of Materials Vol. I by S.P. Timonshenko
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Strength of Materials Vol.II by S.P. Timonshenko
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Theory of Elasticity by S.P. Timonshenko and J.N. Goodier
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Engineering Mechanics of Solids by Egor. P.Popov
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Advanced Mechanics of Solids by Srinath L.N
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Strength of Materials by Bhavikatti
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Mechanics of Structures by Junarkar S.B.
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Solid Mechanics by Kazimi S.M.A
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4. Fluid Mechanics
Foundations of Fluid Mechanics by S.W. Yuan
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Fluid Mechanics by V.L. Streeter
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Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics by A.L. Prasuhn
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5. Manufacturing Processes
Manufacturing Science by Ghosh A. and Mallick A. K
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Manufacturing Technology: Foundry, Forming and Welding by Rao P. N.
Amazon
Introduction to Manufacturing Processes by Schey J
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Materials and Processes in Manufacturing by DeGarmo E. P., Black J. T.
r R. A.
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Injection Mold Design, Longman Scientific and Technical by Pye R. G. W
Amazon
Amazon
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and Kohse
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6. Thermodynamics
Engineering Thermodynamics by M. Achuthan
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Thermodynamics: Kinetic Theory and Statistical Thermodynamics by F. W. Sears and
G. L. Salinger.
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Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics by M. J. Moran and H. N. Shapiro
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Fundamentals of Thermodynamics by R.E. Sonntag, C. Borgnakke and G.J. Van Wylen
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Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics by A. N. Tychonov and A.
A. Samarski
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Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers by Stanley J. Farlow
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14. Computational Methods in Engineering
Analytical Methods in Engineering by J. B. Doshi
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Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics by A. N. Tychonov and A.
A. Samarski
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Linear Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers by Tyn MyintU, ?Lokenath Debnath
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15. Computer Aided Solutions
Applied Numerical Methods for Digital Computations by M.L. James, G. Smith, and
J.C. Wolford
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Computer Oriented Numerical Methods by V. Rajaraman
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Introductory Methods of Numerical Analysis by S.S. Sastry
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16. Refrigeration and Airconditioning
Thermal Environmental Engineering by J. L. Threlkeld
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Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by C. P. Arora
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Basic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by Ananthanarayanan
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17. Design Methodology
Engineering Design by G. E. Dieter
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Design Methods by J. C. Jones Flipkart
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Engineering Design Methods by N. Cross Flipkart
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Design Engineering: Inventiveness Analysis and Decision Making by J. R. Dixon
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18. Analytical Mechanics
Classical Mechanics by H. Goldstein
Classical Dynamics by D.T. Greenwood
Lagrangian Dynamics by D.E. Wells
Flipkart
Flipkart
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Amazon
Amazon
Amazon
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Amazon
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Amazon
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Transport Phenomena
by R.B.Bird, W.E. Stewart and E.N. Lightfoot
by Larry A. Glasgow
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by Henrik Smith, ?Henning Hjgaard Jensen
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9. Control Systems
Control Systems Engineering by I.J. Nagrath and M. Gopal
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Automatic Control Systems by B.C. Kuo Flipkart
Amazon
Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems by G.F. Franklin, J.D. Powell and A. Emami-N
aeini Flipkart
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10. Communication Systems
An Introduction to Analog and Digital Communication Systems by S.S. Haykin
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Communication Systems by A.B. Carlson Flipkart
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Communication Systems by B.P. Lathi
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11. Microprocessors
