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Ch00 Introduction S

Numerical methods are techniques used to solve mathematical problems through arithmetic operations, particularly when analytical solutions are difficult or impossible to derive. They are essential for handling complex problems, utilizing computer programs, and enhancing understanding of mathematics. This course will cover various topics including roots of equations, optimization, integration, and more.

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3 views11 pages

Ch00 Introduction S

Numerical methods are techniques used to solve mathematical problems through arithmetic operations, particularly when analytical solutions are difficult or impossible to derive. They are essential for handling complex problems, utilizing computer programs, and enhancing understanding of mathematics. This course will cover various topics including roots of equations, optimization, integration, and more.

Uploaded by

Arşimet Eğin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MAK 310

NUMERICAL METHODS
CHAPTER 0 - INTRODUCTION

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NUMERICAL METHODS
What is a Numerical Method ?
• Numerical methods are techniques to solve formulated mathematical
problems with arithmetic operations (as opposed to analytical
computations).

• Techniques that are used to approximate mathematical procedures.


• Solving mathematical equations mostly using computers.
• They involve large numbers of tedious arithmetic calculations.

2
Simple Example (Analytical vs Numerical)

How about if we would like to solve this problem numerically?


Let’s first make some manipulations on the equation.

3
Simple Example (Analytical vs Numerical)

4
WHY SHOULD WE STUDY NUMERICAL METHODS?
1) Analytical solution is generally But sometimes the functions/expressions of the interested
possible for well-defined problems. engineering problem are not known or not easy to derive.

Simple Example: Area under the curve: Complex Example: Energy absorption of a cellular structure:

dx
y
Rhombic Dodecahedron
lattice structure
3D printed with PLA Load-Displacement
• We know the analytical curve function. Compression Test Curve from test
polymer
• So, we can use analytical integration:
1
dA = y dx ∫dA = ∫ y dx = ∫0 x3 dx • Area under the curve will give the energy absorption capacity.
• We do not know the analytical function of the curve.
1
A = (x4/4)0 = ¼=0.25 • So, we need to use a numerical method to calculate the area.
5
WHY SHOULD WE STUDY NUMERICAL METHODS?
(2) When the complexity of the problem increases, they are often impossible to solve analytically or too
difficult to solve. Numerical methods are capable of handling complex problems, for instance, large
systems of equations, nonlinearities, and complicated geometries.

Simple Example: Displacement and stresses Complicated Geometry Example: Displacement of a lattice
of a solid part under compression: structure under compression:
P
P
Stresses (MPa)
A
L
E L

Analytical formulation is available: • Analytical formulation is not available.


• A numerical method called finite element method (FEM) is used.
δ = PL / AE σ=P/A • Each strut is modeled with beam elements
• A large system of equations are solved
numerically to calculate the displacements
and stresses. 6
WHY SHOULD WE STUDY NUMERICAL METHODS?
3) Computer programs use numerical methods at the background.
We use them as “black boxes” (Meaning we do not know what it does but see results).
We need to learn the fundamentals of numerical methods to have critical insight into their inner workings
or the validity of the results.

Example: Root finding problem What is the positive root of f(x) = x10 − 1 ?

We can use “fzero” function in MATLAB:


How does “fzero” black-box function work?

It uses a combination of

“Bracketing methods”
(e.g. incremental search, and bisection)

with “Open Methods”


(e.g. Secant and inverse quadratic
interpolation”)

7
WHY SHOULD WE STUDY NUMERICAL METHODS?
4) Many problems cannot be approached using “black box” programs
or they are expensive to buy.
If we know about the numerical methods, we can design our own programs to solve problems without
having to buy the expensive software.

Example:
Fusion 360 with Netfabb Ultimate. ($14,000+ a year). We develop our
own codes using
numerical methods
in MATLAB.

8
WHY SHOULD WE STUDY NUMERICAL METHODS?
5) Numerical methods are an efficient vehicle for learning to use computers.
Because numerical methods are quite suitable for computer implementation,
they are ideal for illustrating the computer’s powers and limitations
and learning how to write computer programs.

Learning MATLAB in this course by applying the numerical methods for example problems.

9
WHY SHOULD WE STUDY NUMERICAL METHODS?
6) Numerical methods help to reinforce your understanding of mathematics.
Because one function of numerical methods is to reduce higher mathematics to basic arithmetic
operations, they can simplify some obscure topics.
Enhanced understanding and insight can result from this alternative perspective.

Computational fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations


Navier-stokes equations for fluid mechanics help visualize its mathematics
are not easy to visualize

Stress distribution on the


lattice structure.
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NUMERICAL METHOD TOPICS IN THIS COURSE
1) Roots of Equations 3) Optimization 5) Integration

2) Set of Equations 4) Curve Fitting 6) Differentiation

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