Applied numerical methods with matlab for engineers and scientists

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Applied Numerical Methods
with MATLAB® for Engineers and Scientists
Third Edition

Steven C. Chapra
Berger Chair in Computing and Engineering
Tufts University

TM


TM

APPLIED NUMERICAL METHODS WITH MATLAB FOR ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS, THIRD EDITION
Published by McGraw-Hill, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2012 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Previous editions
© 2008 and 2005. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in
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Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the United States.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Chapra, Steven C.
Applied numerical methods with MATLAB for engineers and scientists / Steven C. Chapra. — 3rd ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-0-07-340110-2 (alk. paper)
1. Numerical analysis—Data processing—Textbooks. 2. MATLAB—Textbooks. I. Title.
QA297.C4185
518–dc22
www.mhhe.com

2012
2010044481


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To

My brothers,
John and Bob Chapra


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Chapra teaches in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Tufts
University, where he holds the Louis Berger Chair in Computing and Engineering. His other
books include Numerical Methods for Engineers and Surface Water-Quality Modeling.
Steve received engineering degrees from Manhattan College and the University of
Michigan. Before joining the faculty at Tufts, he worked for the Environmental Protection
Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and taught at Texas
A&M University and the University of Colorado. His general research interests focus on
surface water-quality modeling and advanced computer applications in environmental
engineering.
He has received a number of awards for his scholarly contributions, including the
Rudolph Hering Medal, the Meriam/Wiley Distinguished Author Award, and the ChandlerMisener Award. He has also been recognized as the outstanding teacher among the engineering faculties at both Texas A&M University (1986 Tenneco Award) and the University
of Colorado (1992 Hutchinson Award).
Steve was originally drawn to environmental engineering and science because of his
love of the outdoors. He is an avid fly fisherman and hiker. An unapologetic nerd, his love
affair with computing began when he was first introduced to Fortran programming as an
undergraduate in 1966. Today, he feels truly blessed to be able to meld his love of mathematics, science, and computing with his passion for the natural environment. In addition,
he gets the bonus of sharing it with others through his teaching and writing!
Beyond his professional interests, he enjoys art, music (especially classical music,
jazz, and bluegrass), and reading history. Despite unfounded rumors to the contrary, he
never has, and never will, voluntarily bungee jump or sky dive.
If you would like to contact Steve, or learn more about him, visit his home page at
or e-mail him at

iv

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CONTENTS
About the Author iv
Preface xiii

PART ONE Modeling, Computers, and Error Analysis 1
1.1 Motivation 1
1.2 Part Organization 2
CHAPTER 1
Mathematical Modeling, Numerical Methods,
and Problem Solving 4
1.1 A Simple Mathematical Model 5
1.2 Conservation Laws in Engineering and Science 12
1.3 Numerical Methods Covered in This Book 13
1.4 Case Study: It’s a Real Drag 17
Problems 20

CHAPTER 2
MATLAB Fundamentals 24
2.1 The MATLAB Environment 25
2.2 Assignment 26

2.3 Mathematical Operations 32
2.4 Use of Built-In Functions 35
2.5 Graphics 38
2.6 Other Resources 40
2.7 Case Study: Exploratory Data Analysis 42
Problems 44

CHAPTER 3
Programming with MATLAB 48
3.1
3.2

M-Files 49
Input-Output 53
v


vi

CONTENTS
3.3 Structured Programming 57
3.4 Nesting and Indentation 71
3.5 Passing Functions to M-Files 74
3.6 Case Study: Bungee Jumper Velocity 79
Problems 83

CHAPTER 4
Roundoff and Truncation Errors 88
4.1 Errors 89
4.2 Roundoff Errors 95

4.3 Truncation Errors 103
4.4 Total Numerical Error 114
4.5 Blunders, Model Errors, and Data Uncertainty 119
Problems 120

PART TWO

Roots and Optimization 123
2.1 Overview 123
2.2 Part Organization 124

CHAPTER 5
Roots: Bracketing Methods 126
5.1 Roots in Engineering and Science 127
5.2 Graphical Methods 128
5.3 Bracketing Methods and Initial Guesses 129
5.4 Bisection 134
5.5 False Position 140
5.6 Case Study: Greenhouse Gases and Rainwater 144
Problems 147

