This overview conveys the fundamentals of mathematical models, numerical methods and algorithms. Readers will find a tutorial on the most important classes of numerical methods and an introduction to the use of spectral methods as central tools.

The book of nature is written in the language of mathematics -- Galileo Galilei How is it possible to predict weather patterns for tomorrow, with access solely to today's weather data? And how is it possible to predict the aerodynamic behavior of an aircraft that has yet to be built? The answer is computer simulations based on mathematical models sets of equations that describe the underlying physical properties. However, these equations are usually much too complicated to solve, either by the smartest mathematician or the largest supercomputer. This problem is overcome by constructing an approximation: a numerical model with a simpler structure can be translated into a program that tells the computer how to carry out the simulation.This book conveys the fundamentals of mathematical models, numerical methods and algorithms. Opening with a tutorial on mathematical models and analysis, it proceeds to introduce the most important classes of numerical methods, with finite element, finite difference and spectral methods as central tools. The concluding section describes applications in physics and engineering, including wave propagation, heat conduction and fluid dynamics. Also covered are the principles of computers and programming, including MATLAB®.

Explanations of the most basic and fundamental mathematical and numerical principles that makes a thorough understanding of advanced methods easy A unified approach demonstrating the power of mathematics when applied to different types of problems in mathematical and numerical analysis An introductory tutorial for those who have forgotten their calculus and linear algebra, or never had much of it Presentation of important applications in physics and engineering, representing the most significant types of mathematical models Numerous illustrations for ease of understanding Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Inhalt
Part I Models and elementary mathematics.- Part II Fundamentals in numerical analysis.- Part III Numerical methods for differential equations.- Part IV Numerical methods for algebraic equations.- Part V Applications.- References.- Index