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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000010201697 | QA401 V38 2009 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
This concise and clear introduction to the topic requires only basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra - all other concepts and ideas are developed in the course of the book. Lucidly written so as to appeal to undergraduates and practitioners alike, it enables readers to set up simple mathematical models on their own and to interpret their results and those of others critically. To achieve this, many examples have been chosen from various fields, such as biology, ecology, economics, medicine, agricultural, chemical, electrical, mechanical and process engineering, which are subsequently discussed in detail.
Based on the author`s modeling and simulation experience in science and engineering and as a consultant, the book answers such basic questions as: What is a mathematical model? What types of models do exist? Which model is appropriate for a particular problem? What are simulation, parameter estimation, and validation?
The book relies exclusively upon open-source software which is available to everybody free of charge. The entire book software - including 3D CFD and structural mechanics simulation software - can be used based on a free CAELinux-Live-DVD that is available in the Internet (works on most machines and operating systems).
Author Notes
Kai Velten is a professor of mathematics at the University of Applied Sciences, Wiesbaden, Germany, and a modeling and simulation consultant. Having studied mathematics, physics and economics at the Universities of Gottingen and Bonn, he worked at Braunschweig Technical University (Institute of Geoecology, 1990-93) and at Erlangen University (Institute of Applied Mathematics, 1994-95). From 1996-2000, he held a post as project manager and group leader at the Fraunhofer-ITWM in Kaiserslautern (consultant projects for the industry). His research emphasizes differential equation models and is documented in 34 scientific publications and one patent.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
This work by Velten (Univ. of Applied Sciences, Germany) introduces mathematical modeling and computer simulation of physical and biological systems. Students reading the book will need to have a strong background in calculus and linear algebra as well as some background in probability, statistics, and ordinary and partial differential equations. Although the volume might be accessible to very well-prepared undergraduates in the sciences and engineering, it is more likely to be of interest to graduate students in these disciplines. After an introductory chapter on the philosophy of mathematical modeling, the book continues with chapters on statistical models, ordinary differential equation models, and partial differential equation models. Each chapter begins with a discussion of theoretical issues, followed by an introduction to available computer software and computational examples. An interesting aspect of this book is that Velten uses only freely available open-source software packages, including Maxima, R, Code-Saturne, and Salome-Meca. A surprising weakness is that the author has not included any exercises. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students. B. Borchers New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Table of Contents
| Chapter 1 An Introduction to Cosmology |
| Chapter 2 Special and General Relativity |
| Chapter 3 The Friedmann-Lemaitre Universe |
| Chapter 4 Stellar Structure and Evolution |
| Chapter 5 Astrophysical Implications of General Relativity Appendices |