CHAPTER 6
Roots: Open Methods 151
6.1 Simple Fixed-Point Iteration 152
6.2 Newton-Raphson 156
6.3 Secant Methods 161
6.4 Brent’s Method 163
6.5 MATLAB Function: fzero 168
6.6 Polynomials 170
6.7 Case Study: Pipe Friction 173

Problems 178


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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 7
Optimization 182
7.1 Introduction and Background 183
7.2 One-Dimensional Optimization 186
7.3 Multidimensional Optimization 195
7.4 Case Study: Equilibrium and Minimum Potential Energy 197
Problems 199

PART THREE

Linear Systems 205
3.1 Overview 205
3.2 Part Organization 207

CHAPTER 8
Linear Algebraic Equations and Matrices 209
8.1 Matrix Algebra Overview 211

8.2 Solving Linear Algebraic Equations with MATLAB 220
8.3 Case Study: Currents and Voltages in Circuits 222
Problems 226

CHAPTER 9
Gauss Elimination 229
9.1 Solving Small Numbers of Equations 230
9.2 Naive Gauss Elimination 235
9.3 Pivoting 242
9.4 Tridiagonal Systems 245
9.5 Case Study: Model of a Heated Rod 247
Problems 251

CHAPTER 10
LU Factorization 254
10.1 Overview of LU Factorization 255
10.2 Gauss Elimination as LU Factorization 256
10.3 Cholesky Factorization 263
10.4 MATLAB Left Division 266
Problems 267

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viii

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 11
Matrix Inverse and Condition 268

11.1 The Matrix Inverse 268
11.2 Error Analysis and System Condition 272
11.3 Case Study: Indoor Air Pollution 277
Problems 280

CHAPTER 12
Iterative Methods 284
12.1 Linear Systems: Gauss-Seidel 284
12.2 Nonlinear Systems 291
12.3 Case Study: Chemical Reactions 298
Problems 300

CHAPTER 13
Eigenvalues 303
13.1 Mathematical Background 305
13.2 Physical Background 308
13.3 The Power Method 310
13.4 MATLAB Function: eig 313
13.5 Case Study: Eigenvalues and Earthquakes 314
Problems 317

PART FOUR Curve Fitting 321
4.1 Overview 321
4.2 Part Organization 323

CHAPTER 14
Linear Regression 324
14.1 Statistics Review 326
14.2 Random Numbers and Simulation 331
14.3 Linear Least-Squares Regression 336

14.4 Linearization of Nonlinear Relationships 344
14.5 Computer Applications 348
14.6 Case Study: Enzyme Kinetics 351
Problems 356


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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 15
General Linear Least-Squares and Nonlinear Regression 361
15.1 Polynomial Regression 361
15.2 Multiple Linear Regression 365
15.3 General Linear Least Squares 367
15.4 QR Factorization and the Backslash Operator 370
15.5 Nonlinear Regression 371
15.6 Case Study: Fitting Experimental Data 373
Problems 375

CHAPTER 16
Fourier Analysis 380
16.1 Curve Fitting with Sinusoidal Functions 381
16.2 Continuous Fourier Series 387

16.3 Frequency and Time Domains 390
16.4 Fourier Integral and Transform 391
16.5 Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) 394
16.6 The Power Spectrum 399
16.7 Case Study: Sunspots 401
Problems 402

CHAPTER 17
Polynomial Interpolation 405
17.1 Introduction to Interpolation 406
17.2 Newton Interpolating Polynomial 409
17.3 Lagrange Interpolating Polynomial 417
17.4 Inverse Interpolation 420
17.5 Extrapolation and Oscillations 421
Problems 425

CHAPTER 18
Splines and Piecewise Interpolation 429
18.1 Introduction to Splines 429
18.2 Linear Splines 431
18.3 Quadratic Splines 435
18.4 Cubic Splines 438
18.5 Piecewise Interpolation in MATLAB 444
18.6 Multidimensional Interpolation 449
18.7 Case Study: Heat Transfer 452
Problems 456

ix

x

CONTENTS

PART FIVE Integration and Differentiation 459
5.1 Overview 459
5.2 Part Organization 460

