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Numerical Methods for Engineers (Fall 2010)

Course code : ME-NUM-U1
ECTS Credits : 5 Status : Optional
Placement : 6. semester Hours per week : 4
Length : 1 semester Teaching Language : English

Principal Content : In order to perform a mathematical computation (such as evaluation of an integral or solution of a differential equation) on a computer, one should use numerical algorithms that define how the computations are performed efficiently and accurately. Hence, numerical algorithms are the fundamental "building blocks" in most technical computations – regardless of the programming language used.
This course gives an introduction to numerical methods, using MATLAB, with emphasis on the interplay between the mathematical formulation of the computational problem and the practical implementation on computers. The main objective of the course is to prepare engineering student for future courses or projects in their areas of specialization and their future careers where they will have to use computers for solving problems.

A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:

• Use the basic features and syntax of MATLAB.
• Understand the effect of truncation and rounding errors.
• Understand basic numerical methods such as iteration and discretization.
• Compare alternative methods with respect to efficiency and accuracy.
• Apply numerical algorithms to practical engineering problems.
• Implement simple numerical algorithms in MATLAB.
• Apply built-in MATLAB functions for the solution of a given problem.
• Perform stability analysis of the numerical method used.
• Estimate the accuracy of the computed solution.
• Read engineering literature containing numerical analysis.
Teaching method : The teaching is based on "learning by doing". There will be introductory and summing up lectures. Project work in small groups includes tutorial exercises, assignments, computer simulations, use of internet search engines and case studies.
Required prequisites : ME-MAT1 or equivalent.
Responsible teacher : Imad Abou-Hayt , iabo@dtu.dk