Numerical Methods for Engineers

Dakar American University of Science and Technology (DAUST)

Amadou Lamine Toure (PhD)
February 2023

1 / 12
Course description
Numerical Methods use computers to solve problems by step-wise,
repeated and iterative solution methods, which would otherwise be
tedious or unsolvable by hand-calculations.
Approximations are needed because we either
▶ cannot solve the procedure analytically (e.g., the standard normal
cumulative distribution function)
▶ or because the analytical method is intractable (e.g., solving a set of a
thousand simultaneous linear equations for a thousand unknowns).

This course is designed to give an overview of the most important

numerical methods that scientists and engineers should know.
We derive basic algorithms in root finding, matrix algebra, integration
and interpolation, ordinary and partial differential equations.
We learn how to use MATLAB to solve numerical problems.
The focus will be on the techniques themselves, rather than specific
applications.
2 / 12
After completing the course, students should be able to:
Model engineering systems using first and second order differential
equations, and solve the equations both analytically and numerically.
Employ various techniques for approximation and error analysis.
Formulate and apply numerical techniques for root finding, curve
fitting, differentiation, and integration.
Write computer programs to solve engineering problems with
MATLAB
Perform both hand computation and programming applied in
MATLAB

3 / 12
Prerequisites

We assume familiarity with:

the basics of matrix algebra,
differential equations,
vector calculus.
No background in a programming language is required,
just be willing to learn MATLAB.

4 / 12
Materials

Applied Numerical Methods with MATLAB for Engineers and

Scientists, 4th Edition. Stephen C. Chapra, McGraw Hill, 2018
(libgen.rs)
Extra Notes: Numerical Methods for Engineers
Courses Materials, available through MyDAUST
Computer with MATLAB installed, or access to the online version
using your DAUST account.

5 / 12
Numerical Methods: What and Why study them?

Numerical methods are techniques by which mathematical problems

are formulated so that they can be solved with arithmetic and logical
operations.
▶ Because digital computers excel at performing such operations,
numerical methods are sometimes referred to as computer
mathematics.
▶ With the advent of fast, inexpensive digital computers, the role of
numerical methods in engineering and scientific problem solving has
exploded.
▶ Numerical methods should be a part of every engineer’s and scientist’s
basic education, with a solid appreciation of both their capabilities and
limitations.

6 / 12
Additional reasons to study Numerical Methods:

1 Expand the types of problems you can address. i.e; large systems of
equations, nonlinearities, complicated geometries that are often impossible
to solve analytically with standard calculus.
2 Allow you to use “canned” software with insight; prepackaged numerical
solvers.
▶ An understanding of the underlying theory ⟹ . An intelligent use of

these programs
▶ ELSE, you will be left to treat such packages as “black boxes”; with no

control over the validity of their results

3 You are able to design your own package when no canned programs is
appropriate.
4 Numerical methods are ideal for illustrating the computer’s powers and
limitations; an efficient vehicle for learning to use computers.
5 Reinforce your understanding of mathematics;
▶ One function of numerical methods is to reduce higher mathematics to

basic arithmetic operations, they get at the “nuts and bolts” of some
otherwise obscure topics.
7 / 12
Applications

Provide a concrete idea of what numerical methods are and how they
relate to engineering and scientific problem solving.
Mathematical methods
▶ Learning how mathematical models can be formulated on the basis of
scientific principles to simulate the behavior of a simple physical system.
Numerical methods
▶ Understanding how numerical methods afford a means to generalize
solutions in a manner that can be implemented on a digital computer.
Problem solving
▶ Understanding the different types of conservation laws that lie beneath
the models used in the various engineering disciplines and appreciating
the difference between steady-state and dynamic solutions of these
models.

8 / 12
Mathematical Modelling
The process of solving an engineering or physical problem:

Engineering or Physical problems (Description)

Mathematical Modeling Approximation & Assumption

Formulation or Governing Equations

Analytical & Numerical Methods

Solutions

Applications

9 / 12
Mathematical model – Function

Dependent = 𝑓 (independent , parameters, forcing )

variable variable functions

Dependent variable - a characteristic that usually reflects the

behavior or state of the system
Independent variables - dimensions, such as time and space, along
which the system’s behavior is being determined
Parameters - constants reflective of the system’s properties or
composition
Forcing functions - external influences acting upon the system

10 / 12
Mathematical model - Example Problem:
Jumper’s velocity during free-fall part?
(a function of time)
length & strength of cord for jumpers of ≠ mass?
Solution:
Newton’s second law:

𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎 = 𝐹𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 − 𝐹𝑢𝑝
= 𝑚𝑔 − 𝐶𝑑 𝑣2
𝑑𝑣
𝑚 = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝐶𝑑 𝑣2
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑣 𝐶
= 𝑔 − 𝑑 𝑣2 → ODE
𝑑𝑡 𝑚
𝜐 = downward vertical velocity (𝑚/𝑠),
𝑡 = time (𝑠),
𝑔 = acceleration due to gravity (≅ 9.81𝑚/𝑠2 ),
𝐶𝑑 = a lumped drag coefficient (𝑘𝑔/𝑚),
𝑚 = the jumper’s mass (𝑘𝑔).
11 / 12
Mathematical model – Solution
Ordinary differential equation (ODE):
𝑑𝑣 𝐶
= 𝑔 − 𝑑 𝑣2
𝑑𝑡 𝑚
Analytical solution:

𝑚𝑔 𝑔𝐶
𝑣(𝑡) = √ tanh (√ 𝑑 𝑡)
𝐶𝑑 𝑚

Numerical solution:
𝑑𝑣 ≈ Δ𝑣 𝑣(𝑡𝑖+1 ) − 𝑣(𝑡𝑖 )
= = Finite difference (Euler’s) method
𝑑𝑡 Δ𝑡 𝑡𝑖+1 − 𝑡𝑖
𝑣(𝑡𝑖+1 ) − 𝑣(𝑡𝑖 ) 𝐶
⟹ = 𝑔 − 𝑑 𝑣(𝑡𝑖 )2
𝑡𝑖+1 − 𝑡𝑖 𝑚
𝐶𝑑
𝑣(𝑡𝑖+1 ) = 𝑣(𝑡𝑖 ) + [𝑔 − 𝑣(𝑡𝑖 )2 ] (𝑡𝑖+1 − 𝑡𝑖 )
𝑚
12 / 12