CHAPTER 19
Numerical Integration Formulas 462
19.1 Introduction and Background 463
19.2 Newton-Cotes Formulas 466
19.3 The Trapezoidal Rule 468
19.4 Simpson’s Rules 475
19.5 Higher-Order Newton-Cotes Formulas 481
19.6 Integration with Unequal Segments 482
19.7 Open Methods 486
19.8 Multiple Integrals 486
19.9 Case Study: Computing Work with Numerical Integration 489
Problems 492

CHAPTER 20
Numerical Integration of Functions 497
20.1 Introduction 497
20.2 Romberg Integration 498
20.3 Gauss Quadrature 503
20.4 Adaptive Quadrature 510
20.5 Case Study: Root-Mean-Square Current 514
Problems 517

CHAPTER 21
Numerical Differentiation 521
21.1 Introduction and Background 522
21.2 High-Accuracy Differentiation Formulas 525
21.3 Richardson Extrapolation 528
21.4 Derivatives of Unequally Spaced Data 530
21.5 Derivatives and Integrals for Data with Errors 531
21.6 Partial Derivatives 532
21.7 Numerical Differentiation with MATLAB 533
21.8 Case Study: Visualizing Fields 538
Problems 540


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CONTENTS

PART SIX Ordinary Differential Equations 547
6.1 Overview 547
6.2 Part Organization 551
CHAPTER 22
Initial-Value Problems 553
22.1 Overview 555
22.2 Euler’s Method 555

22.3 Improvements of Euler’s Method 561
22.4 Runge-Kutta Methods 567
22.5 Systems of Equations 572
22.6 Case Study: Predator-Prey Models and Chaos 578
Problems 583

CHAPTER 23
Adaptive Methods and Stiff Systems 588
23.1 Adaptive Runge-Kutta Methods 588
23.2 Multistep Methods 597
23.3 Stiffness 601
23.4 MATLAB Application: Bungee Jumper with Cord 607
23.5 Case Study: Pliny’s Intermittent Fountain 608
Problems 613

CHAPTER 24
Boundary-Value Problems 616
24.1 Introduction and Background 617
24.2 The Shooting Method 621
24.3 Finite-Difference Methods 628
Problems 635

APPENDIX A: MATLAB BUILT-IN FUNCTIONS 641
APPENDIX B: MATLAB M-FILE FUNCTIONS 643
BIBLIOGRAPHY 644
INDEX 646

xi

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PREFACE

This book is designed to support a one-semester course in numerical methods. It has been
written for students who want to learn and apply numerical methods in order to solve problems in engineering and science. As such, the methods are motivated by problems rather
than by mathematics. That said, sufficient theory is provided so that students come away
with insight into the techniques and their shortcomings.
MATLAB® provides a great environment for such a course. Although other environments (e.g., Excel/VBA, Mathcad) or languages (e.g., Fortran 90, C++) could have
been chosen, MATLAB presently offers a nice combination of handy programming features with powerful built-in numerical capabilities. On the one hand, its M-file programming environment allows students to implement moderately complicated algorithms in a
structured and coherent fashion. On the other hand, its built-in, numerical capabilities
empower students to solve more difficult problems without trying to “reinvent the
wheel.”
The basic content, organization, and pedagogy of the second edition are essentially
preserved in the third edition. In particular, the conversational writing style is intentionally
maintained in order to make the book easier to read. This book tries to speak directly to the
reader and is designed in part to be a tool for self-teaching.
That said, this edition differs from the past edition in three major ways: (1) two new
chapters, (2) several new sections, and (3) revised homework problems.
1.

