Take partial differential equations or not

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SUMMARY

Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) are crucial for mechanical engineering, particularly for those pursuing graduate studies. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding fundamental PDEs such as the wave equation, heat equation, and Laplace's equation. While some participants argue that PDEs may not be essential for entry-level industry positions, others emphasize their daily application in various engineering roles, including aerospace. The recommended textbook for learning PDEs is "Applied Partial Differential Equations" by Haberman, alongside "Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems" by Brown and Churchill, which is used in many courses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Numerical Analysis concepts
  • Familiarity with Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
  • Basic knowledge of Fourier series
  • Mathematical modeling skills in engineering contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the fundamental PDEs: wave equation, heat equation, and Laplace's equation
  • Learn about Fourier series and their applications in solving PDEs
  • Read "Applied Partial Differential Equations" by Haberman for a comprehensive understanding of PDEs
  • Explore practical applications of PDEs in aerospace and mechanical engineering
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and students considering graduate studies in engineering, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their mathematical skills in practical applications.

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Hi,

I'm an undergrad student on Mechanical Engineer, right now I am taking my last math class in my curriculum, Numerical Analysis. I was thinking of taking the partial differential equations class, that is not in my curriculum, to improve my math skills and knowledge.

But my question is How important is partial differential equations on mechanical engineering? and there is a big different between ordinary and partial differential equations?

People, what do you recommend?
 
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pdes are very important everywhere. take it
 
I am an undergraduate mechanical engineer as well, who decided to take the two course PDE sequence at my school. I think it'd be wise if you're going to grad school, but would be extraneous if you're going into industry.
 
ekrim said:
I am an undergraduate mechanical engineer as well, who decided to take the two course PDE sequence at my school. I think it'd be wise if you're going to grad school, but would be extraneous if you're going into industry.

Yes, I will be going to grad school. I think I will take the course.
 
i wish i had taken it.
 
Would this apply to EE's? (that are not going to grad school for EE)?
 
every EE and ME student should accept the enjoyable torment of PDE.
 
the 3 fundamental pdes are: the wave equation, the heat equation, and laplaces equation.

do any of these topics sound important to your field?
 
mathwonk said:
the 3 fundamental pdes are: the wave equation, the heat equation, and laplaces equation.

do any of these topics sound important to your field?

How about Fourier series?

The pdes course is mixed with Fourier series.
 
Last edited:
  • #10
ekrim said:
I am an undergraduate mechanical engineer as well, who decided to take the two course PDE sequence at my school. I think it'd be wise if you're going to grad school, but would be extraneous if you're going into industry.

How can you say that PDE's are extraneous if going ito industry? I am in industry and I use them every day.
 
  • #11
Dr Transport said:
How can you say that PDE's are extraneous if going ito industry? I am in industry and I use them every day.

Well, at least for entry level engineering jobs and less research oriented engineering jobs (which most engineers with BS degrees and many with MS degrees would hold) do not extensively require advanced mathematics, as most highly computational tasks are done with a computer program. This is just my observation from my limited experience.

However, understanding PDEs and other more advanced mathematical topics are essential to understanding many engineering and physical concepts. For this reason, knowing PDEs is essential.
 
  • #12
user101 said:
Would this apply to EE's? (that are not going to grad school for EE)?

Fourier analysis and PDEs are ubiquitous in any electrical engineering curriculum and are essential for understanding many EE concepts.
 
  • #13
Dr Transport said:
How can you say that PDE's are extraneous if going ito industry? I am in industry and I use them every day.

Sorry, I was just referring to the average out-of-college job, where all the necessary information on PDE's would be learned in your mechanical engineering classes.
 
  • #14
leright said:
Well, at least for entry level engineering jobs and less research oriented engineering jobs (which most engineers with BS degrees and many with MS degrees would hold) do not extensively require advanced mathematics, as most highly computational tasks are done with a computer program. This is just my observation from my limited experience.

However, understanding PDEs and other more advanced mathematical topics are essential to understanding many engineering and physical concepts. For this reason, knowing PDEs is essential.

I wouldn't say that, I work with many young engineers who have nothing but a BS degree and they use PDE's all the time. Having worked in the aerospace industry in the past, everyone from propulsion to thermites to operational analysists work with PDEs...
 
  • #15
fourier series are atechnique for solving des and pdes.
 
  • #16
I would like to buy a book on PDE, to start some reading before I could get the PDE course.

I found the book used by the Math Department "Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems" but before buying a book I will like to know which book do you guys recommend.

Which book for learning PDE do you guys recommend?
 
  • #17
A fairly standard PDE textbook is "Applied Partial Differential Equations" by Haberman.

Just out of curiosity, is your course textbook "Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems" by Brown and Churchill?
 
  • #18
las3rjock said:
A fairly standard PDE textbook is "Applied Partial Differential Equations" by Haberman.

Just out of curiosity, is your course textbook "Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems" by Brown and Churchill?

Yes that's the course book.

Thanks
 
  • #19
las3rjock said:
Just out of curiosity, is your course textbook "Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems" by Brown and Churchill?

Does the "Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems" by Brown and Churchill is a good book, because is very very cheap on amazon.
 

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