Microprocessor Architecture, Programming and Applications with 8085 by R. S. Gao
nkar
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Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach by J. H. Hennessy and D. A. Patte
rson
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The 8051 Microcontroller, Architecture, Programming and Applications by Kenneth
J. Ayala
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12. Discrete Data and Digital Control
Discrete Data Control Systems by B.C. Kuo
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Digital Control Engineering by M. Gopal
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Amazon
Digital Control of Dynamic Systems by G.F. Franklin and J.D. Powell
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13. Special Semiconductor Devices
Complete Guide to Semiconductor Devices by Kwok K. Ng Flipkart
Amazon
Physics of Semiconductor Devices by S.M. Sze
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Semiconductor Power Devices by S.K. Ghandhi
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Modern Power Devices by B.J. Baliga
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Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices by P. Bhattacharya
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14. Advanced Computing for Electrical Engineers
Algorithms in C++ by Robert Sedgewick Flipkart
Amazon
Operating System Concepts by Abraham Silberschatz, Peter B. Galvin, Greg Gagne
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Mastering Algorithms with C by Kyle Loudon
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15. Compound Semiconductor Material and Devices
Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices by Pallab Bhattacharya
Flipkart
Amazon
Physical Principles and Technical Implementation by M. A. Herman, W. Richter and
H. Sitter,Epitaxy
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Semiconductor Material and Device Characterization by D. K. Schroder
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16. Digital Signal Processing and its Applications
Discrete-Time Signal Processing by A.V. Oppenheim and R.W. Schafer
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Digital Signal Processing by A.V. Oppenheim and R.W. Schafer
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Theory and Application of Digital Signal Processing by L.R. Rabiner and B. Gold
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Amazon
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M-H. Bao
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Signals and Systems by Dr.J.S.Chitode
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Amazon
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Control
Systems by Kwakernak and Sivan Flipkart
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by Anderson and Moore
Amazon
by Jeffrey B. Burl
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M. Spivak
8. Feynman Lectures
9. Optics - Hecht
10. Particle Physics - Duncan Carlsmith
----------------------------------------------------------------I particularly recommend the first of the following books.
Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler,
Spacetime Physics: Introduction to Special Relativity, 2nd ed.
W. H. Freeman & Company, 1992.
In print, ISBN 0-7167-2326-3, list price $26.00 (hardcover)
This classic undergraduate textbook is simply the best introduction I know. It
might look a bit hokey, but it's full of fabulous insights.
Wolfgang Rindler,
Introduction to Special Relativity, 2nd ed.
Oxford University Press, 1991.
In print, ISBN 0-19-853952-5; list price $32.95 (paperback)
Another reputable textbook, which I am not familiar with but which other posters
have recommended in the past.
Anadijiban Das,
The Special Theory of Relativity: A Mathematical Approach.
Springer-Verlag, 1996.
In print, ISBN 0-387-94042-1; list price $39.95 (hardcover)
I am not familiar with this book, but it seems to be a concise but reasonably co
mprehensive and modern introduction, covering among other things the connection
between Moebius transformations and the Lorentz group.
George F. Ellis and Ruth M. Williams,
Flat and Curved Space-Times
Oxford University Press, 1988
In print, ISBN 0-19-851169-8; list price $45.00 (paperback)
This book is notable for making a serious attempt to provide an introduction to
both SR and GR, using only basic algebra and calculus (no tensors). It does tre
at some aspects of some exact solutions in GR but does not adequately cover the
field equations and thus cannot be considered a suitable GR text. However, it m
ay be helpful to the timorous reader attempting to make the transition from SR t
o GR.
Gregory L. Naber,
The Geometry of Minkowski Spacetime: An Introduction to the Mathematics of t
he Special Theory of Relativity.
Springer-Verlag, 1992.
In print, ISBN 0-387-97848-8; list price $65.95 (hardcover)
This book is devoted to a rigorous mathematical treatment of the flat Minkowski
spacetime of special relativity. It pays particular attention to the Lorentz gr
oup and the causal structure of the theory, but also treats the electromagnetic
field tensor, spinors, and the topology of Minkowski spacetime. This book won't
teach you much physics, but is useful if you want to see special relativity put
on a firm mathematical basis, or examine some of the more intricate technical i
mplications of Lorentz transformations or SR causality.
I would not recommend the Dover reprint by Aharoni (outdated, poorly written, cl
umsy notation). I am not familiar with the Dover reprint by Shadowitz.