New Chapters. As shown in Fig. P.1, I have developed two new chapters for this edition. Their inclusion was primarily motivated by my classroom experience. That is,
they are included because they work well in the undergraduate numerical methods

course I teach at Tufts. The students in that class typically represent all areas of engineering and range from sophomores to seniors with the majority at the junior level. In
addition, we typically draw a few math and science majors. The two new chapters are:
• Eigenvalues. When I first developed this book, I considered that eigenvalues might
be deemed an “advanced” topic. I therefore presented the material on this topic at
the end of the semester and covered it in the book as an appendix. This sequencing
had the ancillary advantage that the subject could be partly motivated by the role of
eigenvalues in the solution of linear systems of ODEs. In recent years, I have begun
xiii


xiv
PART ONE
Modeling, Computers,
and Error Analysis

PART TWO
Roots and
Optimization

PART THREE
Linear Systems

PART FOUR
Curve Fitting

PART FIVE
Integration and
Differentiation

PART SIX

Ordinary Differential
Equations

CHAPTER 1
Mathematical
Modeling, Numerical
Methods, and Problem
Solving

CHAPTER 5
Roots: Bracketing
Methods

CHAPTER 8
Linear Algebraic
Equations
and Matrices

CHAPTER 14
Linear Regression

CHAPTER 19
Numerical Integration
Formulas

CHAPTER 22
Initial-Value
Problems

CHAPTER 2

MATLAB
Fundamentals

CHAPTER 6
Roots: Open
Methods

CHAPTER 9
Gauss Elimination

CHAPTER 15
General Linear
Least-Squares and
Nonlinear Regression

CHAPTER 20
Numerical lntegration
of Functions

CHAPTER 23
Adaptive Methods
and Stiff Systems

CHAPTER 3
Programming
with MATLAB

CHAPTER 7
Optimization

CHAPTER 10
LU Factorization

CHAPTER 16
Fourier Analysis

CHAPTER 21
Numerical
Differentiation

CHAPTER 24
Boundary-Value
Problems

CHAPTER 11
Matrix Inverse
and Condition

CHAPTER 17
Polynomial
Interpolation

CHAPTER 12
Iterative Methods

CHAPTER 18
Splines and Piecewise
Interpolation

CHAPTER 4

Roundoff and
Truncation Errors

CHAPTER 13
Eigenvalues

FIGURE P.1
An outline of this edition. The shaded areas represent new material. In addition, several of the original chapters have been supplemented with
new topics.


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2.

3.

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xv

to move this material up to what I consider to be its more natural mathematical position at the end of the section on linear algebraic equations. By stressing applications (in particular, the use of eigenvalues to study vibrations), I have found that
students respond very positively to the subject in this position. In addition, it allows
me to return to the topic in subsequent chapters which serves to enhance the

students’ appreciation of the topic.
• Fourier Analysis. In past years, if time permitted, I also usually presented a lecture
at the end of the semester on Fourier analysis. Over the past two years, I have begun
presenting this material at its more natural position just after the topic of linear least
squares. I motivate the subject matter by using the linear least-squares approach to
fit sinusoids to data. Then, by stressing applications (again vibrations), I have found
that the students readily absorb the topic and appreciate its value in engineering and
science.
It should be noted that both chapters are written in a modular fashion and could
be skipped without detriment to the course’s pedagogical arc. Therefore, if you
choose, you can either omit them from your course or perhaps move them to the
end of the semester. In any event, I would not have included them in the current
edition if they did not represent an enhancement within my current experience in
the classroom. In particular, based on my teaching evaluations, I find that the
stronger, more motivated students actually see these topics as highlights. This is
particularly true because MATLAB greatly facilitates their application and interpretation.
New Content. Beyond the new chapters, I have included new and enhanced sections on a
number of topics. The primary additions include sections on animation (Chap. 3), Brent’s
method for root location (Chap. 6), LU factorization with pivoting (Chap. 8), random numbers and Monte Carlo simulation (Chap. 14), adaptive quadrature (Chap. 20),
and event termination of ODEs (Chap. 23).
New Homework Problems. Most of the end-of-chapter problems have been modified, and a variety of new problems have been added. In particular, an effort has been
made to include several new problems for each chapter that are more challenging and
difficult than the problems in the previous edition.

