Chapter 1

Mathematical Modeling and

Engineering Problem solving

“These notes are only to be used in class presentations”

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 The Engineering Problem Solving Process

Mathematical modeling and problem solving:

•Requires understanding of engineering

systems
–By observation and experiment
–Theoretical analysis and
generalization
•Computers are great tools, however,
without fundamental understanding of
engineering problems, they will be
useless.

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A mathematical model is represented as a functional relationship
of the form

Dependent independent forcing

Variable =f variables, parameters, functions

• Dependent variable: Characteristic that usually reflects the

state of the system
• Independent variables: Dimensions such as time and space
along which the systems behavior is being determined
• Parameters: Reflect the system’s properties or composition
• Forcing functions: External influences acting upon the system

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What is the velocity of a falling object (for example a parachutist) ?

Newton’s second law of motion

Formulated as F = m.a

F = net force acting on the body

m = mass of the object (kg)
a = its acceleration (m/s2)

F  FD  FU
FU : Force due to air resistance
FD : Force due to gravity

FU   cv c: drag coefficient
FD  mg g: acceleration due to gravity

dv F mg  cv c
  g v 1st order differential
dt m m m equation
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This formulation has several characteristics that are
typical of mathematical models of the physical world:

– It describes a natural process or system in mathematical

terms
– It represents an idealization and simplification of reality
– Finally, it yields reproducible results, consequently, can be
used for predictive purposes.

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 Analytical solution

If the parachutist is initially at rest (v=0 at t=0), using calculus 1st

order diffrential equation can be solved.

Independent variable
Dependent variable

v(t ) 
gm
c
1 e ( c / m )t
  Exact solution

Forcing function Parameters

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• g=9.8m/s2, m=68.1kg, c=12.5 kg/s

t (sec.) V (m/s)
0 0
2 16.40
4 27.77
8 41.10
10 44.87
12 47.49
∞ 53.39

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 What if we can’t find an analytical solution?

• Some mathematical models of physical phenomena may be much more

complex. Complex models may not be solved exactly or require more
sophisticated mathematical techniques than simple algebra for their
solution.
• Use numerical methods

Numerical methods are techniques by which mathematical

problems are formulated so that they can be solved with
arithmetic calculations (+,-,:,x).

• Numerical methods include large number of arithmetic calculations. The role

of numerical methods in engineering problems have gained more importance
with the development of fast and efficient computers.

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 Numerical solution

dv v
 lim
dt t 0 t

dv v v(ti 1 )  v(ti )
 
dt t ti 1  ti
v(ti 1 )  v(ti ) c
 g  v(ti )
ti 1  ti m
If we rearrange
c
v(ti 1 )  v(ti )  [ g  v(ti )](ti 1  ti ) Approximate solution
m
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Assume Δt=2s

t (sec.) V (m/s)
0 0
2 19.60
4 32.00
8 44.82
10 47.97
12 49.96
∞ 53.39

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 Analytical vs. Numerical solution
m=68.1 kg c=12.5 kg/s
g=9.8 m/s ∆t = 2 sec ∆t = 0.5 sec ∆t = 0.01 sec
t (sec.) V (m/s) t (sec.) V (m/s) t (sec.) V (m/s) t (sec.) V (m/s)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 16.40 2 19.60 2 17.06 2 16.41

4 27.77 4 32.00 4 28.67 4 27.83

8 41.10 8 44.82 8 41.95 8 41.13

10 44.87 10 47.97 10 45.60 10 44.90

12 47.49 12 49.96 12 48.09 12 47.51

∞ 53.39 ∞ 53.39 ∞ 53.39 ∞ 53.39

v(t ) 
gm
c

1  e ( c / m )t  c
v(ti  1)  v(ti )  [ g  v(ti )]t
m

CONCLUSION: If you want to minimize the error, use a smaller step size, ∆t 11
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 Numerical methods

• Avoid solving differential equation

• Not an exact solution
• Gets more exact as Δt→0
• How do we choose Δt? Dependent on our tolerance of
error.
• How do we estimate the error?

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 Numerical Methods
•Capable of handling large systems of equations, nonlinearities and
complicated geometries which are often impossible to be solved with
analytical methods.

•You may often have occasion to use commercially available packaged

programs that involve numerical methods. Knowledge on the basic theory
underlying the methods is important for the intelligent use of these programs.

•Many problems can not be solved via packaged programs and you need to
develop your own computer code for these problems. Also you can provide
solutions without buying these expensive commercial programs.

•Numerical methods are efficient for learning to use computer for developing
programs.

•Numerical methods provide a vehicle for you to reinforce your

understanding of the mathematics 13
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Summary of the numerical methods covered in the course

Solution of nonlinear equations.

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