Special functions, being natural generalizations of the elementary functions, have their origin in the solution of partial differential equations satisfying some set of conditions. Special functions can be defined in a variety of ways. Many special functions of a complex variable can be defined by means of either a series or an appropriate integral. Special functions like Bessel functions, Whittaker functions, Gauss hypergeometric function and the polynomials that go by the names of Jacobi, Legendre, Laguerre, Hermite, etc., have been continuously developed. Also, sequences of polynomials play a vital role in applied mathematics. Two important classes of polynomial sequences are the Sheffer and Appell sequences. The Appell and Sheffer polynomial sequences occur in different applications in many different branches of mathematics, theoretical physics, approximation theory, and other fields.
This special issue focuses on the applications of the special functions and polynomials to various areas of mathematics. Thorough knowledge of special functions is required in modern engineering and physical science applications. These functions typically arise in such applications as communications systems, statistical probability distribution, electro-optics, nonlinear wave propagation, electromagnetic theory, potential theory, electric circuit theory, and quantum mechanics.
Edited by: Serkan Araci, H. M. Srivastava, Kottakkaran Sooppy Nisar