Aside from the new material and problems, the third edition is very similar to the second.
In particular, I have endeavored to maintain most of the features contributing to its pedagogical effectiveness including extensive use of worked examples and engineering and scientific applications. As with the previous edition, I have made a concerted effort to make this
book as “student-friendly” as possible. Thus, I’ve tried to keep my explanations straightforward and practical.
Although my primary intent is to empower students by providing them with a sound
introduction to numerical problem solving, I have the ancillary objective of making this
introduction exciting and pleasurable. I believe that motivated students who enjoy engineering and science, problem solving, mathematics—and yes—programming, will ultimately make better professionals. If my book fosters enthusiasm and appreciation for these

subjects, I will consider the effort a success.


xvi

PREFACE

Acknowledgments. Several members of the McGraw-Hill team have contributed to
this project. Special thanks are due to Lorraine Buczek, and Bill Stenquist, and Melissa
Leick for their encouragement, support, and direction. Ruma Khurana of MPS Limited, a
Macmillan Company also did an outstanding job in the book’s final production phase. Last,
but not least, Beatrice Sussman once again demonstrated why she is the best copyeditor in
the business.
During the course of this project, the folks at The MathWorks, Inc., have truly demonstrated their overall excellence as well as their strong commitment to engineering and
science education. In particular, Courtney Esposito and Naomi Fernandes of The MathWorks, Inc., Book Program have been especially helpful.
The generosity of the Berger family, and in particular Fred Berger, has provided me
with the opportunity to work on creative projects such as this book dealing with computing
and engineering. In addition, my colleagues in the School of Engineering at Tufts, notably
Masoud Sanayei, Lew Edgers, Vince Manno, Luis Dorfmann, Rob White, Linda Abriola,
and Laurie Baise, have been very supportive and helpful.
Significant suggestions were also given by a number of colleagues. In particular, Dave
Clough (University of Colorado–Boulder), and Mike Gustafson (Duke University) provided valuable ideas and suggestions. In addition, a number of reviewers provided useful
feedback and advice including Karen Dow Ambtman (University of Alberta), Jalal Behzadi
(Shahid Chamran University), Eric Cochran (Iowa State University), Frederic Gibou (University of California at Santa Barbara), Jane Grande-Allen (Rice University), Raphael
Haftka (University of Florida), Scott Hendricks (Virginia Tech University), Ming Huang
(University of San Diego), Oleg Igoshin (Rice University), David Jack (Baylor University), Clare McCabe (Vanderbilt University), Eckart Meiburg (University of California at
Santa Barbara), Luis Ricardez (University of Waterloo), James Rottman (University of
California, San Diego), Bingjing Su (University of Cincinnati), Chin-An Tan (Wayne State
University), Joseph Tipton (The University of Evansville), Marion W. Vance (Arizona
State University), Jonathan Vande Geest (University of Arizona), and Leah J. Walker

(Arkansas State University).
It should be stressed that although I received useful advice from the aforementioned
individuals, I am responsible for any inaccuracies or mistakes you may find in this book.
Please contact me via e-mail if you should detect any errors.
Finally, I want to thank my family, and in particular my wife, Cynthia, for the love,
patience, and support they have provided through the time I’ve spent on this project.
Steven C. Chapra
Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts



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PEDAGOGICAL TOOLS

Theory Presented as It Informs Key Concepts. The text is intended for Numerical Methods users, not developers. Therefore, theory is not included for “theory’s sake,” for example no
proofs. Theory is included as it informs key concepts such as the Taylor series, convergence,
condition, etc. Hence, the student is shown how the theory connects with practical issues in
problem solving.