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Among exact solutions beyond "the usual suspects", DINV features detailed discus
sions of the Kerr-Newman vacuum, Reissner-Nordstrom electrovac, Tolman fluid, de
Sitter and anti-de Sitter cosmological solutions. The Kasner dust is treated v
ery nicely in HT, and STEP mentions the Bertotti-Robinson electrovac. HT also f
eatures a particularly clear and concise treatment of the Bianchi classification
of homogeneous spacelike hyperslices.
While I think the six books listed above are among the best currently available
textbooks, there are several others worthy of special mention.
Alan P. Lightman, William H. Press, Saul A. Teukolsky,
Problem Book in Relativity and Gravitation
Princeton University Press, 1975.
In print, ISBN 0-691-08162-X; list price $40.00 (paperback)
Since the only way to learn a mathematical theory is by doing problems, the more
the merrier, this book is an invaluable resource for serious students.
J. Martin,
General Relativity: A First Course For Physicists
Prentice Hall, 1995.
In print, ISBN 0-13-291196-5; list price $37.95 (paperback).
Presents the bare essentials (geodesics, curvature, the field equation, "the usu
al suspects") in a concise and accessible manner. However, it uses coordinate n
otation exclusively, and thus cannot be considered a "modern" introduction (desp
ite the date of publication), but it can be good place to learn the (essential!)
coordinate methods of computation.
Paul A. Dirac,
General Theory of Relativity
Princeton University Press, 1996.
In print, ISBN 0-691-01146-X, list price $10.95 (paperback).
Yes, that Dirac. In his inimitable, incredibly concise style, Dirac offers a si
xty page sketch of GR, with all the math but not a single picture. First publis
hed in 1975, this book doesn't cover any of the modern developments in the subje
ct. If you are very impatient and have a very strong background in advanced cal
culus and some differential geometry, this just might be the right book for you.
Otherwise it will sail right over your head. No exercises.
Hans C. Ohanian, Reno Rufkin and Remo Ruffini,
Gravitation and Spacetime, 2nd ed.
W. W. Norton, 1994.
In print, ISBN 0-393-96501-5; list price $43.50 (hardcover).
Most GR books follow more or less in Einstein's footsteps in motivating the fiel
d equation. These authors take a different approach which has become increasing
ly important in recent years; they motivate the linearized field equation by a c
areful formal analogy with Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, and then argue
their way to the full field equation. Strong on the important formal analogies
with EM, but weak on geometry. It also has one of the best treatments to be fou
nd among introductory GR texts of the experimental and observational consequence
s of the theory, along with a nice discussion of newtonian gravity.
Gregory L. Naber,
Spacetime and Singularities: An Introduction.
Cambridge University Press, 1989.
In print, ISBN 0-521-33612-0; list price $24.95 (paperback).
In the same excellent London Mathematical Society Student Series as HT. I don't
know this book but I've seen it somewhere; as I recall it looked somewhat forbi
dding.
C. Clarke,
Elementary General Relativity
Halsted Press, 1980.
Out of print.
A concise and readable introduction, emphasizing modern coordinate free notation
. Has some good exercises.
Theodore T. Frankel,
Gravitational Curvature: An Introduction to Einstein's Theory.
W. H. Freeman & Company, 1979.
Out of print.
Features a particularly comprehensive introduction to the geometric meaning of t
he field equation, and a detailed introduction to relativistic optics. No exerc
ises.
L. D. Landau,
The Classical Theory of Fields.
Course of Theoretical Physics, Vol. 2. Classical Theory
Butterworth-Heinemann, 1980.
ISBN 0-7506-2768-9; list price $47.95 (hardcover).
The first half is a concise introduction to SR and EM; the second half, an even
more concise introduction to GR. Features a discussion of LeMaitre coordinates
for the Schwarzschild solution and some other things not found in many other boo
ks. Some good exercises.
Dover has also reprinted books on relativity by the youthful Wolfgang Pauli, the
mature Max Born, Peter Bergman, and Richard Tolman, which I feel are of margina
l utility today, since they are very out of date and the topics they do discuss
are IMO better explained in more modern language elsewhere. I would strongly re
commend that students spend their money on more expensive but up-to-date textboo
ks.
