Introductory Course in Computational Physics/Engineering

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on an introductory course in Computational Physics and Engineering, emphasizing the integration of various mathematical models and numerical methods such as ODE integration, Monte-Carlo methods, and particle-in-cell codes. It highlights the significance of simulations in analyzing systems without the need for physical prototypes, while also noting the necessity of experimental validation. The discussion categorizes physics into ten distinct "worlds," each representing different realms of study, and underscores the importance of accurate material behavior knowledge in simulations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with Monte-Carlo methods
  • Knowledge of mathematical modeling techniques
  • Basic principles of numerical analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced techniques in ODE integration
  • Research particle-in-cell codes for plasma simulations
  • Study the application of Monte-Carlo methods in predictive analysis
  • Investigate the ten worlds of physics and their interconnections
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in physics, engineering, and computational modeling, particularly those interested in simulation techniques and their applications in system analysis and design.

Astronuc
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Computational Physics:
http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/329/lectures/lectures.html

An introductory course

  • Integration of ODEs
  • The chaotic pendulum
  • Poisson's equation
  • The diffusion equation
  • The wave equation
  • Particle-in-cell codes
  • Monte-Carlo methods

All very useful.

Computational physics/engineering (simulation, or predictive analysis) is widely used because it allows one to analyze a system or component without the time and expense of designing, building, and testing the system or component. Nevertheless, some experimentation, usually separate effects experiments, are necessary to fill in the holes in one's knowledge. Ultimately, an integrated test will be performed to verify that system or component performs as predicted in the simulation.

Simulations are based on accurate knowledge of thermophysical, thermomechanical, even electromagnetic behvaior of the constituent materials used to form the component or system one is simulating. Simuation is an important part of the design process.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
An interesting perspective on Physics and a lot of useful information.

Worlds of physics are just clusters of suitable models.

The ten worlds of physics

1. The classical world
2. Thermal world
3. Nonequilibrium world
4. Continuum world
5. Electromagnetic world
6. Plasma world
7. The quantum world
8. High energy world
9. Relativistic world
10. Cosmological world

The tree of mathematical modeling in physics, with branches, leaves and buds as individual models

There are links between “worlds” invoking substructures with repeatable, reusable patterns

The author discusses computational physics (mathematical modeling, numerical analysis) in terms of the 10 worlds (or realms).

http://www5.in.tum.de/lehre/praktika/comp_mod/SS03/MathModeling03.pdf

Mathematical and Computer Modeling in Science and Engineering
Sergey Pankratov, Technische Universität München (TUM 2003)
http://www5.in.tum.de/lehre/praktika/comp_mod/SS03/questions_course
 

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