Introductory MATLAB Material. The text includes two introductory chapters on how to
use MATLAB. Chapter 2 shows students how to perform computations and create graphs
in MATLAB’s standard command mode. Chapter 3 provides a primer on developing
numerical programs via MATLAB M-file functions. Thus, the text provides students with
the means to develop their own numerical algorithms as well as to tap into MATLAB’s
powerful built-in routines.
Algorithms Presented Using MATLAB M-files. Instead of using pseudocode, this book
presents algorithms as well-structured MATLAB M-files. Aside from being useful computer programs, these provide students with models for their own M-files that they will
develop as homework exercises.
Worked Examples and Case Studies. Extensive worked examples are laid out in detail
so that students can clearly follow the steps in each numerical computation. The case studies consist of engineering and science applications which are more complex and richer than
the worked examples. They are placed at the ends of selected chapters with the intention of
(1) illustrating the nuances of the methods, and (2) showing more realistically how the
methods along with MATLAB are applied for problem solving.
Problem Sets. The text includes a wide variety of problems. Many are drawn from engineering and scientific disciplines. Others are used to illustrate numerical techniques and
theoretical concepts. Problems include those that can be solved with a pocket calculator as
well as others that require computer solution with MATLAB.
Useful Appendices and Indexes. Appendix A contains MATLAB commands, and
Appendix B contains M-file functions.
Textbook Website. A text-specific website is available at www.mhhe.com/chapra. Resources include the text images in PowerPoint, M-files, and additional MATLAB resources.


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PART O NE
Modeling, Computers,
and Error Analysis
1.1

MOTIVATION
What are numerical methods and why should you 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.
In the pre–computer era, the time and drudgery of implementing such calculations
seriously limited their practical use. However, with the advent of fast, inexpensive digital
computers, the role of numerical methods in engineering and scientific problem solving
has exploded. Because they figure so prominently in much of our work, I believe that numerical methods should be a part of every engineer’s and scientist’s basic education. Just
as we all must have solid foundations in the other areas of mathematics and science, we
should also have a fundamental understanding of numerical methods. In particular, we should
have a solid appreciation of both their
capabilities and their limitations.
Beyond contributing to your overall
education, there are several additional
reasons why you should study numerical
methods:
1. Numerical methods greatly expand the
types of problems you can address. They
are capable of handling large systems of
equations, nonlinearities, and complicated geometries that are not uncommon
in engineering and science and that are

often impossible to solve analytically
with standard calculus. As such, they
greatly enhance your problem-solving
skills.
2. Numerical methods allow you to use
“canned” software with insight. During
1


2

PART 1 MODELING, COMPUTERS, AND ERROR ANALYSIS

3.

4.

5.

your career, you will invariably have occasion to use commercially available prepackaged computer programs that involve numerical methods. The intelligent use of these
programs is greatly enhanced by an understanding of the basic theory underlying the
methods. In the absence of such understanding, you will be left to treat such packages
as “black boxes” with little critical insight into their inner workings or the validity of
the results they produce.
Many problems cannot be approached using canned programs. If you are conversant
with numerical methods, and are adept at computer programming, you can design
your own programs to solve problems without having to buy or commission expensive
software.
Numerical methods are an efficient vehicle for learning to use computers. Because numerical methods are expressly designed for computer implementation, they are ideal for
illustrating the computer’s powers and limitations. When you successfully implement

numerical methods on a computer, and then apply them to solve otherwise intractable
problems, you will be provided with a dramatic demonstration of how computers can
serve your professional development. At the same time, you will also learn to acknowledge and control the errors of approximation that are part and parcel of large-scale
numerical calculations.
Numerical methods provide a vehicle for you to reinforce your understanding of mathematics. Because 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. Enhanced understanding and insight can result from this alternative
perspective.

With these reasons as motivation, we can now set out to understand how numerical
methods and digital computers work in tandem to generate reliable solutions to mathematical problems. The remainder of this book is devoted to this task.

1.2

PART ORGANIZATION
This book is divided into six parts. The latter five parts focus on the major areas of numerical methods. Although it might be tempting to jump right into this material, Part One consists of four chapters dealing with essential background material.
Chapter 1 provides a concrete example of how a numerical method can be employed
to solve a real problem. To do this, we develop a mathematical model of a free-falling
bungee jumper. The model, which is based on Newton’s second law, results in an ordinary
differential equation. After first using calculus to develop a closed-form solution, we then
show how a comparable solution can be generated with a simple numerical method. We
end the chapter with an overview of the major areas of numerical methods that we cover in
Parts Two through Six.
Chapters 2 and 3 provide an introduction to the MATLAB® software environment.
Chapter 2 deals with the standard way of operating MATLAB by entering commands one
at a time in the so-called calculator, or command, mode. This interactive mode provides a
straightforward means to orient you to the environment and illustrates how it is used for
common operations such as performing calculations and creating plots.