The books by Schroedinger and Feynman are also entirely unsuitable for an introd
uction to GR.
Background Reading
In this section, I discuss some books that
(a) discuss the mathematical background for GR (differential geometry),
(b) place relativity theory in the context of physics at large,
(c) contain important milestones in the history of relativity theory.
I'll begin with several books in the Schaum's outline series, which, if read wit
h discipline, can actually be a very effective way, I think, to learn some probl
em-solving skills. If you really are starting with linear algebra, however, you
should expect to spend many months in hard labor working through these books be
fore you are ready to being your study of GR. I am not familiar with all of the
following books, but consider the one I own (the last) to be a good book.
Seymour Lipschutz,
Schaum's Outline of Linear Algebra, 2nd ed.
McGraw-Hill, 1991.
ories, the Standard Model of particle physics, etc., are also sketched.
Speaking of manifolds and differential geometry, I think that one of the best al
l around introductions is:
William M. Boothby,
An Introduction to Differentiable Manifolds and Riemannian Geometry, 2nd ed.
Academic Press, 1986.
In print, ISBN 0-12-116053-X; list price $58.00 (paperback).
One book which is particularly well suited for background reading in GR is the o
utrageously expensive
Barrett O'Neill,
Semi-Riemannian Geometry with Applications to Relativity.
Academic Press, 1983.
In print, ISBN 0-12-526740-1; list price $99.00 (hardover).
This book covers not only manifolds, tensors, metrics, connections, curvature, c
alculus of variations, homogeneous spaces, and covering spaces, but also Minkows
ki spacetime, the Friedmann and Schwarzschild solutions, and the singularity the
orems.
Another classic, easy to read introduction is "the great American differential g
eometry book":
Michael Spivak,
A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential Geometry, 5 volumes.
Publish or Perish, 1979.
Vol. 1: ISBN 0-914098-84-5; $30.00
Vol. 2: ISBN 0-914098-85-3; $25.00
Vol. 3: ISBN 0-914098-86-1; $30.00
Vol. 4: ISBN 0-914098-87-X; $35.00
Vol. 5: ISBN 0-914098-88-8; $40.00 (all in hardcover only).
This book has a somewhat fussy notation, and tends toward the verbose, but it is
engaging and full of insight. Boothby is shorter but covers more, although the
last volume of Spivak is a gentle introduction to Chern classes.
A gentle introduction by popular author is:
Frank Morgan,
Riemannian Geometry: A Beginner's Guide, 2nd ed.
A K Peters, 1997.
In print, ISBN 1-56881-073-3; list price $34.00 (hardcover).
Another well known textbook (the author is a relativist) is:
Barrett O'Neill,
Elementary Differential Geometry, 2nd ed.
Academic Press, 1997.
In print, ISBN 0-12-526745-2; list price $49.95 (hardcover).
Another well known textbook (aimed more at hamiltonian mechanics) is:
R. Abraham, Jerrold E. Marsden, and T. Ratiu,
Manifolds, Tensor Analysis, and Applications.
Springer-Verlag, 1996.
In print, ISBN 0-387-96790-7; list price $69.95 (hardcover).
These are so dense I wouldn't recommend them for anyone without a strong backgro
und in modern physics.
Dover has reprinted books by Levi-Civita, Schouten, and Synge on tensor calculus
. These were all essential references in their day but they are now hopelessly
out of date and I recommend that students spend their money on more expensive bu
t more modern texts.
Here are some books that may help the student place relativity theory into the g
rand scheme of things, physically speaking:
I.D. Lawrie,
A Unified Grand Tour of Theoretical Physics.
I O P Publishing, 1990.
In print, ISBN 0-85274-015-8; list price $49.00 (paperback).
I like this book very much. Lawrie quite properly emphasizes the formal analogi
es between hamiltonian mechanics and quantum theory; the variational principle f
ormulations of GR ties this relativity theory to both these subjects. Lawrie al
so emphasizes the fact that newtonian theory is not simply "wrong"; by a mere ch
ange of interpretation (and a factor of i here and a factor of h bar there) the
equations of newtonian theory (as rewritten by Hamilton) go over to their quantu
m analogs. Needless to say these formal analogies are a great help to the worki
ng physicist.
Richard P. Feynman,
The Feynman Lectures on Physics
Addison Wesley Longman, 1970. 3 Volumes.
In print, available as boxed set or individual paperbacks.
One of the great scientific expositions of all time. Full of enthusiasm and ove
rflowing with fabulous ideas. Feynman's geometric explanation of the physical m
eaning of Maxwell's equation is a joy; so is his discussion of action at a dista
nce (his revolutionary work with Wheeler). The first two volumes are particular
ly recommended. Note well: in volume 2, the section on SR is one of the few wea
k points in the book; I advise that you skip it altogether. If you must read it
, not, RPF is not saying that spacetime has a Euclidean metric!
L. D. Landau, E. M. Lifshitz and others,
Course of Theoretical Physics, 8 volumes.
Butterworth-Heinemann, various years.
Vol. 1 (Mechanics) and Vol. 2 (Classical Field Theory) are particularly relevant
. Well translated and quite readable for the most part. Initiated by the great
Russian physicist Lev Landau and continued after his untimely death by his disc
iple Lifshitz. The Russian approach to physics and math is significantly differ
ent from American ideas in many respects and it is worthwhile gaining some famil
iarity with Landau's vision. Unlike say Feynman's great books, this series offe
rs many excellent exercises.
Walter Greiner and others.
A Curriculum in Theoretical Physics.
Springer-Verlag, various years.
Another heroic attempt to survey all of modern theoretical physics at the advanc
ed undergraduate to second year graduate level, this time with a European perspe
ctive. Well translated from the German, very readable, with an excellent balanc
e of theory, descriptions of "great experiments", and practical experience in co
mputing things using the theory. Many exercises are solved in full.
Here are some books that relate relativity theory to important subjects in mathe
matics:
E. J. Flaherty,
Hermitian and Kahlerian Geometry in Relativity.
Springer-Verlag New York, 1976.
Out of print.
In Kahler geometry, instead of bundling tangent planes with a euclidean inner pr
oduct, we bundle tangent planes with a hermitian inner product, which gives a mu
ch more "rigid" structure. However, symplectic geometry may be even more import
ant in the future; see
M. Kauderer,
Symplectic Matrices, First Order Systems and Special Relativity.
World Scientific, 1994.
In print, ISBN 981-02-0829-4; list price $64.00 (hardcover).
Victor W. Guillemin and Shlomo Sternberg,
Symplectic Techniques in Physics.
Cambridge University Press, 1990.
In print, ISBN 0-521-38990-9; list price $37.95 (paper).
Helmut Hofer and Eduard Zehnder,
Symplectic Invariants and Hamiltonian Dynamics.
Birkhauser, 1994.
In print, ISBN 0-8176-5066-0; list price $59.50 (hardcover).
J. M. Souriau,
Structure of Dynamical Systems: A Symplectic View of Physics.
Birkhauser, 1997.
Out of print.
Dusa McDuff and Dietmar Salamon,
Introduction to Symplectic Topology.
Oxford University Press, 1995.
In print, ISBN 0-19-851177-9; list price $90.00 (hardcover).
A. T. Fomenko,
Symplectic Geometry, 2nd ed.
Gordon & Breach Publishing Group, 1995.
In print, ISBN 2-88124-901-9; list price $110.00 (hardcover).
Finally, for a glimpse of what quantum gravity may look like, try:
J. Baez and J. Muniain,
Gauge Fields, Knots and Gravity.
World Scientific, 1994.
In print, ISBN 981-02-2034-0; list price $43.00 (paperback).
This book also features an excellent and concise introduction to exterior forms
and a good discussion of the rather vexed terms "contravariant" and "covariant"
(they way they are used in older GR books is exactly opposite to their modern me
aning in mathematics!) [From the editor (DK): But I think their use in older boo
ks makes much more sense!]
Here are some books of enduring historical interest:
Albert Einstein and others,
The Principle of Relativity