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1.2 PART ORGANIZATION

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Chapter 3 shows how MATLAB’s programming mode provides a vehicle for assembling individual commands into algorithms. Thus, our intent is to illustrate how MATLAB
serves as a convenient programming environment to develop your own software.
Chapter 4 deals with the important topic of error analysis, which must be understood
for the effective use of numerical methods. The first part of the chapter focuses on the
roundoff errors that result because digital computers cannot represent some quantities
exactly. The latter part addresses truncation errors that arise from using an approximation
in place of an exact mathematical procedure.


1
Mathematical Modeling,
Numerical Methods,
and Problem Solving

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this chapter is to provide you with a concrete idea of what
numerical methods are and how they relate to engineering and scientific problem
solving. Specific objectives and topics covered are

•
•
•
•

Learning how mathematical models can be formulated on the basis of scientific
principles to simulate the behavior of a simple physical system.
Understanding how numerical methods afford a means to generate solutions in a
manner that can be implemented on a digital computer.
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.
Learning about the different types of numerical methods we will cover in this
book.

YOU’VE GOT A PROBLEM

S

uppose that a bungee-jumping company hires you. You’re given the task of predicting the velocity of a jumper (Fig. 1.1) as a function of time during the free-fall part
of the jump. This information will be used as part of a larger analysis to determine the
length and required strength of the bungee cord for jumpers of different mass.
You know from your studies of physics that the acceleration should be equal to the ratio
of the force to the mass (Newton’s second law). Based on this insight and your knowledge

4


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1.1 A SIMPLE MATHEMATICAL MODEL

Upward force
due to air
resistance

5

of physics and fluid mechanics, you develop the following mathematical model for the rate
of change of velocity with respect to time,
dv
cd
= g − v2
dt
m

Downward
force due
to gravity

where v = downward vertical velocity (m/s), t = time (s), g = the acceleration due to
= 9.81 m/s2 ), cd = a lumped drag coefficient (kg/m), and m = the jumper’s
gravity (∼

mass (kg). The drag coefficient is called “lumped” because its magnitude depends on factors such as the jumper’s area and the fluid density (see Sec. 1.4).
Because this is a differential equation, you know that calculus might be used to obtain
an analytical or exact solution for v as a function of t. However, in the following pages, we
will illustrate an alternative solution approach. This will involve developing a computeroriented numerical or approximate solution.
Aside from showing you how the computer can be used to solve this particular problem, our more general objective will be to illustrate (a) what numerical methods are and
(b) how they figure in engineering and scientific problem solving. In so doing, we will also
show how mathematical models figure prominently in the way engineers and scientists use
numerical methods in their work.

FIGURE 1.1
Forces acting on a
free-falling bungee
jumper.

1.1

A SIMPLE MATHEMATICAL MODEL
A mathematical model can be broadly defined as a formulation or equation that expresses
the essential features of a physical system or process in mathematical terms. In a very general sense, it can be represented as a functional relationship of the form
Dependent
= f
variable

independent
forcing
, parameters,
variables
functions

(1.1)

where the dependent variable is a characteristic that typically reflects the behavior or state
of the system; the independent variables are usually dimensions, such as time and space,
along which the system’s behavior is being determined; the parameters are reflective of the
system’s properties or composition; and the forcing functions are external influences acting
upon it.
The actual mathematical expression of Eq. (1.1) can range from a simple algebraic
relationship to large complicated sets of differential equations. For example, on the basis of
his observations, Newton formulated his second law of motion, which states that the time
rate of change of momentum of a body is equal to the resultant force acting on it. The mathematical expression, or model, of the second law is the well-known equation
F = ma

(1.2)

where F is the net force acting on the body (N, or kg m/s2), m is the mass of the object (kg),
and a is its acceleration (m/s2).